During the Summer of 2011, Archie Comics debuted a new comic-book series that literally made my summer. I cannot think of any other new title I was more excited for than a new Mega Man series. The last time we got a Mega Man comic-book series was several years prior with Dreamwave Productions which was shortlived. Issue 1 opens strong and goes along with the narrative of the first Mega Man game; although scenes such as why Dr. Wily is angry with Dr. Light and reprogramming the Robot Masters are fleshed out more in this comic.
What is great about this title is that while it is following the narrative of the first game, when it adds its own spin on things it really delivers. Robot Masters are given unique personalities by writer Ian Flynn and combined with art by Patrick "Spaz" Spaziante these personalities are portrayed really well. Mega Man himself has a distinct personality in that he understands that Dr. Wily needs to be stopped, but he truly dislikes the idea of having to destroy other robots to do so. That is not to say that Mega Man in the videogames was cold and heartless, but here we have a robot who is doing something that plays against his moral 'code'...literally and metaphorically as he was originally just a helper bot.
While reading this first arc people may be dismayed by the fact that Mega Man seems to defeat the Robot Masters rather easily while utilizing their weaknesses from the video games. However, there is a reason behind this and a pattern begins to form that should be admired. It's the most basic concept that absolute power corrupts absolutely and in this arc we get to see Mega Man deal with this issue.
What is perhaps most engaging about this first arc is that while it follows the overall narrative of the first videogame, there are differences from what happens before Mega Man fights Dr. Wily and the overall ending which are very nice touches. It also segways very nicely to the next story arc which should most certainly pique interest as two new Robot Masters emerge with a secret mission afoot.
Rating:
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Sergio Martinez
