Review - Bloodshot #1 (@ValiantComics)

"Where'd he go!? I hadda hit 'im five, ten times! He's a damn ghost!"

Bloodshot has a lot of talents and--fortunately for him--staying dead doesn't seem to be one of them. In Bloodshot #1 from Valiant Comics, there are those who want to put that theory to the test. The issue is written by Tim Seeley, illustrated by Brett Booth, inked by Adelso Corona, colored by Andrew Dalhouse and lettered by Dave Sharpe.

Bloodshot is back with a few new thrilling tricks up his sleeve! No amount of high-octane explosions can keep Bloodshot from completing his new mission. Who is the mysterious BLACK BAR, and what do they want with Bloodshot?

Seeley knows that Bloodshot is an established character at this point, but the way he reintroduces him is still pretty efficient. The issue skips around time quite a bit, using the past as a means of setting up Bloodshot for a future encounter with a villain known as Black Bar. Seeley's command of the narrative is strong and gives the script a frenetic pace that boasts Bloodshot moving from one firefight to the next while the calmer sequences at the G7 provide some moments to breathe. The dialogue is believable as well, as Seeley gives the combatants a sense of hubris that shines through their lines and adds some gravitas to Bloodshot's abilities as he fights them. The ending of the issue provides a sufficient set-up for Black Bar to terrorize Bloodshot for the foreseeable future as well.

Booth's illustrations aptly capture the aforementioned chaos. Booth's choice for panel layouts in particular really work well in this regard, in that the panels are staggered and overlaid throughout the issue in a way that matches the tempo of the action. Bloodshot in particular bears his signature look, yet Booth doesn't overdo it on exaggerating his physique and making it overtly bulky. The inks by Corona further bolster his appearance, emphasizing the familiar red dot on the character. Dalhouse's colors are rich throughout the issue and help the reader get a sense of the combat.

Bloodshot #1 is a great restart for the character in that it embraces his history without sacrificing the potential for him to go to new places. Bloodshot has always been one of Valiant's more interesting characters and his abilities really shine through in the first issue. Seeley's got a good grasp on the character and his general take on violence plays well with the lead character. Booth's illustrations are fluid and emphatic, underscoring the notion that violence tends to follow Bloodshot wherever he goes. Bloodshot #1 is a very enjoyable first issue that resets things quite a bit and pits Bloodshot against a new, dangerous foe.

Bloodshot #1 is available now.