Bloodshot #9: Shooting Bugzillas in Their Faces

The explosive finale to the BURNED arc has arrived in Bloodshot #9 and it certainly does not disappoint. After a brief diversion during the last issue which saw the awesome inclusion of X-O Manowar, we return to the fight against the Godbeasts and The Burned as Eidolon seeks to turn the tables with a secret plan with Bloodshot.

There’s double crosses, triple crosses and now even a quadruple cross in the mysterious spy element that has been making its way into the Bloodshot series as of late. This arc has seemingly grown more complex with each new issue leading readers to wonder just how something so expansive can be wrapped up. Luckily, the creative team here pulls all of the narrative threads together for an exciting conclusion. Bloodshot taking on the Kaiju inspired Godbeasts is a truly glorious moment that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon, but it’s the plan that finally comes together that makes this issue a must read.

Seeley has made unique use of Bloodshot’s unique abilities in the series so far, but we see that approach taken to the next level in issue #9. Bloodshot and Eidolon have found a way to get right to the bottom of things and put a stop to the entire organization in one fell swoop. As the fight rages on in the city against the Godbeasts, it starts to feel impossible for Bloodshot to be in two places at once, but that’s where the biggest surprise really is. The twist delivers a payoff that fans will surely be talking about for quite some time and makes the entire arc feel not just worthwhile, but even worth a second reading now that we know the ending.

It’s great to see Laming’s artwork back on Bloodshot delivering intense fight sequences with emotionally charged moments in between. An issue like this really needs to go all out on the visual spectacle and the whole team pulls it off wonderfully. Everything from Dalhouse’s colors to Sharpe’s pristine letters pull the artwork together to not just tell a great story, but do it in a way only Bloodshot can pull off. The sheer scope of everything at play in Bloodshot #9 gives the artwork a chance to shine, making it feel like a great conclusion to a solid arc.

There really isn’t a low point in this issue which makes it difficult to find a real critique in. The primary areas of concern aren’t really in this issue specifically but the pacing in which everything occurred throughout the arc. While there was of course a global pandemic that delayed pretty much everything, comics includes, if we look at the arc issue by issue some of the developments either come too early or a bit too late to give as concise of a narrative as there could have been. Still, the way everything quickly comes together in Bloodshot #9 shows that its a story worth diving into for any fan.

Bloodshot #9 is an undeniably awesome comic. It has its flaws, but none that will turn you away from wanting to see Bloodshot take on a bunch of Kaiju. It’s big budget action at it’s finest and shows this team knows what to do with the character. This is a can’t miss issue for those who have not only been following the series so far, but also for those who enjoyed the new live action Bloodshot film featuring Vin Diesel as well. I’ll try not to spoil too much regarding the ending of Bloodshot #9 but if you were hoping to see some characters from the film crossover more in the ongoing comic series, the final words in this issue are guaranteed to have you cheering out loud.

And isn’t that what comics are all about?

Be sure to get caught up now on the Burned arc if you haven’t already, because next issue kicks off a brand new arc that is already poised to be every bit as thrilling as this one!