Rapture #1 Review - Valiant Hits It Out Of The Park

05/24/2017 05:36 pm EDT

Rapture represents something very different for Valiant, and fans are eager to see if they succeeded or stuck the landing. The answer may surprise you.

Spoilers incoming for Rapture #1, so if you haven't already read it you've been warned.

The Valiant universe often dips its toe into the more science fiction and superhero genres, but Rapture has much more in common with classic fantasy than anything. After Rapture #1, hopefully this isn't the last time fans will see those paths cross, as writer Matt Kindt has done an exceptional job at brining Valiant's powerhouses together, and it all begins with Tama.

To be fair, it starts with Tama and her best bud T.A.D.D. If you don't' have much experience with Tama yet, get ready to adore her. She provides the perfect viewpoint for new and old fans alike, briging the universe's supernatural lore into focus without leaving the reader overloaded with information. Typically an event launch like this would cater most of the pages to assembling the team, but that doesn't really happen till over midway, and you don't mind at all thanks to Tama's delightful personality and interactions.

CAFU delivers on the art front as well, with colorful characters and a lovely rendering of the deadside, if you can call anything in the deadside lovely. Every location in the deadside looks altogether unique, and the surroundings look just as lovely on the surface.

Aside from regulars like Ninjak and Punk Mambo, Shadowman also makes a return to the fold. The character is a fan favorite, but Kindt does an admirable job of introducing the character to a new audience. He seems primed to be one of the best parts of the book, whether you've loved him all along or not.

Rapture #1 hits all the right notes from the very first page, bringing fans both old and new along for the ride. If the rest of the series is as enjoyable as the first issue, fans are in for an amazing journey.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Rapture #1 is written by Matt Kindt with art by CAFU, and you can find the official description below.

On a scarred landscape, two otherworldly armies prepare to battle one last time, vying for control of a massive tower named from an ancient language no longer permitted to be spoken.

One army is led by a primeval force named Babel, whose goal is singular: to breach "heaven" no matter the cost. The only thing standing in his way is a gray-haired barbaric warrior, filled with rage and regret – a man who sees this battle as his last chance for redemption. But he knows his depleted forces have little chance of victory unless aid comes soon.

Enter Tama: A 12-year old girl on the crest of a hill overlooking the battle, who has just become humanity's only hope. The last in an ancient line of mystics who protect the Earth, she has foreseen this battle and knows millions will perish if she's unable to stop it. Now Tama and her ragtag team of malcontents – Ninjak, Shadowman and Punk Mambo – must somehow defeat an elder god hell bent on piercing the heavens.

Rapture #1 is in stores now.

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