Archer & Armstrong is undervalued in the Valiant universe in my opinion but it is on par with all their titles. This issue is a no holds barred crazy action adventure and you would be crazy not to pick this title up!

Official description from VALIANT:
Caught in the jaws of the Faraway! General Redacted has laid claim to the greatest secret in a time-lost dimension that’s practically built on ‘em. Must be a doozy, huh?

Issue #12 of Archer & Armstrong is a wild ride of action and when it’s all said and done many revelations. For those who have been reading this title, pun intended. When we last saw Archer he comes face to face with a group of followers to his future words of wisdom, ones Archer himself knows nothing about. For the first time in this series Archer finally witnesses what most see as brainwashing and misguided worship. Armstrong meanwhile fights along side Archers longtime love Mary-Maria for the indigenous people of the Faraway against General Redacted and his alien warriors.

There’s no overlooking writer Fred Van Lente’s social statements on religion, politics and war but he does it in a way that feels genuine to the story and not a heavy handed soapbox. The setting of the Faraway allows Van Lente to let loose and say everything he wants while having the means of a fantastical fun ride along the way. It’s a rare talent who can pull this off and Van Lente is a master.

As with any good story we get plenty of reveals and this issue has plenty. Archer goes against his cult like upbringing to let loose a prisoner which will change the direction of this story for the better. And the ties between the titles in the Valiant Universe get even tighter with this issue. There is so much going on with Mary-Maria that I did not expect the new wrinkle that gets added to her story at the end of the issue. Van Lente is throwing caution to the wind and is having a blast doing so.

Pere Perez compliments this story so brilliantly. These characters are full of emotion and Perez nails the expressions with each character and creature. He brings to life the fun and excitement of this book with his work and everything is better because of it.

If you enjoy any of Valiant’s titles this should be on your list! Archer & Armstrong has ties across all Valiant books and the story and art literally comes alive on the page. If you want fun, action, adventure and a touch of social sensibility then put this on your pull list. You’ll be glad you did.

5/5