Empress Reads: Review: Bloodshot, Volumes 1-5 by Multiple (L)

Monday, May 28, 2018

Review: Bloodshot, Volumes 1-5 by Multiple (L)

Synopsis: Bloodshot, a bioengineered weapon by Project Rising Spirit, has the powers of regeneration and meta-morphing made possible through nanites injected into his blood. After having his memory wiped numerous times, Bloodshot is out to discover who he really is and get vengeance on those who did this to him. Through his journey, he will attempt to right wrongs, save innocents, find redemption, and learn the truth about himself. And always, Blood matters.

Authors: Christos Gage, Joshua Dysart, Emanuela Lupacchino, Brian Reber Duane Swierczynski, Barry Kitson, Stefano Gaudiano Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi,, Matthew Clark. Crisscross, Bart Sears

Review: We know this story. Bad guys turn good man into a weapon, man escapes, joins group of good guys to find revenge and the truth about himself.

Bloodshot is not that story. It starts that way. But it quickly digresses from black and white to shades of gray. Are the bad guys really bad? Are the good guys really good? Are they both and neither? What if both did evil things in the name of good?

The duplicity and constant questioning the motives of the people Bloodshot knows, the fact that good people die or lose, that he isn’t perfect, gives the characters and story complexity and depth that rise above your average superhero story.

My only complaint is that the story moved too quickly, skimming or skipping connections that seemed important. This gave the story a jerky feel, as if I walked out of the movie and missed a crucial scene. Less action crammed into the issues and a little more explanation would have made the story perfect.

I highly recommend if you are looking for something a bit different from the normal DC or Marvel superhero stories. Worth reading!