Comic Review: Livewire #1

Livewire #1

Valiant Comics

Writer: Vita Ayala

Artists: Raul Allen, Patricia Martin

Valiant Entertainment has recently begun its latest wave of debut series. Many characters are getting new #1s in an effort to energize readers, both new and old. The latest new series features Livewire, an especially powerful psiot with the power to manipulate technology. While there is plenty to enjoy in this issue, it’s kind of a mess if you are a new reader.

For those who aren’t familiar with the character, Livewire has been a part of the Valiant universe for quite some time, starring in series such as Unity, Harbinger, and recently, Harbinger Wars 2. Harbinger Wars 2 is especially important to this series, as it essentially follows up on the consequences of the line-wide event. Livewire was the catalyst of Harbinger Wars 2, and in her efforts to protect those that she loves, caused significant damage to the world’s technological infrastructure. Her questionable actions had good intentions, but essentially caused a rift in the Valiant Universe.

Like most of Valiant’s recent series, this issue is billed as an accessible jumping on point for new readers. While this works for some series like Bloodshot Rising Spirit, it’s hard to call Livewire #1 reader friendly. Writer Vita Ayala doesn’t hold the reader’s hand, and aside from some minor tips, leaves most of the previous events up to the reader to figure out. The end result is a focused issue that pours its resources into developing the story and character. This is usually a great thing, it’s just unfortunate that Valiant isn’t able to preface this issue with a suitable introduction for new readers.

For fans of the Valiant universe, this is a fine issue and a solid start to the new series. It’s slow and focused on the exposition. The characters are all interesting and feel organic in all of their actions and motivations. The way that the characters handle the outcomes of the previous crossover is understandable, and Livewire is an especially relatable character. Her desire to protect those she loves trumps everything else, and sometimes that leads to moral ambiguity. It makes for a fine protagonist that isn’t simply living in a black and white world.

The art in this issue is inconsistent and shakey and doesn’t enhance the script in any way. The characters are a bit stiff, but at least the action scenes are well choreographed. Overall this issue is a textbook example of the art just being there.

There is a lot to like in Livewire #1, but it doesn’t feel like the first issue of a series. It’s not accessible to new readers without a significant amount of research, but it focuses on storytelling instead of exposition.