ARMORCLADS #1 – Review

ARMORCLADS #1, from Valiant Entertainment on March 23rd, 2022, introduces the world to a future universe where mech suits are the weapon of choice for warring worlds, and indentured servants are forced to survive treacherous conditions and deadly alien monsters to mine precious Pure.

The Details

• Written By: J.J. O’Connor, Brian Buccellato
• Art By: Manuel García, Raül Fernández
• Colors By: Rex Lokus
• Letters By: Dave Sharpe
• Cover Art By: Bagus Hutomo (cover A)
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: March 23, 2022

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Was It Good?

Whew! That solicit description is a mouthful for a good reason. ARMORCLADS #1 has a lot going on, and to the writers’ credit, it’s a solid start to a new sci-fi title for Valiant.

How would somebody describe ARMORCLADS #1? If you’re a film buff (as most of us are), it’s the setup of Avatar mixed with the fascist governmental society of Starship Troopers and a light dusting of Warhammer 40k Space Marines aesthetic. All the puzzle pieces are there to satisfy that itch of mech suits, bug-like aliens, distant worlds, military operations, and the cynical snark that typically accompanies a band of roughnecks whenever they get together for a rough and dirty job.

That said, the strength of this first issue is also its weakness. There are so many elements that come together from other, familiar properties that this issue looks and reads like something you’ve already seen and read before. In short, this first issue feels assembled rather than a wholly original creation, so the surprise of discovery is missing. It would be unfair to say this first issue isn’t original, but it comes close.

The art, however, is quite good. The character designs work well, and there are two standouts. First, the jungle scenes as the crew go about their mining operation are spectacular. The vegetation is detailed and lush. Everything about the landscapes transports you to an untamed world. Second, the coloring is outstanding. The skies, clouds, mountains, trees, and every textured surface is brimming with color shading details that come as close to a living portrait as possible in a single issue floppy. Although again, the sci-fi elements look very familiar, this first issue contains outstanding art.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

We begin with a jungle scene on the distant planet of Xeru, the only known mining source for a critical mineral known as The Pure. A military convoy is seen transporting a large quantity of Pure through the jungle when they’re ambushed by… something.

Later, we’re introduced through captions and dialog to the Ironclads, a group of conscripted teenagers who live a life of indentured servitude as Pure miners. Their daily goal is to meet their daily quota under dangerous conditions with the future promise of serving their time and living a citizen’s life of comfort.

On their daily run, one of the team is trapped by falling mine debris but prohibited from receiving help by the military escort so as not to risk losing more than one mech suit. Later, the miners head back to their station where they encounter the remains of the ambushed escort.

We conclude the issue with a heavy dose of karma, miner-versus-bug battles, and a new threat.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.

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