With previous Robotech comics from Wildstorm Productions, I've always found the experience to be somewhat like walking into the middle of a graduate-level history seminar. I'd have no idea what people are talking about, and I get the feeling it would require years of reading for me to get up to speed. The same holds true for this new Robotech limited series. Though this is a first issue, it begins as though it's in the middle of a story, and really, it is. The Robotech mythos are so extensive and have been going on for so long that it seems impossible for a new reader to delve into it without getting completely lost.
Officials with the Robotech Expeditionary Force order the arrest of one of its former commanders, Gen. Edwards, for treason and other crimes, but Edwards doesn't plan on surrendering.He takes a hostage and an experimental stealth battle cruiser and jets off into the stars. As Robotch forces scramble to intercept and stop his flight, they soon discover that Edwards isn't in this alone. He has allies... alien allies with some surprises up their sleeves as well.
Omar Dogan from Udon Studios captures the anime feel of the property quite well. Thanks to his linework and the colors, there are times when the book looks like it's made up of stills from animation rather than traditional comic art. There are a few characters that look far too much alike, but the blame can't be laid at Dogan's feet. After all, he's just following style guides from the cartoon. The colors are vibrant, and the Inved technology boasts a sleek, organic look that sets it apart dramatically from the humans' tech; it also reinforces a thoroughly alien look that establishes a creepy quality for the bad guys.
There are romantic subplots aplenty to be found here, but I can't make heads or tails of them. One really needs to be familiar with these characters, to be vested in Robotech to fully appreciate what's going on. The writers assume the reader knows who all of the players are. The only character for which any kind of background is provided is Gen. Edwards.
Something else that needs to be explained is the entire premise behind Robotech. What are the Robotech planes/giant armor suits capable of? Why are so many of the Robotech commanders so young? A blurb on the cover bills this is as prologue story to an upcoming Robotech DVD release, and it's a smart bit of marketing. What isn't, however, is the creators' refusal to invite new readers and fans into this world. 3/10
