Divinity #1
Written by Matt Kindt
Pencils by Trevor Hairsine
Inks by Ryan Winn
Colors by David Baron
Letters by Dave Lanphear
Covers by Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic, Tom Muller, Tom Muller and Trevor Hairsine, and Lewis LaRosa with Brian Reber
Valiant Entertainment
Release Date: February 11, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

Alternative history has always fascinated me, mainly because our past is full of pivotal points in time. If we were to alter a single incident, what else would change? Similarly, time travel offers the exact same scenarios unless you are among those who believe that fate is decreed and cannot be changed. The only reason I mention this is because Divinity #1 works on the premise that during the Cold War, the Soviets were far more advanced than we Americans were. But as oftentimes happens, fledgling science has repercussions. Which leads us to our story…

Shadowman: End Times #1
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Valentine De Landro
Letters by Dave Lanphear
Covers by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jeff Dekal, David Mack
Valiant Entertainment
Release Date: April 30, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

It’s time to shake things up a bit in the dark and scary world of Shadowman. Not just another story arc, Shadowman: End Times #1 is the first in a three-part mini-series that is bringing some big changes for Jack Boniface. And as to whether or not he survives this, only time will tell.

This issue opens with our hero, Jack, wrestling with his own personal demons. We’ve heard that expression many times before, right? Well, in Jack’s case it’s literally accurate. You see, he’s the host for a semi-demonic spirit called a loa. This entity grants him great powers, but at the same time exacts a horrible price, tainting his soul and trying to overpower his psyche. And since this is a hereditary power, he’s all too aware of how the end usually comes.

Eternal Warrior #6
Written by Greg Pak
Pencils by Robert Gill
Inks by Victor Olazaba
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Colors by Guy Major
Covers by Lewis LaRosa and Diego Bernard
Valiant Entertainment
Release Date: February 12, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

Eternal Warrior went through quite a change in issue #5, sending the series from the modern day into the year 4001. The first four issues set up the story of Gilad Anni-Padda, the titular Eternal Warrior, who for generations was the servant of the Earth.

Now we see his mission in the future is to protect the people, which he does in this issue by going to a town full of slaves. Always trying to do the right thing.

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.

Below you’ll find the solicitations information and cover artwork for all of the Valiant Entertainment comic titles hitting stores in April of 2014, including issues for Matt Kindt’s Unity, Greg Pak’s Eternal Warrior, and more.