Rai The Book of the Darque Is the Darkly Hilarious High Point of Valiant’s RESURGENCE (So Far)

Summary Rai: The Book of the Darque sets the stage for Valiant's upcoming Resurgence event with a mix of horror and humor.

This issue introduces new threats to Rai, including betrayal and a battle against an incursion from the forces of Darque.

Valiant's revamped Rai series, with a focus on science fiction and horror elements, offers a fun and compelling read.

Warning: contains spoilers for Rai: The Book of the Darque #1

Valiant’s new Rai: The Book of the Darque mixes superheroes and horror–and is a darkly hilarious high point on the way to Resurgence. Valiant Comics is heading towards a massive, universe-defining event later this year called Resurgence. Rai: The Book of the Darque not only builds the hype for Resurgence, but stands on its own as a fun read, one laced with dark humor.

Rai: The Book of the Darque #1, written by Dan Abnett and drawn by Emilio Utrera, opens by bringing readers up to speed on recent developments in Rai’s life. Now living a seemingly comfortable life, Rai’s world is upended when the forces of Darque attack his family, forcing him back into action. With his trusted sidekick Raijin at his side, as well as the 41st century version of Bloodshot, Rai fights his way through gross and disgusting monsters.

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The stakes are raised when Rai faces a betrayal from within.

Rai Is One of Valiant's Most Important Characters

Rai Has Been a Part of Every Version of the Valiant Universe

Rai, created by Jim Shooter and Paul Creddick, has the distinction of being the first original Valiant hero

Rai has been an integral part of every incarnation of the Valiant Universe. Valiant kicked off their superhero line in 1991 by licensing characters, such as Solar and Magnus Robot Fighter, from Western Publishing. Rai, created by Jim Shooter and Paul Creddick, has the distinction of being the first original Valiant hero. Set in the distant 41st century, Rai uses his nanite-enhanced powers to keep New Japan safe, but eventually rebels against his overlord, named Father. Rai must now fight not only Father (now calling itself Bloodfather) but an incursion from the forces of Darque.

Rai returned as part of the new Valiant Universe in 2014, headlining a critically acclaimed title written by the likes of Matt Kindt and Dan Abnett, and now Abnett has returned to guide Rai to Valiant’s Resurgence. Abnett and Utrera have created a story totally accessible to newcomers, thanks to a primer at the issue’s beginning. Rai is a pure science fiction-oriented character, but his new nemeses in the Darque use magic. Darque’s presence in the book infuses Rai: The Book of the Darque #1 with horror, and Utrera realizes some truly disgusting creatures.

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Rai's Return Is a High Mark for Valiant's Relaunch

Rai: The Book of the Darque Is A Fun and Compelling Read

At the same, Rai: The Book of the Darque #1 is also darkly hilarious. Much of the book’s humor hinges on Rai’s “family,” including Raijin and Uncle Fusion. Rai’s family attempts to be a “normal” sitcom-style family, right down to the wacky uncle. Valiant Comics has something unique in their hands with Rai: The Book of the Darque. It is at once a high-concept, science fiction superhero book and a creepy horror comic. Add in the dark, gallows humor and Rai: The Book of the Darque becomes a high point on the road to Valiant’s Resurgence.

Rai: The Book of the Darque #1 is on sale now from Valiant Comics!