Oni isn't the first publisher you'd think of for giant robots, kid's adventure and super-heroes, but those elements are front and center in Jason & the Argobots. So why did Oni decide to publish something so different from most of their line? Probably because it's so damn good. J. Torres brings across the same sense of fun that made Alison Dare, Sidekicks and Copybook Tales so much fun and creates a likable triad of lead characters in Juni, Jason and their grandfather. Mike Norton, working in an almost completely different style from his Waiting Place work, has designed a robot every bit as iconic and likable as the Iron Giant, and he conveys the sense of fun in Torres's story on every page. Jason & the Argobots is a lot of fun for all ages.
Recap pages have become a necessity in today's market, whether it's due to audience factors (limited attention span or too many other comics being read) or creator/publisher factors (complicated story/continuity), and while Jason & the Argobots didn't particularly need one to catch up readers, I was glad to see one anyway. The "Previously On...", like this is a TV serial or pulp adventure, was a nice touch, and having the energetic and innocent Juni explain everything made for a fun couple of pages that instantly established her personality for the new reader. Also, I have to admit that while I love the title, I'd probably love it more if it had "Gianto Big Big" in it.
Though there are plenty of questions to be answered about Chiron (the robot's actual name) and characterization to be explored in Juni and Jason, Torres instead dives right into the action this issue. Jason's attempt to corral some super-criminals out of a prison break makes for a rough learning experience for his interface with Chiron, but Torres and Norton convey a sort of natural ability in Jason even as they show off his inexperience. They also keep the story light, while maintaining an air of danger that reminds us that what Jason is doing could pose a threat to him. Especially with a general of the armed forces who seems to know what Chiron is and want it captured pretty badly, a nice hint as to where the story might go from here.
Mike Norton's work here is terrific, with a cartoony style reminiscent of J. Bone but with a distinctive look that makes it his own. I was particularly impressed with the detail he puts into the character designs, from the exaggerated features of Juni and Jason's grandfather to the various villains to Chiron himself. Though Norton is spare with the background detail to keep the storytelling clear, it is obvious from his designs of weaponry, Chiron and military vehicles and uniforms that he loves playing with all the cool toys this story presents.
Though I can understand the comparisons being made to Iron Giant based on the surface elements (boy meets giant robot), Jason & the Argobots is a very different story that stands on its own. Part science-fiction, part super-hero adventure, part children's wish-fulfillment, Jason & the Argobots is another entertaining work from J. Torres, and another notch in the artistic belt of Mike Norton.
