Those who enjoyed the first Jason and the Argobots limited series/trade paperback -- and given the imaginative, light fun contained therein, that should include anyone who read it -- will love this followup effort, presented as an original graphic novel rather than in the episodic format. New readers will also delight in the slick sci-fi designs and the personality to be found in these pages, though they might be a bit puzzled as to how the characters got to this point. This isn't the most accessible of stories, but it doesn't alienate newbies altogether either.
Jason has developed into quite the media darling since he and his giant robot saved lives in the wake of a metahuman prison break. He, his grandfather and sister can never get a moment's peace, not even when they travel to Shimmer City together for an afternoon of shopping. A mysterious, pyramid-shaped spacecraft appears above the city, and Jason rushes off to pilot Chiron, his giant robot, in order to save the day once again. Of course, he still doesn't know what he's doing, but fortunately, it appears someone else does. The two other mysteirous Argobots appear, and with them come answers as to their origins.
Norton's designs continue to impress here. From the Sphinx-esque robot from early on in the book to the metallic mummies to Juni's high-tech headgear, there's a slick and eye-catching element to be found on just about every page. Norton also conveys Jason's excitement, sense of wonder and confusion adeptly, just as he conveys the excitement, movement and fun of the action sequences. The wide-eyed, football-headed Juni remains one of my favorite elements in the book, though, visually and conceptually. Norton captures the goofiness, innocence and inherent humor in the character in her appearance.
A label on the back of this book notes that it's aimed at younger readers, but I'm nevertheless impressed with the more complex storytelling approach that Torres takes in the latter part of the book. He tells two stories -- or two halves of the same story -- through two different narrators. Through the dialogue, the writer captures the links between the two tales just as he differentiates between the two characters telling the story.
Those who haven't read the previous volume of Argobots might find themselves a little bit lost at times. There's no "previously in..." blurb to be found, and the exposition isn't as clear as one might like it to be. Still, new readers can pick up a few pieces of the puzzle here and there. Furthermore, the action is exciting and well-choreographed, and the enthusiastic nature of the main characters is infectious.
Note: This graphic novel was not among this week's new releases.
