Magnus: Robot Fighter #5 Review


Will this be the start of yet another fabulous Magnus arc or will it fail to deliver? Read in to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

ALL-NEW STORY: THE UNCANNY VALLEY! Descending into the SubStructure, MAGNUS encounter the Gophs, a bizarre collection of feral humans living outside of robot society. Can Magnus hold his own against these freedom fighters? (Hint: Magnus isn’t the best at fighting non-robot stuff) Jump on board the coolest new series of 2014, courtesy of FRED VAN LENTE (Archer & Armstrong) & Cory Smith (Fathom)!!!!!

Magnus05CovSubscriptSmithDouble Magnus: Robot Fighter as besides #0 we also get the start of the main story’s second arc. Following an intense and exciting opening arc the series had a lot to live up to so far it’s doing a fine job of doing so. With a mixture of action, intensity and emotion this issue really captured my attention with the developments having me hooked for further events.

Fred Van Lente really knows what he’s doing on this series producing one fabulous issue after another. Van Lente also manages to make this very new reader friendly, whilst also doing a fine job of continuing the core story. Though usually expected I felt considering the type of story Van Lente is telling he did a amazing job as doing it can’t be easy to do both. The main focal point for me in this issue had to be the interaction between Magnus and Moira with the passion involved enhancing the mysterious nature of their conversation.

Cory Smith‘s joined by Joseph Cooper to bring us the art on this issue with both doing a stellar job. Having very similar styles it’s hard to differentiate between the two artists with this ultimately giving a sleeker look to the issue. The sharp pencils and striking ink also prove eye-caching with the energetic layouts and intense action also being impressive. Rounding things off colourist Mauricio Wallace once again gives a sensational finish to Smith and Cooper’s art with the vivid colours enhancing the energy and tension.

Magnus: Robot Fighter is one of the best series Dynamite is producing the now and with stunning issues like this it’s easy to see why. With excitement, emotion and mystery the series continues to be a must have with this fanboy being excited for the next issue. Highly recommended.

OUR RATING
8.5
  • + Dramatic opening to the new arc.
  • + Fred Van Lente's script bursts with energy and emotion.
  • + Cory Smith and Joseph Cooper brings energetic artwork.
  • - Pacing ever so slightly inconsistent.

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