Classic Comics - X-O Manowar #0

I can't tell you how much I enjoy doing these "Classic" reviews. In looking for comics to review, I occasionally fall across one like this that I had almost forgotten about - X-O Manowar.

This was published by Valiant Comics (this issue is cover dated August 1993), and it is a living embodiment of the excesses of the '90s. This issue (#0) features an embossed foil cover (which is much easier to look at in this scan than it is in real life). All those extras allowed the boost of the cover price to a then-staggering $3.50.

The story covers the origin of this character, who could best be described as a cross between Conan and Iron Man. Set about 1600 years ago, we meet young Aric, a barbarian who seeks revenge against the Roman Empire, whose soldiers killed his family.

He encounters alien invaders, is captured and ends up stealing an alien suit of armor - the X-O Manowar.

The story is by Bob Layton (who played a major role in many Valiant Comics, and was also Editor-in-Chief) and Jorge Gonzalez, and the art is by Joe Quesada (whatever happened to him?) and Jimmy Palmiotti.

All the above aside, it's actually a pretty good comic - your basic revenge story, with lots of twists, bizarre alien sequences, explosions - what's not to like?

Grade: B+