Description

X-O Manowar: Birth                                                 Sealed Hardcover
Writers: Steve Englehart, Jorge González, Bob Layton Sr. & Jim Shooter
Artists: Sean Chen, Mike Leeke, Mike Manley, Joe Quesada, Sal Velluto & Barry Windsor-Smith
Inkers: Kathryn Bolinger, Ted Halsted, Jimmy Palmiotti & Thomas ‘Tom’ Ryder
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Cover by: Sean Chen & Bob Layton Sr.

Aric, a fifth century Visigoth barbarian, is captured by spider aliens and enslaved aboard their starship. A fellow prisoner carves a map into his hand that leads to the spider aliens ultimate weapon the X-O Manowar armor. Aric fights his way to the sentient armor and escapes back to Earth with it only to find that 1600 years have passed. He is now the most primitive man on the planet, yet he wields the most technologically advanced weapon in existence! As the spider aliens begin their invasion of Earth, Aric struggles to adapt to his new home the modern world – and prepare for the battle where he can finally seek vengeance against his inhuman captors!

Collected here for the first time is the epic origin story of one of comics most popular heroes. Truly one of the finest creative collaborations in comics by legendary creators Bob Layton, Jim Shooter, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Joe Quesada. This hardcover includes an all-new The Rise of Lydia story written by Bob Layton (Iron Man) and illustrated by original Valiant creator Mike Leeke (H.A.R.D. Corps) and a behind-the-scenes look at X-O Manowar #0 by Joe Quesada and Jorge Gonzalez.

Story/Spoilers
In part #0, How did Aric of Dacia become a slave to the Spider-Aliens? At what terrible cost was the X-O Manowar armor made? And how did Aric come to find himself in the modern day?

Next in part #1, Escaping captivity aboard a Spider-Alien starship, Aric, the Visigoth, steals the aliens’ greatest weapon: the Manowar Class X-O Armor! Returning to Earth, Aric is dismayed to find that 1600 years have passed – it’s a whole new world! Befriended by Ken Clarkson, Aric must learn to cope with a new society. But the aliens are hot on his trail, eager to reclaim the devastating armor known to Aric as the “Good Skin”!

Next in part #2, Even as Aric and Ken strive to consolidate their new corporate empire, Toyo Harada dispatches the bionic assassin, Sniper, to slay the armored alien seen recently in New York. When Sniper confronts Aric, Harada realizes that this armored warrior is no alien when he shows concern for the injured bystanders! Ordering Sniper to withdraw, Harada ponders how to deal with this powerful new entity.

Next in part #3, Pursued by Spider Alien forces, Aric must protect his injured friend, Ken, who has lost a hand to alien laser-fire. But, in the battle, Ken is abducted by Aric’s foes! Aric follows Ken’s trail to the alien-owned Orb Industries office in New York. There, Lydia, a genetically-enhanced Spider Alien, tried to seduce Aric and take, by guile, what no power can wrest from him. But Aric beats her trap and seizes Orb as his spoils-of-war!

Next in part #4, Agreeing to meet with Toyo Harada, Aric and Ken travel to New Orleans. Learning of this rendezvous, the Harbinger kids also go to New Orleans, hoping to kill their nemesis, Harada! As Aric and Harada toast their mutual respect, the Harbingers suddenly attack. Donning his armor, the drunken Aric is too much for the kids to handle, and they swiftly retreat. Harada thanks Aric, even as he plans to use the barbarian as his pawn.

Next in part #5, Impatient with the complexities of the modern world, Aric wants little to do with running Ord Industries. Ken, on the other hand, loves his new wealth and power, and plots to kill Aric, taking the Armor for himself. But Ken lacks the nerve and is terrified when Aric realizes is treachery! Aric leaves, sparing Ken, only to have both Ken and the Armor snatched by Ax. But, Ax is about to learn just how harshly Aric deals with bandits!

Finally in part #6, As Aric attacks Ax’s cyborgs, Ax dons his own alien battle-armor. The ensuing fight leads from air to sea, to an island where Ax’s scrambler paralyzes Aric’s armor. But he sheds the Good Skin and still bests Ax! Aric spares Ax’s life, exchanging him for Ken. But Ken still cannot be trusted, so Aric replaces Ken’s severed hand with an extension of the armor that will slay Ken should he ever betray Aric again!

Hardcover reprints/collects: X-O Manowar (1992 – 1993) Issues #0-6.  Valiant Comics

Hardcover is bagged and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly. 

First Printing
Publisher: Valiant Comics
Publication Date: April 2008
Format: FC, 192 pages, HC, 10.25″ x 6.75″
ISBN-10: 0979640911
ISBN-13: 9780979640919

Collectible Entertainment note: Hardcover is Brand New & Factory Sealed.  Very Fine + condition.  Beautiful!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious X-O Manowar collector and/or enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Very Highly Recommended.

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