This conclusion boasts the same level of action, fun, humor and heart as those that came before it, but for some reason, I felt oddly disappointed after reading it. There seemed to be a pacing problem here... as though a six-issue story -- or even maybe more -- was jammed into four. This issue felt rushed, and though the four-issue limited series is practically an industry standard these days, this story would have been well served by being more drawn out. Don't get me wrong, though... those that enjoyed the previous issues will definitely want to check this out as well, as it's clear that there's plenty of further potential in the concept.
Jason, Juno and their grandfather -- all within the giant armored frame of Chiron -- have a couple of problems. They're surrounded by the army, ordered by a determined general to get the robot back. And if that weren't enough, a metahuman villain known as Geo Slab -- practically a walking mountain -- is about to go on a rampage. Grandpa isn't about to let them get caught, but he doesn't want Jason to play the role of hero behind Chiron's controls yet again.
Norton uses several two-page spreads to convey the enormity of Chiron, other key figures and their power in the book to great effect. Unfortunately, it makes for some quick reading at the same time. It's a tradeoff, really. Norton gets to show off, but some space for plotting and characterization is sacrificed in the process. Norton's designs for more giant robots and for Geo Slab are to be applauded, though. I didn't expect the former, and the man-mountain look is a sharp, detailed one.
Jason's rebellious nature, Juni's impish exclamations and larger-than-life science fiction... this issue boasts the same building blocks that made previous issues such a delight. Furthermore, tying the robot's origins to the Jason and Juni's parents and thereby sparking an emotional connection was a smart move on Torres's part as well. And I can honestly say that he's piqued my curiosity about the various mysteries that arise about the Argobots' beginnings and links to an alien culture.
However, the links between the aliens and Jason's family hit the reader like a barrage in this issue. The Argobots story has clearly only just begun, and I was left with the feeling that we hadn't seen one complete story in this limited series. The other giant robots' sudden appearance seems almost anti-climactic. Another couple of issues -- if not the status of an ongoing series -- with a more clearly defined resolution of some plotlines is really called for here.
