X-O Manowar: Invictus Makes a Huge Change to Hero's Iconic Armor

Summary Valiant Comics' flagship character X-O Manowar returns in a new four-issue miniseries titled Invictus.

X-O Manowar's new series begins with a new status quo, as his armor Shanhara goes silent on him for the first time.

X-O Manowar: Invictus will build on writers Michael Conrad and Becky Cloonan's previous work on the character, but still be friendly to new readers.

Warning: contains potential spoilers for X-O Manowar: Invictus #1!

X-O Manowar, the flagship hero of the Valiant Universe, will soon make his grand return, complete with a huge change to his iconic armor. In X-O Manowar: Invictus, Aric makes his stand against those who oppressed him centuries before. As he heads into battle, however, he must deal with a massive change in his status quo, as his trusty armor goes silent for the first time ever.

Valiant Comics shared a first look at X-O Manowar: Invictus #1 with AIPT. The book, which will be written by Becky Cloonan and Michael Conrad and drawn by Fernando Heinz Furukawa, sees Shanhara, X-O’s sentient armor, go silent on him as he confronts the Novus Romanus.

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Novus Romanus, the space-faring descendants of the same Romans who kidnapped Aric over a thousand years ago, have been in X-O’s sights for years, but on the eve of his payback, his armor abandons him.

Invictus Is a Great On-Ramp For One of Comics' Most Fascinating Characters

Invictus Will Also Be a Rebirth For Valiant Comics

Speaking with AIPT, Cloonan and Conrad assured fans that while Invictus builds on their previous X-O Manowar work, no prior knowledge is needed to enjoy the book. Invictus will be new reader-friendly, and an excellent entry point into one of the most fascinating characters of the past 30 years. A key part of every incarnation of the Valiant Universe, X-O Manowar is a Visigoth named Aric. While fighting against the Romans, Aric was kidnapped by aliens. Forced to work as slave labor, Aric led a revolt. He then bonded with Shanhara, becoming X-O Manowar.

Guide to Road to Resurgence of the Valiant Universe Title Number of Issues Creative Team X-O Manowar: Invictus 4 Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad & Fernando Heinz Furukawa Rai: The Book of the Darque 2 Dan Abnett & Emilio Utrera Faith Returns 2 Jody Houser & Aleta Vidal Bloodshot Unleashed: Reloaded 2 (issues 3 &4) Mauro Mantella & Rodrigo Rocha Ninjak vs Roku 4 Aj Ampadu & Emiliano Correa Eternal Warriors: Last Ride of the Immortals 2 Fred Van Lente & Alvaro Papagiani The Darques: Soulside 2 Fred Van Lente, Sebastian Cabrol & Sergio Monjes Archer & Armstrong: Assasin Nation 2 Fred Van Lente & Emiliano Urdinola

X-O Manowar’s return is part of a larger publishing initiative that will rejuvenate the Valiant Universe. Titled Resurgence, the event will stretch across the entire line, shining a spotlight on their stable of characters. Valiant characters such as X-O Manowar have entertained generations of readers. Part of X-O’s appeal lies in how cool a concept it is: an ancient barbarian with a suit of high-tech armor. X-O Manowar is also a man out of time, thrust over a thousand years into his future and ripped away from everyone he loves. Through it all, Shanhara has been a constant presence.

X-O Manowar is also a man out of time, thrust over a thousand years into his future and ripped away from everyone he loves. Through it all, Shanhara has been a constant presence.

X-O Losing Shanhara Could Be Bad News For His Enemies

Shanhara Balanced X-O Manowar In a Way Few Could

Now, on the eve of the moment X-O Manowar has been waiting on, his source of power has left him. Speaking with AIPT, Cloonan and Conrad did not reveal what led to Shanhara going silent. Instead, Cloonan dropped a cryptic hint, saying: “the real problem comes when another voice takes [Shanhara]’s place.” Shanhara balances Aric, providing him with insight and guidance. Her absence could disrupt the balance of X-O Manowar’s life, causing this Valiant icon to become more violent and more dangerous than ever–which may spell bad news for Novus Romanus.

Source: AIPT

X-O Manowar: Invictus #1 is on sale May 15 from Valiant Comics!