Robotech / Voltron #3 Review

Should we journey back to an era where western producers chopped together and re-imagined eastern properties? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

Bimonthly! Part 3 of 5. Commander Keith Kogane struggles to find out what happened to his Voltron team as Colonel Edwards has top Robotechnologists toiling furiously to re-engineer the recovered lions back to into working order, but one of them is missing! A universe away, the SDF-1 puts up a gallant defense of the planet Arus, but how long can advanced alien technology hold out against the forces of black magic? In the midst of all this, Khyron the Backstabber brings his trademark Zentraedi treachery in his quest to claim the prize of the SDF-1 for himself!

With a strong creative team at its back this outlandish crossover still has legs, even as it enters its narrative mid-point. To sum up: grab a seat and enjoy this thrilling glimpse into fan days past.

Bill Spangler and Tommy Yune work together to make this outlandish idea work. The authors take on two casts, add conflict and do something that can be accomplished in a comic or found in fan fiction. The dialogue fits what’s said even as it’s full of cornball anecdotes that don’t do enough to completely hinder momentum but they never uplift the arc. The overall script is a solid affair the gets the job done even as it stumbles a bit.

The work done by the Digital Art Chefs Team is downright extraordinary. Just gazing at the pencils and digital inks turned in by Elmer Damaso is enough of a reason to take on this journey. He captures the look and feel of both properties without sacrificing their core mechanics to service this plot. The visual barrage is made complete by Melvin Calingo and his dynamic colors that allow the whole thing to flow and pop when necessary.

Robotech / Voltron #3 continues to dance a fine line while embracing what made each franchise memorable during their television heyday. There’s a lot of corny aspects within but believe me they’re digestible as this comic comes recommended.