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| Armorclads #2 Cover B by LIVIO RAMONDELLI |
Spoiler Alert: If you have not yet read Armorclads #1, please do so before reading this review!
Armorclads #2 begins with the miners' compound under siege. Any of the genetically engineered teens who dreamed of restructuring the stratified Alphan society must think again.
The dark, moody sky signals the brewing trouble ahead.
The spikes jutting from the dome, and the armored ground level, remind us how dangerous Xeru can be.
The art also gives us a view from inside the mechs--either the the soldier-class armor, or what they call the heavy cruisers. (Presumably, the latter are what Sam referred to as god-suits in Armorclads #1). This targeting-view neatly re-introduces us to the members of the mining community we know best, and reminds us that not all Armorclads actually spend their days extracting the precious substance known as the Pure from the rocky caverns on Xeru.
The stated ages beg the question of the miners' cost to Alphan society. Are the genetically engineered miners birthed as babies? If so, how long did the Alphans have to care for their needs as they aged and were trained in their skills?
In Armorclads #1, Sergeant Troy maintained that Sam's life wasn't worth the risk of losing another Ironclad suit. Does this mean that the miners are born as young teens, and somehow gifted with the knowledge and skills they need? If so, does the age signify their equivalent age (when compared with the Alphans), or like the replicants in Blade Runner, their years of service?
Their appearance certainly matches the ages listed.
The artists build mood, drama, and tension into every scene.
The characters are expressive, and drawn consistently well.
Armorclads #2 makes clear that the Alphans are quick to stamp out the sparks of any potential insurrection.
One miner's decisions can have implications for all Armorclads in an entire base.
When danger threatens, the colorist and letterer work hand-in-hand to foreshadow this. Show, don't tell, is their watchword.
Armorclads #2 reveals more of the dangers that threaten the Alphans and their precious mining operation on Xeru. The scene below casts additional light on what happened to the Pure convoy, and explains why Sergeant Troy was so hypervigilant in Armorclads #1.
Even the heavy cruisers, or Sam's so-called god-suits, are vulnerable.
Armorclads #2 opens up the series in unexpected ways. It introduces us to new characters, gives us a fuller understanding of Alphan society, and deepens our knowledge of conditions on Xeru. Thankfully, it leaves plenty of questions to be answered in future issues.
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| Armorclads #2 Cover C by BAGUS HUTOMO |
In issue #1, our characters became heroes. In issue #2, they showcase their abilities and individuality, and flex their hero-muscles. By the end of the issue, they face new dangers, but also, perhaps, new possibilities for the future.
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| Armorclads #2 Pre-order Cover by IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN |
New characters. New dangers. Higher stakes. This Armorclads series--already a winner as of the first issue--just keeps getting better!
Dragon Dave
Armorclads #2 Credits
Created by JJ O'CONNOR
Written by JJ O'CONNOR AND BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Pencils by MANUEL GARCIA
Inks by RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ
Colors by JORDIE BELLAIRE
Letters by DAVE SHARPE
Cover A by BAGUS HUTOMO
Cover B by LIVIO RAMONDELLI
Cover C by BAGUS HUTOMO
Pre-order Cover by IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN
To read my review of Armorclads #1:
Armorclads #1 Review: A Revolutionary Tale
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