X-O Manowar #2

X-O Manowar #2 was published in 1992 by Valiant Comics as part of the launch of a new shared superhero universe. Created by Jim Shooter, Steve Englehart, and Bob Layton, the series introduced Aric of Dacia, a Visigoth warrior abducted by aliens who returns to the modern era bonded to a sentient, high-tech suit of armor. The comic was designed to blend historical fantasy with science fiction tropes, establishing the character as a cornerstone of the burgeoning Valiant line during the early nineties independent comics boom.

The artwork for the early issues was handled by Bob Layton, whose style was instrumental in defining the visual language of the character and the armor's alien aesthetic. The series was well-received upon its release, noted for its high production values and its clever inversion of the standard superhero origin story. It effectively captured the interest of readers looking for alternatives to the dominant major publishers, helping Valiant secure a dedicated fan base during its most influential era.