Livewire #6
Recap
Captured by the PSEP, a government funded program that feigns to protect Psiot children from becoming dangerous our hero Livewire discovers they are actually more nefarious than even she initially thought.
With the evidence of their corruption at her fingers tips, Livewire is forced to fight for her life if her smoking gun is gonna do her any good. Unfortunately the numbers are heavily stacked against her as she has to fight solo against their entire organization even if she has to do it one Psiot weapon at a time.
Review
This issue brings the heat and quite quickly. Livewire knows she’s trapped in a pit of vipers but she can’t just mop the floor with them outright without solid proof to show the naysayers of the outside world. It’s a very simple premise but presented magnificently. I would almost compare reading this issue and the following akin to something like the first time I watched Enter the Dragon.
On the surface it seems a simple game of cat and mouse with some bad guys but the dangers PSEP represents and how it will affect the future of Psiots has potential for heavy consequences. Valiant has had other Weapon X program types before but Ayala is doing the diligence to make this group of villains something unique. The fact they aren’t some jerks she can just bring the pain to and deal with the fallout later adds another spicy layer to the stakes here. Great use of exposition, action scenes and internal dialogue give the book a great flow. It’s like eating a great meal that’s quite hearty yet somehow you’re still left reading for dessert or in this case hoping the next issue arrives fast, like wishing this book turned into a biweekly kinda fast.
Final Thoughts
I've sung Vita Ayala's praises on this title with every issue and this one is no exception. Each issue leaves the main hero a more entertaining, endearing and engrossing character than the one that proceeded it. Only six issues in and despite the long history Valiant has to it's name I wouldn't be shocked if this run was remembered as one of the great solo character runs alongside Ninja-K and Wrath of the Eternal Warrior.
Livewire #6: Wolves Among Sheep
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 8.5/108.5/10
- Art - 8.5/108.5/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
