Unity #0

Writer Matt Kindt gives us an interesting glance into the past of the Unity team in Unity #0, detailing one of the first teams to be brought together under the “Unity” moniker – back then, however, the group was known as Unit Y.

Taking place during World War 1, Unity #0 introduces the original Unit Y team: a pacifist computer genius named Breaker, a quick-thinking inventor named Dell, a lethal and vengeful warrior named Alpha, and, of course Gilad Anni-Padda – the “Eternal Warrior.” Unit Y faces their last, most important, mission, as the outcome of their endeavors heavily impact the outcome of the war. Throughout the issue, a somber rumination provided by Gilad details his inner monologue, his thoughts on eternity, and the inevitable rise of new dangers.

Needless to say, Unity #0 carries heavy weight.

However, it handles the weight with grace. I fell in love with these characters and their interactions. Though only hinted at, readers can glean backstories from how they the team members play off each other. Quick jokes establish camaraderie, and brief mentions of characteristics – like Alpha’s rather violent disposition – develops each and every one of the members’ personalities. We can clearly see the thought put into each character, which makes it even more powerful to see this issue through to the very end.

And for such a rewarding read, it’s impressive that the team behind this comic managed to pull it off in only 24 pages. It begins quickly and ends quickly, moving forward with a momentum much like what Unit Y must have faced in each one of their own missions. Fans of Unity will definitely appreciate this origin story of sorts, but that does not mean this issue should be exclusive to hardcore fans. Being a single, self-contained story, any reader can pick this up and give it a read, which I highly recommend.

You can find out more about Unity #0 and other issues at ValiantUniverse.com

Photo Credit to Valiant

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.