Rai #10, out December 16th, concludes this chapter of Dan Abnetts science-fiction saga in the Valiant Universe. Art duties on this issue are split between Juan Jos Ryp and Beni Lobel, while Andrew Dalhouse and Dave Sharpe retain their respective coloring and lettering roles.

Within Rai #10 is a lot of anticipation both for whats in the story and whats to come afterwards. The opening pages call back to a conflict that stirs issues past, a conflict with technology and indifference. One of Rai and Raijins inner conflicts comes from how they want to live like humans, but they cant deny that theyre part of their creators hold on the world. That same creator is a threat so severe that Lula has to abort her task on helping Bloodshot. But both conflicts come together near the end that will undoubtedly have the reader question the morality of the situation. Can beings of technology like Bloodshot and the cyborg brothers really live alongside organics? Or will they only destroy the memory of people like Rais companion Alice? Abnett leaves these questions in the air for the reader as the issue announces Rais return.

Ryp illustrates most of Rai #10, giving the action scenes a lot weight to movements. The use of afterimages displays Rais speed and strength above the average positronic android. Its why the fight with Fusion is so notable, as every one of their movements can be followed by their body language. Theres no artistic licensing, just movements that the reader can follow to find the impact. Given the speed that Rai can go at, it makes the impact blows all the more impressive.

Then theres Lobel, whose simpler art style contrasts with Ryps ultra definition. The two pages of Lobels art makes the fight from before lose half of its impact. Unlike before when each move looks telegraphed to give weight, the blows in these pages substantiate on speed lines on the borders; its almost like Rai and Fusion are rushing rather than fighting. Fortunately, the coloring by Dalhouse makes up for this by retaining the definition throughout. In Ryps fight scene, a splash of red heightens the impact of a kick by highlighting the speed its traveling. Then, in Lobels scene, the wrinkles of a coat are visible without lining and a glimmer of light of a sword. Its that kind of consistency in color that allows readers to follow through despite Rai #10s sudden shift in artwork.

Sharpes lettering gives impact in every page and panel in Rai #10. Making use of his stock wordmark images, the little changes make each action feel unique. Even the grunts in Rai and Fusions fight leads to the intensity of their battle. All of this leads to one wordmark that looks in dedication to a splash page marking the end of their fight. Sharpe also takes the opportunity to give characters a distinctive voice through fonts and word balloon coloring. Fusions classic font implies an older dialect, while Bloodfathers red outlined word balloons gives off his fierce and commanding voice. Each word and little noise feels authentic and gives every moment twice as much impact.

After such a climatic battle and major developments, readers have to wonder whats next. Everyone involved in Rai #10 puts so much work and dedication to their craft, it feels shameful to leave things on a cliffhanger. Only time will tell what the next saga of the Valiant Universes future will display. But until then readers will be pleased with this chapter opening new possibilities.

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