X-O Manowar #2 Review

Writer: Dennis Hopeless

Artist: Emilio Laiso

Rating: 7 of 8

X-O Manowar #2

It can be hard to change. When you're so used to doing things a certain way for so long, it's very likely you're going to be fairly resistant to changing. When your usual approach just doesn't work, it might be a good idea to try a new one - no matter how hard it might be to take that chance.

It's a problem Aric (X-O Manowar) has to deal with, as he does his best to end the Ukrainian civil war without any more bloodshed. It's not the usual conflict you'd see a superhero dealing with and the issue's all the better for it. Compared to the usual conflicts, it's a lot more complex. Troy Whitaker even explains just how much harder it is to end, asking him what he's going to do after quelling the conflict.

 

 Will he stick around and take charge to make sure things go smoothly? Or will he jet off, despite the very real risk the conflict could start again? These are some very pressing questions that he doesn't quite have the answer to and the one he does provide could just make things a whole lot worse. Similar to Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, it gives you the idea of the price of inaction and a very clear picture of how taking action can create an equally powerful reaction.

Hopeless also does a good job in providing Aric with an enemy as cunning as he is cruel. It's a dynamic reminiscent of Superman and Lex Luthor, where the hero has to face a foe whose lack of brain more than makes up for their lack of brawn (compared to them). Laiso's art is mostly fine, though he does create some standout moments, like a flame embroiled Manowar, a fist clench (above) that says everything without dialogue and an ending that leaves you hungry for more...

Overall, a very good return for the latest Manowar series, one that I highly recommend you check out as soon as you can. You'll be glad you did.