Reviews

Bloodshot Volume 1: Setting the World on Fire by Duane Swierczynski

raj_page's review

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5.0

What happens when you merge Jason Bourne and Wolverine and Punisher? You get Bloodshot.
A rouge agent who has amnesia (or false memories), has super healing and uses guns and punches to kill.

The side character of Pulse was really interesting too.
And the gun bearing, combat nurse lady was really fascinating. In fact I give this book a 5 star just for her.

Overall a fun ride. And there was a reference to Harada, from [b:Harbinger, Volume 1: Omega Rising|17158619|Harbinger, Volume 1 Omega Rising|Joshua Dysart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1356557464l/17158619._SY75_.jpg|23582117]. So I guess I won't have to wait ages for some crossover. That piques my interest.

kavinay's review

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4.0

I didn't have any intention of reading this given my preconception of Bloodshot as another Punisher/Wolverine clone. I was wrong, the story isn't by the numbers and the exposition on what's really going on is more cinematic than plodding.

My only complaint is the colours. I just have such a poor reaction to a style that eschews inking for gradient skin tones. It just looks... off. I can't quite put my finger to it, but there's something to be said for old-school inks and colours conveying more dynamism than the uncanny valley of heavily saturated panels.

justabookholic's review

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1.0

This wasn't it, chief.

Not a fan of the art-style and the narrative was messy to say the least. I understand that it was done with intention of making the narrator unreliable but the execution just left me bored and underwhelmed. Bloodshot's just a total milquetoast with no desirable personality and I can't tell if that was an intentional choice. I tried to give the man the benefit of the doubt since he was shot in the head A LOT but still, he was so friggin' dull. Don't think I will be returning to this series.

carroq's review

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4.0

Bloodshot is the epitome of human weapon creation. He has nano machines inside him that increase his strength, speed, and healing capabilities. Combined with his innate skills, he is almost unstoppable. The only problem is he has no idea what his true identity is.

For those unfamiliar with Valiant, there is a group called Project Rising Spirit that experiments on humans to bring out their maximum potential. With Bloodshot, they use him for high risk military missions and wipe his memory periodically. They also implant false memories about families and identities he never had. Bloodshot discovers this after a mission goes bad and rebels in an effort to find out the truth about himself.

There is a lot of action in this book, which is great given the premise. This character can be pretty grim, but he does have his limits. The art can get gruesome at times as well. This reinforces how brutal he is and just how powerful he can be. Like many of the other Valiant books, this one mixes genres at times. It is part espionage, part sci-fi, and part military thriller. These elements blend together nicely to introduce an interesting character. I'm looking forward to more of this character.

nerdontheloose's review

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5.0

It's been a while since I read a comic book that I was properly invested in till the last page, and I just can't wait for more! It's so good, the storyline is super engaging, and the graphics are superb! Lowkey want to read the 90s version of this comic now, while I wait for the next volume :)

Thanks to Valiant publishers for the DRC

ajnewsom's review

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4.0

I picked up “Bloodshot Reborn” a few years back and enjoyed the first few issues, so I thought I would start at the beginning. Enjoyed the first volume and am interested to see where the story goes.

leia3771's review

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5.0

Cover looked pretty badass. . . then I read the summary and was confused as hell. I seriously almost put it back, sooooo glad I didn't! THIS WAS SO BADASS!!! I can't wait to read the next one! =D

tmaluck's review

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4.0

Based on cover appearances and name, this series could easily mislead people into thinking it's some blend of Deadpool/Punisher/Rambo with some nanotech mumbo-jumbo thrown in to hand-wave away any powers plotholes or blood loss.

And in some scenes, that's kind of the case. But then! This is also a story of losing one's agency and memory. There are two (all together now) strong female characters introduced within the first four issues. There's the sharp, dynamic artwork that would make Bryan Hitch squee. Swierczynski teases a lot of pieces and angles on the board for this first book, leaving me very hopeful for the stories to come.

burnthemidnight's review

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dark fast-paced

3.0

geese82's review

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4.0

A great intro to latest version of Bloodshot for newer readers, unlike Archer and Armstrong, the pacing in this book is better, the only thing that did not win me over is the artwork. Compared to A&A and X-Manowar and Shadowman, I am not a fan of the artwork. I dig the covers for the single issues, included in this TPB.

I was 10/11 yrs old when the first series came out, and I had vague memories of Bloodshot, but I am familiar at what he looks like and all. The iconic red dot on his chest was greatly used in the story. Duane did a great job writing this.

Also the plot and overall story connects with Harbinger series, which I will be reading soon. I hope Valiant would last more than 10 yrs this time.