Unity #1 – Review

by Matt Kindt (Writer), Doug Brathwaite (Artist), Brian Reber (Colorist)

The Story: What do you do when there’s a Visigoth in a space armor terrorizing Eastern Europe? Assemble a team of meta-humans, of course!

The Review: Mixing a thing I really like with something I am wary of isn’t something I am rather fond of. I am really appreciative when it comes to the Valiant universe, with titles like X-O Manowar and Eternal Warrior being particularly good, yet now Matt Kindt has rejoined the fray of this universe still in construction. While I certainly do like his Mind MGMT along with a lot of his indie work, his super-hero work has been really a mixed bag. With that respect, giving him a title as important as this one seems a bit of a gamble. However, does Kindt actually succeed in showing the Valiant universe while still telling a good story?

It is to my entire satisfaction to report that Matt Kindt do manage to bring out the strength of this blooming comic universe while still telling a worthy story. Even better, this comic actually do serve as a very good introduction to those characters, with everyone being properly presented with their quirks along with their concepts rather well.

The danger represented by Aric of Darcia and his space armor, the longevity of the Eternal Warrior, Toyo Harada and his schemes, Ninjak and his stealthy and cynical approach, everyone here gets enough dialogue and panel time to shine. Not only this, but the way super powers and meta humans are handled in this universe is also put on the spotlight in a way that isn’t extravagant or forced, pushing the difference with the other capes company to the forefront of the issue in the main action scene.

While the identity of the characters and universe is firmly representative, the story in itself is also interesting enough, providing political implications, espionage, bombastic action along with some twists here and there on its initial premise. With the premise quickly set up as Aric battles the Russian army because of his invasion of his previously held lands, the comic waste no time in introducing its players, conflict and progress swiftly in delivering its goods.

Where it also delivers is in its diversity along with its humor, with Kindt aware that this is supposed to be something memorable, yet distinct from regular super hero fares. The story progress through exposition, action, character moments without breaking the narrative flow or wasting the potential effect of some of its scenes. It also never gets too serious or dark, despite going into some pretty brutal territory, specifically in the action. There are occasional moments of levity or more balanced characterization, like Aric not harming a civilian during his attack on Berceni or Ninjak having difficulty with the local language. It’s little nuances like those that allow for a greater appreciation of the whole package.

Where it might falters just a little bit is with the art, though. Doug Brathwaite is superb in many aspects of this book, with the technological elements, the scenery, the destruction and the way violence is portrayed being rather great to look at. The poses of the characters are also pretty well done, as well as the panel layout which is fast-paced and inventive enough to provide a diversity of visuals. Where it is a bit weaker is in the way Brathwaite draws faces, with most of them being especially rough looking, with plenty of lines and details that jumbles a bit their clarity. He is able to convey the emotions through these faces, yet they are not as strong as the way the other elements and themes are represented. The rest is strong, though, with plenty of diversity in terms of locales, designs and characters to keep this decidedly chaotic cast of characters consistent despite their differences. There may be a flaw or two, but it is still strong work by Doug Brathwaite.

Brian Reber is also really good here, bringing a very rich palette with a good deal of diversity in the pages. Flashbacks in beige and brown, technology with a contrast of grey, light blue with a touch of brighter and warmer colorization, action that depict the characters as contrasts to the explosion and energy beams, Reber uses all these techniques to pinpoint several of the elements. A lot of the elements here are brought forward in comparisons, letting the panels speaks rather than whole pages in order to help the plot progress along. On Reber’s part, it’s very efficient and cooperative work, which is proof of his quality as a colorist.

The Conclusion: With a great handle on the characters along with an exciting and fast-paced plot, Matt Kindt proves that this book may very well have a bright future in this market with a rather great first issue. With the strength, though not unflawed art of Doug Brathwaite and the superb colorization of Brian Reber, it’s also rather great to look at too. A great entry to the Valiant universe all around.

Grade: B+

Hugo Robberts Larivière