In many ways, after reading Rafer Roberts’ rendition of “The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong†you will never read comic books the same way again. In issue one we are introduced to Armstrong, one of the three immortal brothers. One brother is the Eternal Warrior, someone good to have by your side in a battle, but a bit of a downer. The other is Ivar, the Timewalker. Out of these three siblings it is Armstrong who you’ll want not only in a fight, but when you want to know what Bacchanal truly means. Think Charlie Sheen on his wildest night, then add into the mix being immortal. It makes for great storytelling.
Still there’s much more to this narrative than an immortal who carries around a satchel that can house a universe. The Archer in A&A is a young teenager who is a master of martial arts and perpetually polite. It doesn’t stop him from kicking demon butt or saying exactly what’s on his mind. What’s more his family members are questionable. Mary-Maria is the leader of an order called the “Sisters of Perpetual Darkness.†In need of her own comic, as head ninja-nun she doesn’t seem to hold loyalties to anyone. In other words, big sister is not to be trusted.
Family relations notwithstanding there’s a mystery to be solved here. The beginning of the comic starts mid-action in the past. When the reader sees Armstrong talking to a newspaper clipping in present day you will wonder why he’s so remorseful. Throughout both scenes you get context as to just how important Armstrong is to the Valiant universe. He’s funny, irreverent and for the most part relatable. Just because a man lives forever doesn’t mean he has no regrets. Like all of us there are things in Armstrong’s life he would like to take back. And in this case we want to know what a man who would do anything for his mother’s most prized possession deserves so much respect from an immortal.
Let’s not forget that bag of Armstrong’s. Why is it so enormous? Is it a prison, does it just hold stuff he’s forgotten about? What’s more why are things crawling out of it? With so many mysteries in this inaugural reboot you will want to continue reading. Between Ninja-nuns, demons and a talking mackerel Archer and Armstrong are in for it. In a multilayered journey such as this there needs to be trust. As a reader you’re not sure who’s being honest or who’s in it for themselves. But as you peel away the layers of the characters there will much to explore. Essentially the drama pulls you in, the jokes keep you there.
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