Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #18 takes a giant leap forward with the return of artist Bart Sears and an all new team threat in the form of “The Specialists.” Our rag-tag team may be a work in progress but they’ll have to up their game to defeat this well oiled machine with a few twists and revelations.

Official description from VALIANT:
Bloodshot and the expendable commandos of H.A.R.D. Corps face off against a network of terrorist saboteurs in the heart of the Persian Gulf! But as Bloodshot digs into the multinational oil conglomerate that’s signing his paychecks, he’ll soon find himself confronted by the complex truth behind the terror – and face-to-face with an older, scrappier, more grizzled generation of superhuman soldier from the glory days of proxy wars and state-sponsored assassination.

Writer Joshua Dysart took to Twitter on Dec. 28th to proclaim that even though his name is on Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #18 the writing is all Christos Gage. Dysart states that it’s “amazing” and I can confirm it truly is. Bloodshot and his team face a new threat and a new team and the book is a full blown throw down. With the addition of Sears to this title a whole new breath of super powered action comes to fruition and Sears work brings back the over-the-top aggression and violence Bloodshot is classically known for.

This issue feels in the same vein as Valiant’s new Unity title with two very formidable teams engaged in all out war. Gage’s take on a governmental strike team to go after Project Rising Spirit raises the stakes and raises new questions to who the bad guy really is. There is also an awesome flashback sequence of P.R.S. back in 1989 and with Sears on art duties feels like an underlying inside reference few may get but those that do can really appreciate. The flashback also serves the purpose of giving Major Palmer more depth and perspective and why he’s so important to the team.

Bloodshot and H.A.R.D Corps #18 also serves as the first book in Valiant’s “MUST READ VALIANT!” campaign utilizing the “all-new jumping-on point” method of attracting readers. Kudos to Valiant for such a campaign and it does work for new readers as a beginning but also doesn’t ignore long time readers in the process. For me this issue worked on many levels from fleshing out existing characters, adding new ones and a sense of nostalgia for the early Valiant days. But most importantly it works a simply a great action comic book. Bloodshot and H.A.R.D Corps knows what it is and owns it. Dysart and Gage are crafting an exciting new and action packed take on the section of the Valiant Universe. So wether you are a old timer like myself or a newbie this is a great place to start with only good things lying ahead. Must Read Valiant?…Absolutely!

4/5