Valiant; $3.99  

Valiant Beyond Bloodshot #1 starts by introducing Roy Harrison, codename Bloodshot, the living weapon with nanobots in his blood that give him enhanced abilities, accelerated healing, and no memory of his past. He’s looking for a powerful new drug called B-S that is making its way around Tokyo. Bloodshot isn’t exactly surprised when he discovers the identity of his enemy, and despite being vastly outnumbered, he feverishly attacks the cadre of villains. 

Bloodshot is back and ready for gratuitous violence in Valiant Beyond Bloodshot. Writer Mauro Mantella quickly and clearly provides the background details on Bloodshot to refresh returning readers or introduce him to new ones. Then it’s page after page of action as Bloodshot dispatches a gang of bad guys, and as he’s doing this, Mantella uses Bloodshot’s inner monologue to set up the storyline.  

The art and colors were produced by the team of Fernando Heinz Furukawa, Juan Pablo Massa, Brushu Studo, Rocio Zucchi, and Ludwig Olimba. It’s mostly black, white, and gray, which makes the blood and the symbol on his chest pop. Nearly every panel has action with swordplay, gun fights, and chase scenes rendered with cinematic style.  

The new series, which is a mature book with adult language, is off to a good start. 

 –Amanda Sheriff