matt kindt

For fifty issues, X-O Manowar was arguably the crown jewel of the Valiant Universe. It was the longest-running title, the book that introduced concepts like the Vine and even Ninjak to the larger universe, and it set the tone of smart superheroics that has defined the line ever since its relaunch. After it ended, I think we all knew that there would absolutely be another take coming along soon, but Robert Venditti, Cary Nord, and company definitely left a hard act to follow. But when X-O Manowar returns next week, that's exactly what Matt Kindt, Tomas Giorello, and Diego Rodriguez are setting out to do with the launch of a massive epic spanning four story arcs that take Aric of Dacia out of retirement and into an alien world of war and conquest -- and you can read a preview!

Back when they first announced it, Valiant referred to Matt Kindt and Cafu's upcoming Rapture as "Lord of the Rings for the Valiant universe." It's designed as a fantasy epic sprawling across four issues, building on the mythology of the Deadside and exploring a shadowy world of demonic fantasy and a war against Heaven itself. But if we're going to be real here, I think there's a chance that it might actually end up being better than Lord of the Rings. I mean, Lord of the Rings doesn't have Ninjak jump-kicking skeletons, now does it?

Since its resurrection earlier this decade, Valiant Entertainment has rebuilt its roster of heroes into powerhouse franchises, and this year seems set to take advantage of that well-earned iconography. The publisher has teased a new initiative for 2017 titled Icons which seems to be a celebrating of the most, well, iconic characters under the Valiant banner.

If your problem with the Valiant Universe has been that it just hasn't been heavy metal enough, then folks, I have some good news, and it comes in the form of Ninjak jump-kicking a skeleton's head off while also chopping that same skeleton in half with a katana. In May, Matt Kindt and Cafu are launching Rapture, a new crossover that teams up Ninjak and Shadowman, focusing on an ancient war that threatens to destroy both Heaven and Earth.

The high concept behind X-O Manowar has always been the book's biggest strengths, but when the series returns for its new volume in 2017, Matt Kindt, Tomas Giorello, and Diego Rodriguez are diving into the nature of his story in a way that I don't think we've ever seen. The ongoing series will feature four distinct arcs that will chart Aric of Dacia's rise on an alien planet: "Soldier," "General," "Emperor," and finally to "Visigoth." Now, with the debut of the series slated for March, we're getting an early look at X-O Manowar #2 --- and unsurprisingly, it looks like it's going to be pretty brutal. Check it out below!

Listen: At this point, we all know that I am deeply, fervently in the tank for Ninjak and its incredibly rewarding blend of over-the-top high concept action and deeply strange psychological storytelling, mostly because I talk about how much I love it at literally every opportunity. Because of that, I've been excited about the upcoming "Seven Blades of Master Darque" storyline since it was announced, and while some of you might still be on the fence, they didn't need to do anything else to lure me in. But they did it anyway. As this preview reveals, the storyline that kicks off in next week's Ninjak #23 from Matt Kindt, Marc Laming, and Ulises Arreola will feature a cutaway diagram of an underground prison full of deathtraps. Don't miss it!

I know we've all been waiting very patiently, but the day is finally upon us. Comics based on James Cameron's Avatar are finally coming next year on Free Comic Book Day! The comic book adaptation of the smash-hit blockbuster that everyone loves and remembers is just one of twelve Gold Titles as part of FCBD's 2017 celebration, which also includes Rick & Morty, Doctor Who and X-O Manowar. Announced today, Free Comic Book Day 2017 will be celebrated across the world on May 6th, and as usual the big name publishers, including Image, IDW, Boom, Oni and Titan, all have offerings as part of next year's crop of Gold Sponsor titles.

In March of 2017, Aric of Dacia is returning for an all-new series by Matt Kindt, Tomas Giorello, Diego Rodriguez, and cover artist Lewis Larosa, launching with a series of stories that will take him from "Soldier" to "General" to "Emperor" to "Visigoth." Check out the official announcement, along with two exclusive new pages from Giorello!

With Ninjak #22 and "Silent Prelude," Matt Kindt, Cafu, and Ulises Arreola are sending Colin King down a path once walked by comics' other favorite ninja, Snake Eyes, in GI Joe #21's "Silent Interlude." Ninjak is hunting down the mysterious and deadly Roku as the story heads towards "The Seven Blades of Master Darque," and as you might expect, I am already at critical mass for excitement. Check out a preview!

The stage set for the next great Ninjak epic, and Matt Kindt and Marc Laming are taking on a handful of psychologically interesting characters who all share a piece of Ninjak's past in "The Seven Blades of Master Darque." Check out a preview!