The beloved star of the Valiant Comics Universe had his return delayed by an industry shutdown, but now X-O Manowar is back -- and wasting no time in taking the next surprising step forward. Fans are used to seeing the barbarian time-traveler Aric of Dacia do the impossible thanks to his suit of alien armor, but his new series may actually see him play the hero... by giving it up.
At least, that's the twist being teased for the new series from writer Dennis Hallum and artist Emilio Laiso. After making his epic return in the X-O Manowar #1 relaunch, Aric instantly realized that playing a superhero in the 21st Century isn't all it's cracked up to be. When trying to do the right thing makes him a new arch-nemesis, billionaire Troy Whitaker claims publicity is the problem. Well, aside from the Ukrainian warlord killing innocent people to teach X-O Manowar a lesson. Valiant senior editor Heather Antos claimed that was just the tip of the iceberg, and now that we've got an exclusive preview of X-O Manowar #3, the comic's new direction is getting clearer--and even more intriguing.
Antos previously teased that the final pages of Issue #2 would be setting both Aric and Shanhara on a new path guaranteed to put their relationship to the test. Nothing shows better potential for straining their bond than Aric's two new missions: protect the innocent, but rack up serious facetime with the press in the process. Now, Antos teases the next challenge to be faced by the comic's hero... and the new 'evolution' of the Shanhara armor that may be born as a result:
"X-O Manowar's sights are set on his target -- Vlad Yakiov -- but his new partnership with tech billionaire Troy Whitaker seems to be focusing on anything but. With Aric and Shanhara at odds on how best to tackle the growing unrest, a brand-new challenging foe tests the limits of the X-O Manowar armor...and it's time for an upgrade!"
With that tantalizing tease in mind, readers can check out the exclusive preview pages for X-O Manowar #3 embedded below, along with the full solicitation details ahead of the issue's release on December 23, 2020:
- X-O MANOWAR #3
- On Sale: December 23, 2020
- Writer: Dennis Hopeless
- Artist: Emilio Laiso
- Colorist: Ruth Redmond
- Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
- Cover Artists: Christian Ward, David Nakayama, David Lopez, Dustin Weaver
- Price: $3.99
- Rating: T+
- Pages: 32
- Who wins in a fight: X-O Manowar or a cybernetic tech monster formed out of lava? In order to prevent catastrophe, will Aric hand over the X-O armor to a new ally?
- WIN THE BATTLE, LOSE THE WORLD. Aric of Dacia, a 5th century warrior catapulted into the modern day, has been bonded with the sentient alien armor, Shanhara. Together, they are the most powerful weapon in the world: X-O Manowar. As a mysterious new villain arises to threaten the world, will this ancient warrior evolve into the superhero we need today?
X-O Manowar #3 arrives on December 23rd, 2020.