The Geomancer Faces An Intergalactic Threat In Incursion #1

Beyond the margins of human reason lies a realm known as the Deadside, where the souls of the dearly departed linger – and where demons wait for us in the dark. For countless ages, Earth’s chosen protectors have guarded the veil between both worlds – but there are other doors to the Deadside, through which gruesome terrors from galaxies untold can trespass… With the planet’s freedom at stake, can the reigning Geomancer and her steadfast Eternal Warrior stand together against an invasion unlike any they’ve ever witnessed?
From celebrated writer Andy Diggle (Shadowman), rising star Alex Paknadel (Friendo), and legendary artist Doug Braithwaite (X-O Manowar) comes a story that will rock the Valiant Universe across dimensions!

The newest installment of Eternal Warrior lore, Incursion #1 introduces a new threat in Imperatrix Virago, the “Mother of Blight.” Virago feeds on the life force of entire planets to maintain her beauty and immortality. Sound familiar? Almost that exact plot line has played out in countless fairy tales, in countless languages, over countless centuries.  

Having just finished consuming the last embers of life from one planet “somewhere in the Cignus Galaxy,” Imperatrix Virago has set her sights on Earth, specifically on Tama the Geomancer. To a being that requires the life forces of entire planets to subsist, what better asset than a being who can manipulate nature? Standing (briefly) between the Empress and her conquest is Gilad, the Eternal Warrior.

I feel it’s important to state, I am not very familiar with the Eternal Warrior series. That being said, Incursion was a very easy story to get into. Andy Diggle and Alex Paknadel introduce a valid, terrifying threat, and then throw it at an established ‘verse to see what sticks. The dynamic between Tama and Gilad is easy enough to sort. Tama is the guardian of the Earth and its living inhabitants. Being a child (or very childlike?), she requires the protection and service of this Warrior fella. Sorted.

This is a beautiful book. The art team of Doug Braithwaite, Jose Villarrubia, and Diego Rodriguez brings an elegance and nuanced flair to the devastation of an entire planet. Braithwaite’s pencils are soft, almost delicate, but the definition is remarkable. The palette(s) of Jose Villarrubia and Diego Rodriguez highlight the differences between the exotic alien landscapes and characters and the mundane Earthbound scenes, but maintain a consistency that ties the whole thing together.

As a complete newbie to the Eternal Warrior/Geomancer lore, I had no trouble accessing this story. Without any foreknowledge whatsoever, it’s an interesting book. It’s also obvious this is a small piece of a much bigger picture. Makes me want to pick up the next chapter, but I also probably wouldn’t mind going back further into the trades to get a better idea of exactly what the hell is going on.

Incursion #1 (of 4), Valiant Entertainment, released 20 February 2019. Written by Andy Diggle and Alex Paknadel, pencils by Doug Braithwaite, color by Jose Villarrubia and Diego Rodriguez, letters by Marshall Dillon.