EXCLUSIVE EARLY REVIEW: X-O Manowar #8: One Of The Heroes Of The Story

Well, I so want to read the next issue, but I also don’t want this to be the end of Hopeless’s run. I hope he will return to XO Manowar, not only because he writes so strongly, but also because he made me love this series!

But yeah, Hopeless does it again! Issue 7 was all about the action, while this issue is all about the story! This issue really helps uncover the truth behind Shanhara’s trouble and what the big bad is and has been up to! While this issue is more text heavy, the writing is lively, funny and overall enjoyable. Once again, Hopeless shines with his side characters. Desmond is hands down one of the favorite characters under Hopeless’s writing. Des is funny, passionate and really growing to be his own hero. It helps that Des is really the main character in this issue, but also his friendship with Shanhara is so phenomenal and some of the best dialog in this arc has been between those two. I really would love to see a one-shot or something starring Demond and Shanhara, with of course Hopeless writing it. I know what I’m about to say is big, but in my opinion, Hopeless is the best thing to happen to XO Manowar in a very long time.

Laiso’s art is as breath-taking as ever! The art is smooth and appealing, each little bit of the creatures we see in this issue is really fun to look at, even if they’re the bad guys. Not only that, but Shanhara looks stunning! She, along with Desmond, are the main focus of the issue and Laiso makes them fantastic to look at. The facial expressions, as well as the ways the bodies are posed are really done well. What bit of action in the book is eye catching, and the emotional panels are just as wonderful. Along with Lasio’s art, Redmond returns doing colors and oh boy are they outstanding! From the city landscape, to the glowing green creatures and shards, Redmond’s colors are just perfect for this story and this art!