Wrath of the Eternal Warrior Vol. 2 – Labyrinth (2016)
Wrath of the Eternal Warrior Vol. 2 – Labyrinth (2016)
📚 Genre
Action | Fantasy | Supernatural | Psychological Thriller
🧬 Main Characters
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Gilad Anni-Padda – The Eternal Warrior, an immortal protector chosen by the Earth, burdened with endless duty and eternal resurrection.
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The Dying One – A mysterious and malevolent force responsible for constructing the nightmarish Labyrinth, seeking to break Gilad’s will.
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Geomancer (Kay McHenry) – Though not central in this volume, her spiritual connection to Gilad echoes through his memories and mission.
✍️ Writer
Robert Venditti – Known for his emotionally driven narratives and deep character work, Venditti continues to explore the psychological cost of immortality and duty in this installment.
🎨 Artist
Raúl Allén & Patricia Martín – A stunning artistic duo whose work blends surreal panel layouts, minimalism, and expressive detail to match the narrative's psychological depth.
🧑💼 Editor Details
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Editor: Warren Simons
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Under his guidance, Valiant Comics maintained a consistently mature and tightly interconnected universe, with Wrath of the Eternal Warrior serving as one of its emotional cornerstones.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
Valiant Entertainment
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Imprint: Valiant Universe (Modern Era)
Valiant delivers a grounded, character-first approach to superheroes, and Wrath of the Eternal Warrior is a prime example of their layered storytelling style.
📅 Release Year
2016
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Labyrinth collects issues #5–10 of the Wrath of the Eternal Warrior series.
🧩 Brief Plot Summary
After surviving the afterlife in Volume 1, Gilad Anni-Padda is once again thrust into the harsh realities of his immortal servitude. But this time, he is not sent to war — he is trapped. Imprisoned in a meticulously constructed underground Labyrinth designed to exploit his every weakness, Gilad is psychologically and physically torn apart in an endless cycle of death and rebirth.
Each corridor of the Labyrinth is crafted to strip away layers of his identity — as a father, a soldier, and a servant of the Earth. Battling hunger, pain, hallucinations, and despair, Gilad begins to question the very nature of his duty. Is eternal service a curse rather than an honor? Can the Earth truly care for a warrior it constantly condemns to suffer?
🔥 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Labyrinth Arc – A haunting and introspective story that transforms a supernatural war comic into a psychological character study.
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Cycle of Death and Resurrection – The recurring theme of death, rebirth, and endurance is intensified, highlighting Gilad’s broken psyche and unrelenting spirit.
🤯 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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The Labyrinth as a Metaphor – Many fans interpret the Labyrinth not just as a physical prison but as a representation of Gilad’s internal conflict. Some speculate it mirrors his growing resentment toward his immortal burden and the Earth’s indifference.
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The Dying One’s Role – A few theories suggest that The Dying One's motives are rooted not in domination but in revealing to Gilad the futility of his eternal war — challenging the very system that empowers him.
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Breaking the Cycle – Is this the beginning of Gilad choosing his own path instead of blindly obeying the Earth’s will? Some believe this arc marks the spiritual rebirth of the Eternal Warrior — no longer just a weapon.
📝 Review Summary
Wrath of the Eternal Warrior: Labyrinth is a masterclass in blending brutal action with deep existential introspection. 💥🧠 The writing by Venditti is both poetic and punishing, delving into the emotional decay of a man burdened with endless purpose. The art by Allén and Martín is minimalist yet hauntingly effective, using negative space, fragmented layouts, and visual symbolism to communicate trauma and isolation.
Character development is potent — Gilad becomes more than an immortal warrior; he becomes a symbol of perseverance, heartbreak, and the search for meaning beyond duty. This volume challenges genre conventions and elevates the Valiant Universe with a quiet yet thunderous power.
💬 For fans of deep character studies wrapped in mythic violence and soul-searching drama, this volume is an unforgettable journey.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
