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Ivar, Timewalker
Ivar, Timewalker, Vol. 2: Breaking History
A little confused by time travel? Don't worry, these guys don't really understand it either. So they're breaking history! With the universe on the brink of destruction, Ivar must turn to his closest relatives - Armstrong and Gilad Anni-Padda - to save Neela Sethi from the machinations of the Prometheans! The problem? These three guys couldn't be further apart. Time doesn't heal all wounds as the assault on Oblivi-1 begins!
Join New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong) and rising star Francis Portela (Green Lantern Corps) as they kick off the next volume of the series that io9 calls "impressively shocking!"
Collecting: Ivar, Timewalker 5-8
Join New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong) and rising star Francis Portela (Green Lantern Corps) as they kick off the next volume of the series that io9 calls "impressively shocking!"
Collecting: Ivar, Timewalker 5-8
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
About the author
Fred Van Lente
1,385 books323 followersFred Van Lente is the New York Times-bestselling author of comics as varied as Archer & Armstrong (Harvey Award nominee, Best Series), Taskmaster, MODOK's 11, Amazing Spider-Man, Conan the Avenger, Weird Detective, and Cowboys & Aliens (upon which the 2011 movie was based), as well as the novels Ten Dead Comedians and The Con Artist.
Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers!, The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).
He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats.
Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers!, The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).
He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 27, 2018
Breaking History was another fun and wacky volume of Ivar, with the bonus of both of his brothers coming along (reluctantly) for the ride.
The characters in this are so interesting that it makes me want to go back and see what I can find with some of the older material. Especially Neela!
I mean, future Neela is kind of an asshole, but her younger self is kinda awesome.
I don't know how to explain this thing, other than to say it's a really fun take on the time-travel genre. Most of the things I hate about these sorts of stories are fixed with the sheer level of irreverence that this title has for things like the Butterfly Effect.
Time travel is fun now! <--What? Yes! Crazy but true.
The characters in this are so interesting that it makes me want to go back and see what I can find with some of the older material. Especially Neela!
I mean, future Neela is kind of an asshole, but her younger self is kinda awesome.
I don't know how to explain this thing, other than to say it's a really fun take on the time-travel genre. Most of the things I hate about these sorts of stories are fixed with the sheer level of irreverence that this title has for things like the Butterfly Effect.
Time travel is fun now! <--What? Yes! Crazy but true.
March 2, 2018
Bullet Review:
Ivar teams up with his pesky siblings to try to retrieve Neela. Neela meets Future!Neela and invents time travel.
Now that I wrote that out, it sounds incredibly dry and boring (perhaps I'm missing a career in sapping the life of out everything meaningful and worthwhile), but I don't feel like it was all that bad. Sure, I hate Ivar, I hate the fact that Ivar steals Neela all over the world and suddenly it's twoo wub, but eh. I read Casanova Quinn, which was equally (if not more) convoluted, so this wasn't too bad.
Volume 3, here we come!
Ivar teams up with his pesky siblings to try to retrieve Neela. Neela meets Future!Neela and invents time travel.
Now that I wrote that out, it sounds incredibly dry and boring (perhaps I'm missing a career in sapping the life of out everything meaningful and worthwhile), but I don't feel like it was all that bad. Sure, I hate Ivar, I hate the fact that Ivar steals Neela all over the world and suddenly it's twoo wub, but eh. I read Casanova Quinn, which was equally (if not more) convoluted, so this wasn't too bad.
Volume 3, here we come!
August 24, 2023
Un poco menos divertido qye el primer tomo, pero se mantiene bien.
March 3, 2017
I really enjoy these books, but I'd recommend reading the volumes close together. I waited a while between 1 and 2 and couldn't figure out what was going on half of the time.
October 12, 2020
It’s always a strange experience; enjoying something while simultaneously having no clue what the fuck is going on... but here we are!
This is fun and cool. I definitely liked it. The sci fi babble was a bit wooooo for me, but I still recommend it. The characters become more interesting here than in the last volume, there are some good laughs, the art rules and I could glean enough from the weird plot to remain invested. This is a clever series, but I may need to read it again on some adderol or something so I can “get it” better.
