Torres and Norton offer up another wonderful issue, full of adventure, fun and humor. Both creators have injected plenty of personality into these characters. Sure, it's a fairly light read, but it's a solidly entertaining one as well. Torres has proven that he has a solid track record, and I'm honestly surprised that one of the bigger publishers hasn't tapped him yet for a monthly series.
Jason, while piloting a giant robot he found, happens upon a metahuman prison break, and he quickly learns how to handle his metallic "pal" well enough to prevent some of the criminals form escaping. Unfortunately, one of them -- a particularly nasty baddie with electricity powers -- gives him more trouble than he's prepared for. Meanwhile, a news broadcast of the confrontation alerts military men with a link to the robot of its return, while back at the family ranch, Juni and Grampa prepare for an incoming sandstorm.
The design for Chiron, the giant robot, continues to make a strong impression. His splash-page entrance in this issue not only provides a nice dramatic moment, but it really shows off the strength of the robot's look. Myth and machinery merge in a striking visual. This is mostly an action-oriented issue, and Norton handles it with seeming ease as well. The overall look of the book is a nice blend of traditional American comics storytelling and a clear manga influence.
There's a manga influence in the sci-fi plot as well, but ultimately, this is the kind of book one doesn't often see from Oni Press: it's a super-hero title, albeit an unconventional one. The title clearly crosses into other genres as well, but this action-oriented issue makes it clear, what with the super-powered villain and all. And trust me, this isn't a criticism. This is fun reading, and it's not burdened with 60-plus years of super-hero continuity. This is a great way to introduce kids to the idea of super-heroes (and to comics), but it'll also please the long-time, grown-up super-hero fan as well.
Easily my favorite part of the issue was the opening sequence on the first two pages. Regular readers of my reviews know that I think accessibility is an important part of storytelling, and not just in comics. Well, instead of the usual "Previously in..." blurb one might find in other comics that recognize that important factor, Torres and Norton have some fun with it, turning Juni, Jason's younger sister, into an irreverent narrator. So far, Juni hasn't been an integral part of the plot, and this exposition sequence really lets her shine.
