Comic Book Review - Robotech: Rick Hunter #1

Rob reviews Robotech: Rick Hunter #1…

Set after the events of the Macross saga, Rick Hunter finds himself up against a new threat, and plenty of ghosts from his past. Taking place within the aftermath of an attack on the Yokohama by a splinter group of Zentraedi, Rick will have to balance investigating the attack as well as getting to grips with his new prototype fighter, the YF-4 Veritech, and his newfound responsibilities. With appearances from plenty of familiar faces, Robotech: Rick Hunter aims to bring a new side to the much beloved anime sega. 

The story here picks up 5 years after the ‘Great Robotech War’. Here we find series protagonist, Rick Hunter settling into his new role as Major General of the Earth’s Robotech forces, and overseeing the continued construction of SDF-3. Meanwhile a rogue faction of the Zentraedi have gained stolen equipment from a captured flagship, and have decided to launch an attack on Yokohama to please their Robotech Masters. As Hunter and his squad head off in pursuit of the Zentraedi, a bigger threat looms on the horizon.

When it comes to writing, Brandon Easton has the unenviable task of appealing to both new readers, and the established fandom. Thankfully it’s a task that he’s pulled off with relative ease. Not only do we get the time to fill in newer readers on what’s go on in the past with numerous flashbacks, and character dialogue, it’s done in a way that also appeases those Robotech veterans. Character wise, and Easton delivers everything about Rick Hunter as someone who’s very familiar with the character. While we see the side to the character that was developed across the series, Easton is given the room to expand on the in-between. Here and Hunter - much like the Robotech universe - is in a state of flux. He’s been given new responsibilities which have taken him away from his friends and into a realm of uncertainty. Likewise the United Earth Federation are looking to the future and are dismantling the classic Veritech in favour of something new. Across both narratives we explore the aftermath of the war and what it means for those who’ve survived.

Art comes in the form of Simone Ragazzoni and Bryan Valenza who work together in tandem to bring the spirit of the anime to life. While the shift from the manga/anime style is the biggest difference, Ragazzoni and Valenza have captured the spirit of the original exceeding well. Action scenes are especially well choreographed with Ragazzoni giving us more than enough views of the new Veritech’ s in action. Meanwhile Valenza’s bright colours gives everything a Hollywood blockbuster feeling - especially when the action really hots up. 

All in all, Robotech: Rick Hunter #1 is a comic that ticks a lot of  boxes for both newcomers, and those looking for the next chapter in the Robotech saga. Across its pages we get a action-packed glimpse into the current state of the universe with plenty of blockbuster action, and high-octane dog fights. With plenty of scope to spin his own narrative, Brandon Easton is taking Rick Hunter well and truly into the unknown! 

Rating: 10/10

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