Bloodshot is one of those comics that keeps surprising you with each issue, little by little building up these expectations for the next chapter and making you wonder what will happen after that. This issue is no different and already has me excited for what is yet to come.
“I’m well on my way to considering myself a serious fan of this arc.”
The story in Bloodshot Reborn #17 starts with a good dose of action in the same jungle we’ve seen in the past few issues, but this time things have changed. Bloodshot is not the same person he was when he first woke up, he is now a man with a clear goal: get out that place with his mates and the woman he thinks is the one he once loved.
There’s a clear evolution of the character as we have seen a real change in him and his behavior. The way he thinks, like an all-mighty male who needs to save the day has changed and there’s this vulnerability inside him, which is appreciated. To have that classical perfect male goodguy in today’s age is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, and I was hoping Bloodshot wouldn’t fall into that trap. And I’m happy to say it didn’t.
We have a really fast paced issue this time around. It’s also very dark and this is definitely a plus for me (I love when things are that way.) Also, we have a more human side with each of the characters, exploring how they feel toward each other and how they interact. This is something very interesting to see if we sit back and remember that they are killing machines, or at least that’s what they were meant to be.
The art and visuals also match the story perfectly. When it goes darker, so do the colors, and when it’s time for a little punching, the tones change for better as well. I cannot really find a page or panel where this doesn’t happen when it should. Everything just seems to come together is a way that works and is hard to find fault with.
That being said, the inking didn’t surprise me all that much. Maybe it was because there were lots of black and I couldn’t be sure what to look at first. It was a strange mix at the beginning, but when brighter colors came into action, things improved in this regard.
In terms of lettering, I have to say that I find it somewhat different
than in past issues. It’s not bad, it just feels… Well, different. I’ve never had a hard time reading this series, and I still don’t, but it’s just something I noticed. But I will say that the “sound effects” were really cool to see, but they weren’t used quite as much as I would have liked to see in this issue.
I will admit that the ending was a bit surprising. Valiant is filling my head with all sorts of expectations with each of its comics right now, and Bloodshot Reborn #17 in particular sets the ground for some amazing things. I need to see what happened next ASAP! Waiting a little bit won’t be a big deal as long as the payoff is worth it, as it has so far each issue.
This comic series was a little strange at first sight, even more so if you start reading it as a newbie as I did, but it has been getting better with each issue, and I’m well on my way to considering myself a serious fan of this arc. I really suggest giving this one a try before the next chapter comes out!
4.5/5
‘Great’
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