This is fun and cool. I definitely liked it. The sci fi babble was a bit wooooo for me, but I still recommend it. The characters become more interesting here than in the last volume, there are some good laughs, the art rules and I could glean enough from the weird plot to remain invested. This is a clever series, but I may need to read it again on some adderol or something so I can “get it” better.
September 2, 2016
An intriguing, time-bending tale about saving the future about a time traveler and the woman who invented time travel. Or something like that. Things get complicated and the phrase "saving yourself from yourself" comes to mind. This is very timey-wimey, wibbly wobbly" in the vernacular of Doctor Who. Ivar gets his brothers involved in an attempt to save Neela from her future self before history is destroyed. Like Neela, I keep feeling we're not being told everything, but that just adds to the appeal. I want to know more about what's truly going on.
March 17, 2017
The fast-paced and very funny story continues with some more characters, plenty of (probably fictitious) tech stuff, great dialogue and gorgeous art. Really, why wouldn't you read this comic?
Neela is taken by her future self to Oblivi-1, an orbital city at the end of time, to continue her research.
Meanwhile, Ivar enlists his brothers Gilad and Armstrong to help him save Neela, but he doesn't tell them that they are both in his plans as they hate each other.
Neela is taken by her future self to Oblivi-1, an orbital city at the end of time, to continue her research.
Meanwhile, Ivar enlists his brothers Gilad and Armstrong to help him save Neela, but he doesn't tell them that they are both in his plans as they hate each other.
December 29, 2021
3.5 Stars. Quite enjoyed this one and looking forward to how it all wraps up.
January 31, 2018
After a flying start in the first volume, Ivar, Timewalker takes a stumble as it spends far too long setting up a plan that takes one issue to execute. I think this is the first time I've seen writing for the trade affect a Valiant title, especially since they're only four issues usually.
Ivar pulls together his other immortal brothers, the Eternal Warrior and Armstrong, in order to help him rescue Neela from Oblivi-1. Hijinks ensue. It's fun to see these three characters together, since it doesn't happen often. In fact, the last time I think it happened was during Archer & Armstrong, which was oddly enough written by Fred Van Lente. I sense a pattern here.
But their brotherly bickering can only go so far when the plot seems to be spinning its wheels for the middle two issues. Once assembled, the three characters seem to take ages to do anything, and then everything goes wrong/right in the final issue as Neela's discovery comes full circle, and the ultimate reveal behind Oblivi-1 and the future Neela comes to light (again, building off of Archer & Armstrong stuff) for a huge cliffhanger that leads into the final arc of the book.
Francis Portela slides into art duties easily, with similar visuals to Clayton Henry if a little less polished in terms of facial expressions. Andrew Dalhouse's colours feel a bit too peppy at times though, which can be a bit distracting.
A solid continuation, but it feels an issue or two too long.
Ivar pulls together his other immortal brothers, the Eternal Warrior and Armstrong, in order to help him rescue Neela from Oblivi-1. Hijinks ensue. It's fun to see these three characters together, since it doesn't happen often. In fact, the last time I think it happened was during Archer & Armstrong, which was oddly enough written by Fred Van Lente. I sense a pattern here.
But their brotherly bickering can only go so far when the plot seems to be spinning its wheels for the middle two issues. Once assembled, the three characters seem to take ages to do anything, and then everything goes wrong/right in the final issue as Neela's discovery comes full circle, and the ultimate reveal behind Oblivi-1 and the future Neela comes to light (again, building off of Archer & Armstrong stuff) for a huge cliffhanger that leads into the final arc of the book.
Francis Portela slides into art duties easily, with similar visuals to Clayton Henry if a little less polished in terms of facial expressions. Andrew Dalhouse's colours feel a bit too peppy at times though, which can be a bit distracting.
A solid continuation, but it feels an issue or two too long.
January 23, 2016
Ivar breaks its Doctor Who mold, for better or worse. The story of the first arc expands into what is now clearly a trilogy of adventures, this second of which features a very different atmosphere than the first. The Valiant U is locked into the book, introducing yet another version of the Null for Ivar to go toe-to-toe with. The leads, Ivar and Sethi, are apart most of the book, so we're missing the charming interactions and flirtations between the two that made the first volume so special. The chemistry is notably lacking, but almost made up for in Gilad's and Armstrong's presence. Breaking History is still fun, and a solid Valiant title, with lots of great threads I look forward to seeing tied up in volume three.
