ARMORCLADS #3, from Valiant Entertainment on May 18th, 2022, follows the upgraded Ironclads as they escort survivors to the next outpost for aid and to rally a rebellion. Meanwhile, Peris is shown proof of an ancient legend.
The Details
- Written By: J.J. O’Connor, Brian Buccellato
- Art By: Miguel Sepulveda, Manuel Garcia, Raül Fernández
- Colors By: Rex Lokus
- Letters By: Dave Sharpe
- Cover Art By: Bagus Hutomo
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: May 18, 2022
Was It Good?
ARMORCLADS #3 is one of the stronger issues in the series with a team upgrade, a rescue mission, and lots of flexing (literally and figuratively). O’Connor and Buccellato do their best to lay the groundwork for a rebellion in the making.
Generally, the plot is solid. The Ironclads survived the attacks in the last issue and use scavenged parts to give themselves an upgrade. It doesn’t take long for a bug swarm to give them a chance to test out the upgrades for a fits-pumping action sequence. The scenes that work in this issue succeed in getting the reader on the side of the Ironclads as a scrappy bunch of underdogs, ready to take on overwhelming odds.
Picking up from the last issue, readers get a B Plot concerning Peris and his potential connection to an ancient set of legendary Armorclads. The B Plot adds a layer of mysticism or prophecy to the story and shakes up the pure sci-fi tone with a little fantasy for welcome thematic variety.
That said, there are two down points in the plot that are a little hard to shake. The first down point is a rousing speech Lela gives to the citizens of the next outpost as a call to war for their freedom. The speech is not very rousing, convincing, or long when addressed to a group of strangers who may or may not feel the same way as Lela. Their respondent “YES!” comes across as too easy and unearned.
The second down point is an artifact of proof Peris is shown to confirm the legend of a super Armorclad set is real. The legend isn’t clearly spelled out in terms of what makes the legendary armor so special, and the proof Peris perceives is neither legendary looking nor particularly special. Imagine somebody telling you about a legendary car, and they offer you proof by presenting you with a tire.
Despite the ups and downs of the writing, Sepulveda and Fernández offer impressive art in this issue. The action scenes are intense. The upgraded Ironclad armor looks impressive. And the dialog scenes are dramatic looking enough to hold your attention.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
If you don’t recall how the Ironclads survived their first attack, first read our ARMORCLADS #2 review.
We begin with the Ironclads taking a breather to consider their next move after surviving the Leggionaire attack. Rather than sit and wait to be rescued, they decide to scrounge up weapons and parts from the attack to perform upgrades. The Alphans present aren’t happy about the Ironclads taking charge, but they have no choice but to be escorted to the next outpost.
Meanwhile, Peris is under medical examination by orders of Governor Dohman, who believes Peris’s genetics have a link to an ancient legend about superpowered Armorclads. Peris doesn’t believe it, but the Governor shows him “proof” in the form of a large mini-gun.
Elsewhere, Lela and the Ironclads arrive at the next colony where they drop off the survivors. Lela asks for permission to give a rousing speech about banding the Ironclads together to storm the capital and fight for their freedom.
We conclude the issue, with a prophecy (almost) fulfilled, a growing army, and the first stages of rebellion.
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Final Thoughts
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ARMORCLADS #3 is an uneven issue with strong action and character acting but odd plot points that aren’t effective. The creators add some variety by adding a fantasy element to keep the story unique, but the plot is on shaky foundations.
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