Now is the time for comic nerds worldwide to rejoice. Valiant Entertainment announced today that they have secured a deal with DMG Entertainment, the Beijing-based global entertainment leader, that will not only enable growth in publishing and licensing, but will also include Valiant Comics television and cinematic releases!

To further elaborate, DMG has made an eight-figure investment into Valiant and has agreed to another nine- figure investment specifically for television and movie production based solely on Valiant’s wide array of superheroes, villains and other characters.

Archer & Armstrong: Archer #0
Written by Fred Van Lente
Illustrated by Pere Perez
Lettered by Tom B. Long
Covers by Clayton Henry, Joe Eisma, Andy Kuhn
Valiant Entertainment
Release Date: February 5, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

I love the Archer & Armstrong title from Valiant Universe. It’s a witty, funny, exciting, odd-couple adventure that explores the relationship of two diametrically opposed companions, who still somehow remain friends.

The origin story of Archer, though, as presented in Archer & Armstrong: Archer #0… I’m not so much a fan of.

I won’t go into any spoilers here in this review, but the origin of Archer de-mystifies him. While it pulls him closer into the heart of the Valiant Universe (aiding in upcoming crossovers), it simultaneously takes away some of the very unique aspects of the title. And while Archer & Armstrong has dipped into some dark places in the past, this issue is particularly dark and disturbing.

Archer & Armstrong #9
Written by Fred Van Lente
Art by Emanuela Lupacchino with Alvero Martinez
Inks by Guillermo Ortego
Colors by Davd Baron
Letters by Dave Lanphear
Covers by Emanuela Lupacchino and Tom Fowler
Assistant Editor: Josh Johns
Associate Editor: Jody Leheup
Executive Editor: Warren Simmons
Valiant Entertainment
Release Date: April 10, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

BOOM! Archer & Armstrong #9 opens with a bang and doesn’t even attempt to slow down! This is only the second Valiant comic that I’ve read since they’re relaunch (shame on me) and I have to say, I was pretty impressed. Enough to delved deeper into their universe. But, that’s besides the point, we’re here to talk about this issue.

I’ve become a fan of Fred Van Lente over the last few years, and with good reason. Everything he’s written, from Hercules to GI Joe, has been very entertaining. This book is no different. We get a nice recap inside the front cover and then we hit the ground running. If you’re familiar with Van Lente’s writing, then you’ll know he excels at adding humor to his scripts and this issue is no exception. Even though Archer & Armstrong are fighting against each other, and higher forces than they can handle alone, there’s some great wise cracks, and the occasional laugh out loud moments. As always, Van Lente does a great job with characterizations and writes with the artist in mind. This is a very enjoyable issue!