Divinity III: Stalinverse #1 (Comics) Preview

The Valiant Universe is about to be shoved aside. In its place? The Stalinverse.

What if the Soviet’s had taken over the world?

That’s the question that Stalinverse poses, and it’s a pretty unique one. Most of the time, when we get alt-universes, they involve Nazis after all, so to have the red menace as the villain here is pretty cool. Not that this is an ‘alternate universe’ in the strictest sense, since Valiant has said that it’s the same Valiant U that you know. It’s just that something has happened to shift it. Presumably, that ‘something’ has to do with Divinity, who’s still oddly absent from the previews and promo shots. Interesting.

In any event, what Valiant is doing with the theme is pretty awesome. Also awesome is what that theme is doing in return. Valiant’s biggest heroes are now Soviet heroes. They’ve been changed by the timeline shift into brutal versions of what they were. Well, for some of them, more brutal versions is probably more accurate.

Here’s a peek at what’s in store for the first issue of Divinity III: Stalinverse, brought to you by Matt Kindt, Trevor Hairsine, Ryan Winn, and David Baron.

On December 21st, the sold-out sci-fi saga that redefined the Valiant Universe begins a reality-shattering comics event that will collide the world’s most formidable heroes with a disturbing new vision… One where a worldwide Soviet empire now rules a world order… The Iron Curtain extends across continents, shattering governments and armies in its wake… And the communist global super-state rules not only with an iron fist, but with powers far beyond the comprehension of mortal men.

Earth has a new god. The world you know is gone. Welcome to the Stalinverse, comrade.

Kommandar Bloodshot

Of course, that’s not all. Since the whole universe is shifting to the red, you best believe that Valiant’s other books will be affected too. And that starts with Bloodshot and X-O Manowar. In the case of Bloodshot, well you saw him in the preview above. He’s uh… he’s not very nice apparently. Less than usual, I mean.

He’s put down protests, led the purge of political undesirables, and executed dozens of traitors to the Soviet super-state. His name is KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT…and his existence is a hushed whisper among the terrified populace of the 21st century’s global Soviet Union. But just who is this unrelenting enforcer of state superiority… and what is the shocking truth about his power, his allegiances, and his true identity?

Don’t miss the shocking twists and turmoil that await in DIVINITY III: KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT #1 – featuring an iron-clad line of covers from Clayton Crain (Carnage), Ryan Bodenheim (The Dying & The Dead), Greg Smallwood (Moon Knight), TrevorHairsine (DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE), and Kano (Daredevil)!

Kommandar Bloodshot #1 lands on the racks on December 21st from the team of Jeff Lemire and Clayton Crain. There’ll be a nice spread of variant covers too, which is always nice. Expect alt-cover art from stars like Clayton Crain, Ryan Bodenheim, Greg Smallwood, Trevor Hairsine, and Kano.

Aric: Son of the Revolution

And what about Aric, you ask? Well his might be the most interesting tale of all. It seems that, even though is origin is intact from the standard Valiant U, Aric is now a full-fledged believer in the State. Though, from the sound of the preview, that might change. And there’ll be hell to pay if it does.

From bustling urban centers to the collective farms of the countryside, men, women, and children alike all idolize the same hero of the global Soviet republic: ARIC, SON OF THE REVOLUTION! Returned to Earth from the stars with the ultimate nuclear deterrent – the indestructible X-O Manowar armor – the champion of socialism has singlehandedly consolidated the state’s military and political superiority at home and abroad. But when a surprise attack from the Deadside shines an untoward light on the modern-day Soviet Union’s darkest secret, will Aric pursue his mission…or justice for the quiet dead of an empire’s oppression?

Joe Harris and David Lafuente will bring this “empire-breaking tale of sins, secrets, and tragedy” to you on January the 18th. One not to be missed, it certainly seems. Plenty of variants coming for this one too, from the likes of Clayton Crain, Diego Bernard, CAFU, Trevor Hairsine, and Kano.