In Review: Harbinger Renegade #0

Synopsis: The H.A.R.D. Corps has dealt crippling blows to rogue psiots everywhere. Generation Zero: Dead and done. Renegades: On the run. Now, the team sets their sights on Alexander Solomon himself. With the intel they have, they attempt to subdue Harada’s former right hand on a remote island in China. It is here that the tables are turned, and the corps walks into a deadly trap. Many will fall, and Solomon will get exactly what he desires. The return of the Alpha, the first psiot, has finally come, and the world will burn.

Review: Alexander Solomon has become one of the best villains in the Valiant universe. His meticulous planning never fails to delight. Harbinger Renegade #0 has set the stage for the bloody conflict to come, and it does so with excitement and ease. The most interesting part of the story is how well planned out this operation was. Every step was accounted for, but the entire mission was compromised from the beginning. It shows the level of sophistication the new antagonist is capable of. Ultimately, the critical blow comes from the return of the Alpha. This powerful entity has completely changed the landscape of the Harbinger universe, and the scariest thing about this entire issue is that Alexander Solomon has gotten exactly what he wanted.

The return of the Alpha is visually impressive. His body is deformed and aged like living fossil. He only vaguely looks human with his nails so long they look as if they are talons. It impresses on the reader that he is wholly unnatural. The term that fits him most would be powerfully sinister. Also, the monks protecting the temple are the new zombie horde. They look positively frightening. Being eyeless was a nice touch, and was the very definition of unnerving.

Harbinger has ramped up the excitement for the next story arc, and it is shaping up to be the best one yet. I cannot think of a better title in Valiant to stick to in the coming months.