Graphic Novel Reviews: X-O Manowar (2020)

Valiant Entertainment delights us with another installment of X-O Manowar, penned by Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Woman) and illustrated by Emilio Laiso (Spider-Man: Velocity)!

Aric of Dacia is a 5th-century European prince who acquires his superhero abilities through the use of Shanhara, a sentient and technologically advanced body armor. With Shanhara, Aric is able to “transform” into the hero known as X-O Manowar. Hopeless’ story details a man who’s frustrated with the modern world, wanting to fit in but is constantly misunderstood. Despite Shanhara’s best advice, Aric learns that not everyone appreciates when a superhero steps in to save the day.

Enter Troy Whitaker, the Tony Stark-esque billionaire tech mogul who wants to shape Manowar into a hero of good publicity–redefining Aric less as a bumbling “screw-up” and more as a hero who’s always at the right place at the right time. However, the plot takes a turn when the team needs to deal with a threat of unusual circumstances and a predictable villain that does everything in his power to rid of Manowar.

The story has a good pace and plenty of action, with Aric being an enjoyable character throughout. X-O Manowar is one of Valiant’s leading series, and while there are past runs–new readers won’t be lost when picking up this title. Hopeless does a great job in painting the personalities of the characters presented by use of (a lot of times, hilarious) dialogue and solidifying the plot’s sci-fi world dashed with a hint of antiquity from the main character. Laiso’s illustrations engage the reader with plenty of pages filled with action, where character movements are fluid and expressive. 

X-O Manowar is an action-packed superhero story sure to please teens 13 and up. It’s a fun read and sure to please existing and new fans alike.

Melissa N. Thompson, Library Assistant, Augusta University