The Sixth Pilot – 2: Come in Peace
Writer: Brandon Thomas
Illustrator: Ariel Padilla
Colorist: Marcelo Pinto
Letterer: Marshall Dillon
Cover Artists: Alex Ross and Sean Chen
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
“We’re not safe, Zach. Since the moment I agreed to this, none of us has been safe.”
Last issue readers were introduced to Doctor Zarkon of the year 2014 and the Voltron Force of 2124. As a fan of the characters and the source material for this new series, I thought last issue really kicked things off right. This second issue I enjoyed the expanding story of Doctor Zarkon and his family and what he is going through to do what he can to protect the Earth from an alien invasion. What I couldn’t really get in to what was going on with the Voltron Force in 2124 and I found that disappointing.
When I read last issue I felt that the twist that readers were going to be looking back at what could be the origins of the Voltron Force was interesting. Even more interesting was having Doctor Zarkon be a part of that knowing the name “Zarkon” from watching Voltron’s animated series. Zarkon’s true motives are not known so we’re not sure if this is the Zarkon that long time fans know, someone related to him or something else completely. I like this direction that Brandon Thomas has taken, and it keeps my attention while reading. The problem is when the book switches over to the Voltron Force in 2124 that I start losing interest and that’s not what I want as a fan. It’s obvious we’re looking at a desperate time for the team and that their going to learn something that dates back to 2014 and possibly Doctor Zarkon. While all of that is true, I’m not as invested in the team as I am with Doctor Zarkon, and for me that hurts this issue.
The art in this issue by Ariel Padilla, Marcelo Pinto, and Marshall Dillon is good. Some of those distractions I mentioned in my review of the last issue are not anywhere to be found in this issue and that’s a great sign for this art team. I do enjoy Padilla’s pencils as they give a nice amount of emotion to many of the characters. I can see the frustration, disappointment, worry, and anger in the faces of these characters and that really helps convey the story. I think Pinto’s colors continue to be strong and provide strong tone and mood for each scene. Dillon remains one of my favorite letterers in the business because he never lets the lettering distract or take you out of the comic, but keeps you involved and moving with the art from panel to panel.
While I wasn’t as hooked with all of this issue as I had hoped I would be, I still enjoyed this comic and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next. I think that always tells me if a creative team Is successful or not – am I coming back for the next issue? The cliffhanger that Thomas gives readers is a definitely a key moment as the story in the year 2014 moves forward. How does it connect with 2124 is something we’ll have to wait and see as it unfolds.
Story: 3 out of 5 | Art: 4 out of 5 | Overall 3.5 out of 5
