I'm still on the fence of how to feel about the forthcoming, Bloodshot, movie with Vin Diesel. To some degree, Guy Pearce is an interesting enough actor that he could play ban extraordinarily great villain. Which in turn will create a rather entertaining movie when it's mixed in with Diesel's heroics. I was curious about the character and as such, I went to his comic roots to get to know the character. Spoiler alert for my original article, which you can read in full here, I wasn't a fan. I found an interesting concept, as cliché as it might have been, riddled with distractions and anticlimactic moments.
To go a different direction, really quick, I think it's safe to say that we've all had one of those teachers that said something that even as adults, we tend to come back to. Mine was a substitute teacher. Somehow, along the way, we got talking about music and live shows. She said something that flipped my consumption of media. She said, "always give them another shot. You never know if they are having a bad day or not." The original 1990s, Bloodshot, left me with a terrible taste in my mouth. However, I wanted to see if the character could find redemption in the hands of another writer. Enter Jeff Lemire. Lemire is one of the most unsung heroes in modern comics. As writer and creator of Sweet Tooth, Lemire has also had incredible runs in the X-Men mythos and New 52's Green Arrow.
Putting him at the helm of Bloodshot could bring redemption and interest to this character. Specifically, for this article, we're gonna be addressing Bloodshot Reborn, issues 1 to 5. Or if you guys collect graphic novels instead, this is Bloodshot Reborn: Colorado (Vol. 1). This is a great starting point for old fans and curious readers alike. Within the first few pages of the book, Lemire wonderfully recaps the mythos up to the point in which we find our main character, Ray Garrison. So you don't have to read years of comics to understand this character. Honestly, that maybe one of the most effective tools within its arsenal.
In some ways, as the narrative is transforming outside of the recap, it almost carries the tone of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. When we meet Garrison, he is longer Bloodshot, he is just trying to find a new life. That's it. I mean who doesn't want a decent and peaceful life? Garrison is having some PTSD about his time as Bloodshot. Which is one of the most fascinating aspects to the storytelling Lemire delivers. Here you have a character who was transformed into a killing machine without his consent. The fact that Lemire addresses such concerns is incredibly bold and fiercely entertaining.
In the mythology, Garrison has his blood infected with little robots called nanites. These are how his "creators" are able to control him and lead him to the massacre. Those machines that gotten out and started infecting other hosts. Which in turn is creating the random circulation of violence across the united states. It's up to Ray to stop them and regain the nanites. As the comic establishes, quite often, he is the only one who can actually control them. The art is incredibly strong throughout as well. The art by Lemire, Raul Allen, & Mico Suayan - there is a special degree of grit to it. That focus is given to us wonderfully throughout the comic. Until issue #5, where the artist seemingly changes for a much brighter palette. It fits the overall story of that issue but fails to grow to the larger narrative.
I'm not entirely sure how many people are excited for the upcoming Bloodshot movie. If you are and have never read the comics, Bloodshot Reborn is the perfect place to start. It’s dark, gritty and set in the vein of the Dark Knight Returns. The art by Raul Allen & Mico Suayan is a perfect reflection of Jeff Lemire's overarching story. Lemire quickly establishes the backstory for any new readers in a gripping way that quickly captivates readers. The story is engrossing and compelling. Definitely worth the read!
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Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. Bloodshot is property of Valiant Comics. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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