What happens after a mission goes completely FUBAR? With Sam and SGT Troy dead, the Major is determined to get to the bottom of what went wrong in Outpost 12. With the Outpost split up, the fates of several Ironclad workers hang in the balance as the mystery of Alpharon continues to build. In Armorclads #2, can our disenfranchised heroes claim agency and take back some measure of control?
I had a distinct feeling of familiarity when reading the first few pages of this book, and it wasn’t until I opened the first issue that I realized why; I’d forgotten I had read the first five or so pages on a free preview. That said, it wasn’t an unpleasant experience getting the refresher (it just wasn’t my most observant moment, honestly was it?). Despite my constant claim of not preferring sci fi/space based stories in comics, I find myself enjoying the opening of Armorclads quite a bit. JJ O’Connor and Brian Buccalleto are consistent from the previous issue, and carry that comic’s spirit of a middle finger raised in an anti-corporate salute. This issue sees the lowly Armorclads at the mercy of military justice after they left their commanding officer to die (in their defence the officer’s unwilling sacrifice did allow the others to survive), and they end up facing a not entirely dissimilar situation – while it makes sense within the context of the comic, I’m hoping that the pattern doesn’t repeat for a third issue because that could easily lead to a predictability in the series that I’d like to see it avoid.
Last issue, I said this about the artistic team;
“The comic’s artistic team, penciller Manuel Garcia, inker Raul Fernandez, colourist Rex Lokus, and letterer Dave Sharpe, really give the book a visual identity that emphasizes the alien nature of Xeru whilst keeping it oddly familiar at the same time. Armorclads #1 looks like a dream; there’s really nothing I can say about what the artistic team have delivered that is anything less than positive. There’s lush vistas, technological backgrounds that aren’t overly flashy or beyond comprehensive, and creatures that are equal parts alien and familiar in their buglike creepiness.”
I was going to rewrite that paragraph, or rephrase it, because it is still true and still applies to this issue (and because my brain is tired and I can’t think of anything more to write about the art…. I’m taking the easy way out).
Armorclads #2 remains a happy diversion from life for the ten or so minutes it’ll take you to read. Ultimately, I can’t ask for more than that.
Writers: JJ O’Connor and Brian Buccellato
Penciller: Manuel Garcia Inker: Raul Fernandez Colourist Rex Lokus Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 8.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
Source: Graphic Policy
