Terminator Salvation: The Final Battle #6 Review

Is this a capable release or should it be terminated? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

Years ago, cybernetic infiltrator Marcus Wright sacrificed himself in a noble effort to save the life of John Connor. Now, as the alliance between serial killer Thomas Parnell and Skynet endangers Skynet’s own survival, the machines pull out their last ace in the hole—the resurrection of Wright!

I never thought I’d say this, but the weakest aspects of this film franchise have found their legs. The two most recent sequels had their share of hiccups but thanks to this creative team we’re finally getting some decent narrative points out of them. The reasons behind the fourth installment get locked into cannon and wouldn’t you know it? They fit just fine.

J. Michael Straczynski pens the script and believe me the scribe delivers a well-oiled machine. Steady plot progression is present with our evil A.I. facing the reality of its own over reach.  In an act of desperation it sought out Dr. Serena Kogane who in turn found it a serial killer that could murder in ways that a programmed Terminator never could.  It’s the concept first represented by Marcus Wright, namely that even Skynet has the limitations of its own design. There are moments that will get fans engaged, but the sequence that occurs in the final pages will no doubt be the highlight.

To match the written word Pete Woods has to capture the essence of the cybernetic organism while giving humanity enough visual legs to stand on. For the most part the talent accomplishes these mission parameters but I can’t help but notice that some of the panels were a bit static. I think it was the attention to detail that derailed these instances but the overall work is impressive nonetheless. Add in the colors done by Matthew Wilson then the whole package becomes a visual treat.

Terminator Salvation: The Final Battle #6 is a smart exploration into a franchise that grew up around me. With a shifty foundation we’re still given a workable release that comes recommended.