Review: X-O Manowar #1 (Valiant Beyond)

By Nolan P. Smith

Editor | Pastrami Nation

Aric of Dacia is back—and this relaunch hits with the force you want from an X-O Manowar #1. Steve Orlando wastes no time putting Aric and Shanhara into a harsh, post-apocalyptic stretch of terrain where survival and honor collide. The setup is lean and welcoming for new readers, but seasoned fans will enjoy the classic push-pull between an ancient warrior’s code and a world that doesn’t care.

The hook this time centers on a roadside rescue that spirals into a larger conflict with a brutal faction called the Earthborn. It’s a simple entry point that works: get Aric off the ground, test his resolve, and hint at a wider map without drowning us in lore. Orlando’s script gives Aric a firm voice—measured, stubborn, and just a bit haunted—and keeps the banter with Shanhara sharp enough to add more.

On art, Guillermo Fajardo brings grit and readability. Fights are kinetic and easy to follow, and the armor looks heavy in the best way—every blast and gauntlet swing has weight. The landscapes feel hostile and lived-in, which sells the “legend in a wasteland” vibe this debut is chasing. The result is a book that balances spectacle with clarity—always a win for X-O.

Some beats are familiar—wanderer hero, besieged family, ominous warlord—but the execution is crisp, and the final pages promise bigger stakes ahead. This new-reader friendly, punchy, and confident debut balances what makes X-O Manowar tick.

Bottom line: A strong, accessible jump-on that respects the armor’s legacy while charting a tougher, dustier path forward. I’m in for the ride. I am so thrilled that X-O Manowar is back! 

Rating: 4.5 Pastrami Nations of 5.