Archer and Armstrong #12 Review
“500 Shades of Greys”
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Art: Pere Perez
Colors: David Baron
Letters: Simon Bowland
Covers: Emanuela Lupacchino and Juan Doe
Review by Scott Keys
Archer and Armstrong continues to straddle the line between buddy comedy and action movie, and it certainly is a fun ride!
Van Lente’s dialogue is hilarious and snarky (in a good way), and I love the fact that General Redacted’s dialogue is actually redacted, a nice touch! Another great scene is Obie talking to his “followers” from the future as they have a conversation and know what Obie is going to say. Very Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and I like that. We also get to see the return of Armstrong’s brother Ivan, who might have let some information on the future slip, but you’ll have to read it, ‘cause I ain’t tellin’. Mr. Van Lente just has the sense of humor that really clicks with me, and I thank him for it.
The art this issue was great as well. Perez has put some real emotion into the artwork, being able to convey the mood of the characters rather well. Be it the stoic looks of Obie’s “followers,” the smirk on Mary-Maria’s face during an argument with Armstrong, or that look at the end (which I won’t spoil), Perez has shown some range this issue. He does a great job with the comedy this issue as well, like when Armstrong is falling from one saucer to the next, are on point. My favorite scene has to be when they put Armstrong in the trebuchet to attack the saucers! Only in a comic book, people.
Archer and Armstrong #12 was another fun issue in this brilliant Valiant relaunch. I can’t wait for the next issue! It has Archer and Armstrong riding dinosaurs…yes, dinosaurs! What more do you want?
Art: 4.5 / 5
Story: 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5
Scott Keys is a father, Butler University grad, pharmacist, and full-time comic nerd. You can follow his adventures around the spinner-rack and his Incoherent Comic Book Ramblings on:
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