X-O Manowar #9: The End?

I couldn’t ask for a better end to this charming run! Valiant made a X-O Manowar fan out of me, all thanks to this wonderful story that Dennis Hopeless and Emilio Lasio got to tell over the course of nine action packed and full of heart issues.

Hopeless always knows how to end a story! I’ve read some past runs of his, Cloak and Dagger for an example, and he does a spotless job at the wrap-up. Fitting all things together and giving a theme to the whole run itself, and this comic has a wonderful theme; freedom. Hopeless also once again really lets his side characters become the main characters, the dialogue he gives to them is always my favorite, funny and sincere. I mean even the villain of the story has some great parts in this issue. Not to say that Manowar doesn’t get his time to shine. I wasn’t sure I was ready for this story to end, but the way Hopeless gets to all in concert together in the end and leaves us with hope for the future, really is touching. It makes this ending all worth it. I won’t say much else, as what happens to the characters is something you should read yourself. So if you haven’t read it yet, go back and buy issue one to nine and give it a read!

Laiso’s art once again does what it needs to do, it helps paint the picture of the hope that Hopeless is spreading (and yes, it’s funny to say that Hopeless is spreading hope, but I’m sure he’s heard that before). Laiso’s capability to convey emotions and to really show the essence of life is what he is good at, and this issue is another victory in that. The story gives him a lot of chances to show off, and I really appreciate that in a comic. Not only does he draw some amazing fight scenes, along with the emotional stuff, but the effects he draws for the living aliens are just plain beautiful. The coloring has a lot to do with that as well, I’ve had nothing but praise to say about the coloring of this run. Redmond does some stunning work with colors, and really brings the final spark to this great issue and series. 

I really can’t express enough admiration for all the talent in this book, everyone from the inker to the editors all have a great flow to them, such a great team!