Haven’t read Harbinger yet? Well, you need to get “Activated” and become a fan of this series.
Harbinger #4 is the newest issue, continuing Joshua Dysart’s revitalization of one of Valiant’s strongest cadre of characters. Folks, he doesn’t disappoint, bringing a strong story where even the slower paced plot points keep you attached to the page. Even something as simple as Harada watching TV, subtle hints are given to the reader about just how far reaching his influence is by donating medical help to foreign lands. In addition, Peter is still trying to learn how to use his wide range of mental psionic powers and is an obvious danger to many around him. We learn much about Harada, his history, and his desire for a better world – no matter what the cost. The rift between Peter and Harada begins to form here. We meet Faith this issue, getting a small glimmer into her world. Peter’s first meeting with Faith turns into a disastrous event. In the finale, Peter leaves the Foundation to go for a walk that changes the course of his life forever. Dysart is doing a great job displaying the yin and yang of the two main characters’ personalities. The story creates intrigue into its cast of characters, and is giving a robust, perfectly paced story. The story’s subtle, slow build includes snippets of action that hint at greater things to come.
This is a great book, the gripping story, flowing panels. Dysart stated in a panel, “I don’t believe in black and white, I like shades of grey” This comic is a great depiction of that philosophy. You could root for Peter; we’ve seen his compassion for people and friends, but also, in the first issue, he destroyed a building, hurting many people. He has used his powers to steal to survive. Harada is trying to create a better world with medical devices in foreign countries and despite his precognitive friend, “The Bleeding Monk,” having seen Peter as a destroyer of the world, he still tries to help him. But Harada is willing to take lives in creating new super powered beings. There is no simple good guy/bad guy here. It keeps your attention with intrigue and action. Khari Evans art does a good job of giving us the feeling that we are looking at the Harbinger books of old, matching the style of the original Valiant books.
Overall, I give it 4 stars. Pick it up today – and as a bonus get a preview of Shadowman #1, a book that looks to be a phenomenal hit, with vibrant artwork, exciting story, monsters, magic, and the voodoo that Valiant does so well!