December 19, 2016
Neela gets captured by the Mistress of a doomsday cult that seeks to destroy the universe (um. why?) Spoiler alert, the Mistress is Ivar and his brothers mount an assault on the Mistress's space-fortress-at-the-end-of-the-universe, to rescue Neela, or stop the cult, or something. It's unclear. But it's entertaining (if contrived) that Amelia Earhart is along for the ride.
Same overly zany tone as volume one. same nonsensical science-but-not-really mumbo jumbo.
Two thirds of the way through the trilogy and the bad guys still have no recognizable motivation. I get the sense that all of this is just pasted together so that Van Lente can show off his wisecracking chops.
Same overly zany tone as volume one. same nonsensical science-but-not-really mumbo jumbo.
Two thirds of the way through the trilogy and the bad guys still have no recognizable motivation. I get the sense that all of this is just pasted together so that Van Lente can show off his wisecracking chops.
June 26, 2016
Gave it a 3 at first, then came back and gave it a 4 after reading Vol 3. This one may seem lacking something at first read, but its relevance becomes clear after completing the whole series.
April 5, 2021
The second entry in the Ivar Timewalker book is an improvement, as we get a better sense of this story's protagon...antagoni...lead character. Not Ivar, but his scientist protoge.
We also get to spend some time with Armstrong and The Eternal Warrior, whose combined presence definitely enhances the continuing time travel saga. You really don't have to have read any of the other Valiant books to follow this story, but it is a little more fun if you've read some of Archer & Armstrong, Volume 1: The Michelangelo Code and Eternal Warrior, Volume 1: Sword of the Wild.
We also get to spend some time with Armstrong and The Eternal Warrior, whose combined presence definitely enhances the continuing time travel saga. You really don't have to have read any of the other Valiant books to follow this story, but it is a little more fun if you've read some of Archer & Armstrong, Volume 1: The Michelangelo Code and Eternal Warrior, Volume 1: Sword of the Wild.
May 20, 2026
Vol 2 splits Neela and Ivar apart, and the book slightly suffered for it.
There was something about their relationship that kinda held up the first volume quite nicely. I didn't notice it until I read vol 2. This one actually has Ivar's two immortal brothers join Ivar as he tries to rescue Neela from her future self. ...comics - am I right? And while the banter between the brothers was great - the last issue where the conclusion clashes all characters together - really highlighted that their relationship is the heart of the book.
I also wanted to shout out the art by Francis Portela as it really fits the tone of the story. The art looked solid in vol 1 but this volume kind of ups the ante a bit. I think Portela has a great storytelling ability and interesting panel choices that make the book work.
This had some big happening at the end... and maybe the end of a certain character... so Im eager to see how the book moves forward from here!
There was something about their relationship that kinda held up the first volume quite nicely. I didn't notice it until I read vol 2. This one actually has Ivar's two immortal brothers join Ivar as he tries to rescue Neela from her future self. ...comics - am I right? And while the banter between the brothers was great - the last issue where the conclusion clashes all characters together - really highlighted that their relationship is the heart of the book.
I also wanted to shout out the art by Francis Portela as it really fits the tone of the story. The art looked solid in vol 1 but this volume kind of ups the ante a bit. I think Portela has a great storytelling ability and interesting panel choices that make the book work.
This had some big happening at the end... and maybe the end of a certain character... so Im eager to see how the book moves forward from here!
May 24, 2020
That's more like it.
After the subpar first volume, Fred Van Lente and crew bring the title up to respectable levels with Volume Two. As with Volume One there are two reasons for the grade it's receiving:
1) The Brothers Anni-Padda are back. Man, I love to see the interaction between these characters. Very enjoyable and it pretty much redeems all aspects of the book.
2) Less Neela -- or least, she's toned down considerably from Volume 1. I'm still not buying the whole love angle w/ these two. I find it hard to accept that either one of these characters would be remotely interested in each other -- beyond each being a kind of means to an end. But really, the book hasn't invested the kind of relationship capital necessary.
So, maybe this is more of a 3.5, but it was such a bounce-back from the muddled Volume 1 that it deserves the push.
