The Harbinger #1: A New Way To Fly

Harbinger comes out with a return bang! I can not and will not stop praising this book. Where do I even begin? Let’s start with the art. Rodriguez’s loose flowing art is not only stunning, but fit’s this series completely. The art sets a tone for this book that makes it stand out in the crowd and scream “Read Me!” When I saw the cover, I was a bit skeptical, but right in the first two or three pages I changed my tune. I couldn’t imagine another artist in this book. 

The intensity of each panel leaps you over to the next one with ease, and makes you want to go to the next page as fast as possible. I know some fans may not like this art as much as I do, as it’s a huge departure from the more traditional. But that is something amazing that Valiant has been doing in 2021. Expect the unexpected when it comes to art. Each comic they put out feels different, yet connected. And The Harbinger stands out artistically, in my opinion, as one of the best comics in 2021.  

Now I can’t talk about art without talking about the amazing colors that Renzi does. Renzi is just as stunning, and also has a loose flow with his colors. Renzi has a habit in this title of sticking stark and bright colors in the background of a darker panel, which makes the characters stand out and brings attention to the beautiful colors of each person in this comic. Each person is shaded in such a way that really emphasizes the character’s emotion. The lettering is kind of the same way, not only does the lettering feel different than any comic on the market today, but Hassan keeps bringing his A game to each series he letters. The sound effects, bright letters and dramatic fonts help lend to the flow of the series.

Lastly, the writing! Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing both have a lot of credits to their names, unfortunately I’ve never had a chance to read them till now. And I’m almost glad I waited. Now I can go back and read more from them while I wait for issue two. The writing in this book is hopeful at times, sad at other times and funny when it needs to be. The story is truly about a group of people who are lost and left behind by everyone, and Peter is included. Kelly and Jackson’s writing and story really dive into that feeling of group isolation, and yet adds a touch of hope in it, and joy. Peter is just happy to be alive, and you can feel that in the writing, even if Peter doesn’t grasp it himself yet. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this story goes, and how Peter regrows in this new world. And how far he will fly.