I <3 Valiant!

Wow, this book is more effective at time travel than a Delorian going 88mph!

Valiant Comics... I get all misty and nostalgic just think about it all, the glory of comics in the mid-90's, not that there is really too much to brag about from that era, but the beginning of Valiant is one of them.

The end of Valiant is not. But that is a sad tale for another time. Although I am loathe reopen those wounds again.

So lets cut to the chase, there is a new Valiant Comics in town and instead of tying to flood the over crowded comics market with new product they are out to get back their old fans first by regaining the right to properties lost and now that they have them (most of them at least) we are presented with this collection of the first storyline from their debut super team - Harbinger.

Don't let the name fool you, they don't actually have a name. Known simply as 'The Renegades' these four teenagers are trying to stop Toyo Harada, head of the Harbinger Foundation and his plans to change the world 'by any means necessary'.

Pete Stancheck, initially a top recruit for the Foundation, is appalled when he see the changes in his behavior since joining up. When his best friend is murdered by Harada in order to keep Pete inline the effect is quite the opposite, Pete rebels and goes on the run. Knowing that Pete is potentially the second most powerful being on the planet Harada will stop at nothing until 'the renegade' is put down.

Eventually, deciding he can't do it alone, Pete along with his human girlfriend Kris intercept a few recruits of their own, Zepher - a flyer, Flamingo - fire, and Torque - Strength. And the battle against Harada can now really begin.

If it sounds a little X-Men-ish, you'd be right. It's x-men with out the spandex (sort of) and the insane over top comic bookiness. What made Valiant different was the sense that it took place in your world. Everything was done with plausibility in mind.

Going through this collection I'm reminded that even in my youth Harbinger wasn't my favorite comic. If it were to be published it probably still wouldn't be. But that doesn't mean it isn't a very well done book. With talents like Jim Shooter and David Lapham attached does that really surprise you?

Mostly I bought this to show my support for the new Valiant Comics in the hopes that they would publish more books like this. This spring I get my wish as they collect issues #0-#6 of X-O Manowar, possible the coolest idea for a comic book character ever. More on that when it's out...which can't come soon enough!