After the subpar first volume, Fred Van Lente and crew bring the title up to respectable levels with Volume Two. As with Volume One there are two reasons for the grade it's receiving:
1) The Brothers Anni-Padda are back. Man, I love to see the interaction between these characters. Very enjoyable and it pretty much redeems all aspects of the book.
2) Less Neela -- or least, she's toned down considerably from Volume 1. I'm still not buying the whole love angle w/ these two. I find it hard to accept that either one of these characters would be remotely interested in each other -- beyond each being a kind of means to an end. But really, the book hasn't invested the kind of relationship capital necessary.
So, maybe this is more of a 3.5, but it was such a bounce-back from the muddled Volume 1 that it deserves the push.
August 11, 2022
If the GIF 'samajh Nehi Aya but sunke achcha laga' was a book. A lot more techno bable but despite that packs more punch and more emotional beats.
Although i didnt find it as fast paced as volume 1. A little trimming of proverbial 'time-paradox' fat needed to be trimmed. And the whole temporal loop gimmick becomes played out after a while.
Although i didnt find it as fast paced as volume 1. A little trimming of proverbial 'time-paradox' fat needed to be trimmed. And the whole temporal loop gimmick becomes played out after a while.
June 4, 2017
Oh, why did I read this? It's a story about time travel (usually a bad idea), and moreover, it seems to be part of a larger "universe" of comics by Valiant (the publisher). Still, it is fairly self-contained, but ultimately I cannot recommend it.
May 10, 2017
This fun time-travel adventure continues with fun twists and excitement. Looking forward to volume 3.
June 19, 2019
Confused
This book confused me even more than the last one. The sense of adventure is still there, the action is also great too, but I'm struggling to keep it all straight.
This book confused me even more than the last one. The sense of adventure is still there, the action is also great too, but I'm struggling to keep it all straight.
March 7, 2020
Reseña pendiente
July 31, 2016
Breaking History (5-8). This is very much the other half of the arc begun in volume one of Ivar, and it's much more heavily focused on moving the plot toward its inevitable conclusion. The result isn't quite as amazing as its predecessor, but this book is still a lot of fun.
To start with, we get some more nice timey-wimeyness in issue #5. Yeah, it's not as important as the awesomeness that was issue #4, but it might be just a little more surprising. Then we get three issues of all three brothers together. This is always cool in any VH universe, but Van Lante writes it well and with lots of humor.
The actual story is perfectly OK. Threat to the multiverse. Yadayadayada. However this book really succeeds based on its strong characters and good writing. [7/10]
To start with, we get some more nice timey-wimeyness in issue #5. Yeah, it's not as important as the awesomeness that was issue #4, but it might be just a little more surprising. Then we get three issues of all three brothers together. This is always cool in any VH universe, but Van Lante writes it well and with lots of humor.
The actual story is perfectly OK. Threat to the multiverse. Yadayadayada. However this book really succeeds based on its strong characters and good writing. [7/10]
September 29, 2016
A fun, fast-paced story where the title character, Ivar, has to team up with his two brothers Armstrong and the Eternal Warrior to save the universe from his vengeful ex. Or a future version of her. It's a time travel story, where they have to rescue a woman from herself in a more literal manner, and also deal with nanite warriors and projectile vomiting as a means of locomotion.
It's fun!
It's fun!
November 29, 2015
Excellentl
November 13, 2015
The brothers are back together....and history is never going to be the same.
Love me some Fred Van Lente writing in the Valiant universe.
Love me some Fred Van Lente writing in the Valiant universe.
November 14, 2015
REALLY digging this series. Have I mentioned that yet? Time travel paradoxes, what more can you ask for?! Bring on volume 3!
January 6, 2016
All The good Stuff comes from the interaction of the brothers. The time traveling or Ivar related not as much. Thou it did make me want to read the next volume.
January 10, 2016
3.5 stars
March 1, 2017
This is a really fun book, still my favorite Valiant title probably.
April 10, 2016
This was kind of fun and I want to know what happens but I can't help but feel as though this is too short. Probably the whole series should be in one decently sized book.
June 5, 2016
Once you get into the story, it's a fantastic mind-screw. Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff has nothing on this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews