With a Bloodshot film currently in development with John Wick directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, Valiant has been putting a lot of effort into making Bloodshot an intriguing character in its comic-book universe. Bringing writer Jeff Lemire on board for the Bloodshot: Reborn ongoing series was an excellent decision by Valiant editorial, and Lemire has taken the character in a new direction that explores the deeper psychological ramifications of his life of violence. One of those ramifications is Bloodsquirt, an adorable little cartoon version of Bloodshot that represents the hero’s worst impulses, and August’s Bloodshot: Reborn #5 takes advantage of Bloodsquirt’s presence to push the narrative into psychedelic visual territory.
Artist Raul Allen joins Lemire for this special “All-Bloodsquirt” issue, and his bold, expressionistic art is a far cry from the hyper-detailed line work of regular series artist Mico Suayan. Allen has created some striking cover images for Valiant, and the visuals in this preview suggest that Valiant should lock down Allen for a regular interior art gig as quickly as possible. Stylistic diversity is something superhero publishers can always use more of, and embracing more distinct artistic voices can only help Valiant become an even bigger presence in superhero comics.