X-O Manowar Part 5: X-O Manowar #4 (May, 1992)

A wizard becomes an emperor in Aric’s eyes, and he encounters more of the gifted of the Valiant Universe.

I have this issue in the X-O Manowar: Retribution Trade Paperback.

Aric learns of Toyo Harada, and that he was behind Sniper’s attack. Harada, realizing that his assumption of the X-O Manowar armor being in possession of a Spider-Alien was incorrect, contacts Aric and Ken on a “table window” (laptop) to make peace and invites Aric to meet him in New Orleans. Aric quickly agrees once he sees that Mardi Gras is in full swing. K’nn warns him that Harada is dangerous, but Aric fears nothing while he has the Good-Skin.

K’nn and Aric arrive in “Nawlins” and meet with Harada. Aric senses that Harada is a powerful emperor, and agrees not to be enemies. With business concluded, Harada takes them to a nearby jazz club where Aric takes in the local music…and liquor.

As the three of them leave the club, they are attacked by four young “wizard-bandits”. Aric attempts to fight them, but the drinks have a stronger effect on him that he thought. He dons the Good-Skin and does enough damage to fend them off. Harada expresses his thanks to Aric and leaves. Aric gives K’nn the Good-Skin and goes off in search of “womens” at Mardi Gras.

Notes of Interest:

1) I’ll start with the obvious – Aric meets Harada for the first time this issue.

2) The “wizard-bandits” are Sting, Flamingo, Zephyr and Torque – also known as Harbinger…who Aric also meets for the first time this issue.

3) We learn that the X-O armor somehow helps Aric recover from the effects of alcohol.

4) The armor is useless against Sting’s telekinesis but it does prevent him from reading Aric’s mind because, as Sting says, “it’s like there are TWO people in there!”

5) Jack Boniface makes a cameo at the jazz club, and so does Lydia – last seen in X-O Manowar #2.

WTF? Moment: Look – I’ve had both this issue and Shadowman #1 for over fifteen years. I knew going into prepping for this review that Jack was playing at the club. I was surprised, however, to see that the woman from Shadowman #1 was also in the audience. But what really floored me? SHE’S THE SAME F**KING WOMAN THAT ARIC STABBED IN X-O MANOWAR #2!!! Talk about a WTF moment…