The 80's cartoon comes back to life in comic form once again in Dynamite Entertainment's " Voltron #1".
Being a fan of the show, I wanted to give this book a chance , and am glad I did. Now bear in mind I'm a fan , so my criticism meter was on 'high' from the start.
First of all, the writing of Brandon Thomas gives a 'real-time' feel to the dialog and action, as though we were watching a live feed from a news crew. Dialog between character's is contemporary and credible reflecting the situation in play- not corny or cliched as you might expect from a transcribed anime series.
The art by Ariel Padilla is visually descriptive and semi-realistic which lends to the subject matter and works very well.
The story begins not on planet Arus, but on Earth , and throws us into a full-flung battle between Voltron and a massive ro-beast in downtown N.Y.C.!
The five member Voltron Force crew is present and accounted for(no Sven though)- Kieth ,Lance, Hunk, Princess Allura and Pidge - and are waging a tactical military battle against the forces of evil Zarkon who are on a killing rampaging in the city. Curiously enough the crew aren't operating their respective 'lions' , which had me all the more interested in the particulars of the present situation...and wanting answers.
There is a twist in the form of a flashback which smacks of intrigue reminiscent of Battlestar Galactic's Baltar leaving a deeper and potentially curious sub-plot which makes the reader eager for the next issue- including me.
I was absorbed in the story the first page, and my interest didn't wain at all, but grew to the point where I was actually disappointed to reach the last panel.
I will definitely add this book to my monthly stack. If you liked the TV show , you'll like this more.
Peace.