This was my first issue of Valen the Outcast and I have to say I’m somewhat intrigued by it. I know the premise, Valen was killed but now is something of a zombie and has a different path to follow now, since he was once a former King. I love zombie stuff but this isn’t your typical story. Valen has his memory, skills and apparently no love for eating flesh though he is undead. Okay I can deal with that, more so since this seems to be taking place in a Conan type setting. Swords and kingdoms with raiders and places that aren’t safe to wander at night.
Michael Alan Nelson and Matteo Scalera’s dark fantasy continues to be gritty, exciting action. One of the best writers of full-tilt, high octane action comics in the business, Michael Alan Nelson manages to make formulaic fantasy fresh and fun.
Issue begins with a possessed Zjanna attempting to kill Valen and Cordovan, who promptly flee into a forest. There they discover the violent signs that they may be in more danger in the forest than they were from Zjanna. As with the past few issues, the pacing is excellent.
Michael Alan Nelson's new series, Valen the Outcast, begins this week, and for $1, everyone should add it to their pull list. The series features art by Matteo Scalera and is published By BOOM!. Here's a five page preview!
