Comic Info
Comic Name: Bloodshot Reborn
Publisher: Valiant Comics
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Mico Suayan/Raul Allen/Patricia Martin
# of Issues: 5
Release Date: 2015
Bloodshot Reborn #2
Reprints Bloodshot Reborn #1-5 (April 2015-August 2015). The man formerly known as Bloodshot is free. Purged of the nanites in his blood by the dying Geomancer, Ray Garrison finds his life without meaning while being haunted by the horrors of his past. When killers begin surfacing that look like Bloodshot, Ray begins to realize that his actions had consequences and being Bloodshot might not be a choice. Ray discovers himself encouraged by a cartoon version of Bloodshot called Bloodsquirt and the spirit of Kay…and Ray must decide if he can give up his freedom to save the future!
Written by Jeff Lemire, Bloodshot Reborn Volume 1: Colorado is a Valiant Comics superhero collection. Following the events in The Valiant, the Bloodshot series was relaunched and featured art by Mico Suayan, Raul Allen, and Patricia Martin. The series received critical acclaim and the issues in this collection were also collected as part of Bloodshot Reborn: Deluxe Edition—Volume 1.
I never was that big of a Punisher fan. When Valiant comics launched, from all appearances, Bloodshot just looked like Valiant’s attempt to get into the gritty ’90s of Marvel and create their own Punisher character. When you dove beneath the surface appearances, Bloodshot seemed to have more depth, and Bloodshot Reborn is Bloodshot at his best.
Bloodshot Reborn #5 Variant
The series shows a character at rock bottom. Bloodshot was always an anti-hero, but now he’s kind of just pathetic. He’s paralyzed by his past actions, tortured by the death of Geomancer, and still is afraid to face his past even though he finally has access to it. He’s plagued by visions and self-doubt and it makes for an interesting “hero”…especially since this humanity threatens to be destroyed by the nanites.
The basic set-up of the series is challenging, but the use of mass shootings is somewhat troubling. Those possessed by the nanites are unable to control them and shoot up innocent bystanders. The story is set in Colorado and the first killer hits a movie theater…which feels pretty close to home considering the The Dark Knight Rises shooting in Aurora, Colorado in 2012. It makes the story hit home but also could be seen as a bit exploitive.
I do trust Lemire however and think he’s one of comics’ new and fun writers. I like what he’s done at DC and I’ve enjoyed his independent works. It would be interesting to see him take on an issue of Bloodshot with the art (he does a variant cover)…but Mico Suayan’s art is great as well.
With solid art and a tight story with potential, Bloodshot Reborn shows that the comic book makers can’t just be locked down to Marvel, DC, or Image. Bloodshot Reborn shows that Valiant is a major player in the comic book world and that they have great stories to tell with talented people wanting to write them. Bloodshot Reborn 1: Colorado is followed by Bloodshot Reborn 2: The Hunt.
Related Links:
Bloodshot 1: Setting the World on Fire
Bloodshot 2: The Rise and the Fall
Bloodshot Reborn 3: The Analog Man
Bloodshot Reborn 4: Bloodshot Island
