Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #1 Review: Excellent

“Eternal Warrior” is one of “Valiant’s” most exciting and tragic comics. Gilad is a warrior that has seen some serious action across multiple millennia that right now it seems like he should’ve died a long time ago. In the newest entry in the series “Wrath of the Eternal Warrior,” written by Robert Venditti and art by Raul Allen and Patricia Martin, his adventure continues and this first issue is one of the finest first issues “Valiant” has ever put together.

After years of fighting, Gilad has finally settled down with a nice family and is living in peace. However, his peace short lived as he is called back into combat.

One noticeable thing about this first issue is that there is no combat. The entire first issue is just showing off Gilad in his happy home. As a narrative, this works in the comic’s favor. It is through here that we get to see a softer side to Gilad’s world. This sort of “calm before the storm” sets up the reader for something that will turn into a living hell for Gilad.

What’s not so great about the story is the character Slather. He’s entire character comes off of Gollum’s unwanted and hated cousin that is even more pathetic than he is. All that’s left to do is to give Slather the One Ring and have him travel with a bunch of hobbits and you’ve got yourself “The Lord of the Rings.”

The art is solid in this comic. Both artists bring out the everyday life of this story nicely. There are a lot of panels; around ten per page. This seems like a lot, but once you see the comic it makes sense. There are panels that bring into focus mundane objects. This may sound boring, but in a way showing the mundane before something horrific brings a human element to a character.

“Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #1” is a great introductory issue. The slow paced, happy family scene brings the reader closer to the character and prepares the reader for the adventure ahead. Top that off with great art and this comic is well worth reading and continuing.