Dead Drop 1

There is a secret black market in New York. It is hidden in plain sight – in our streets, trains, restaurants. Those who know how to navigate it exchange secrets of extraordinary nature. But when the secret in circulation is a biological weapon derived from Vine technology, the gloves are off – and the most extraordinary agents are released to stop the disaster before it occurs.

The first installment of this ambitious Valiant multi-hero epic kicks off in high gear with X-O Manowar chasing down a courier through the streets of Manhattan.  The thieves have alerted the boys in blue of the NYPD that X-O is an alien imposter.  Ever the heavy handed Visigoth, Aric chooses violence over diplomacy and “disarms” the officers with X-O.  Needless to say, this comes back to bite him later, in the issue.

Aric is being guided by the mysterious, and oft-times nefarious, Neville Alcott, who reveals through a series of background panels, that this terrorist is in possession of a virus of alien origin, that could easily wipe out all life on the planet.  X-O comes very close a number of times in the course of the issue to recovering the virus, but is thwarted again and again, by the ingenuity of the thief.  X-O manowar disagrees with Neville’s insistence that any amount of collateral damage is acceptable, and chooses to save a woman and her child, allowing the terrorist to eventually escape.  At the close of issue one, Nevillle orders Aric to back down due to the fact that he is most likely infected.

The first issue includes a tense narrative that balances Aric’s chase very well, lending the book a taut, page turning pace that will keep Valiant fans happy.  One issue I had with the first installment, is that the art seemed a little more suited the gritty New York back drop, than more garish characters like X-O manowar.  The other characters came off very well drawn, whereas Aric’s suit looked at best, half-finished.   Despite this fact, the first issue is a good read and highly recommended to long time Valiant fans.  Successive issues will also feature Beta Max, Archer and Detective Cejudo.  Don’t miss this thrill ride from Valiant.

For more information regarding Dead Drop or other great titles from Valiant, please visit their site:  Valiant Entertainment.

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.