Review: Iron Squad Vol. 2: Pacific Invasion

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Iron Squad Vol. 2: Pacific Invasion Iron Squad Vol. 2: Pacific Invasion by Jean-Luc Sala
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rating 3 out of 5 | Grade : C; War of the World; 日本 edition

The second volume of Jean-Luc Sala's Iron Squad, leaves much to be desired. This volume which focuses on the fictional invasion of the US by a 'mecha'nized Imperial Japan, sees a ragtag group of recruits, who highjack a command mecha of the Japanese to try and mount an almost suicidal mission to help the Allies.



For one, the artwork of the story, which was the highlight of Volume 1, appear to be significantly watered down, and lacks the depth, richness & intensity as the original. There are a few panels which show promise, and I do appreciate the visuals of the Mechanized walkers treading the beaches in a mechapunk remake of the Invasion of Normandy. But it does fall short.



Second, the characters, which do appear as interesting in the onset, don't really do anything to me, even as they are being killed off in droves.

Third, the climax is a total asspull of contrivances, which makes you want to root for the Axis, even though they're supposed to be the bad guys. It feels unearned, even when (view spoiler)



Lastly, damn it was I miffed at not getting the same level of Mecha versus Mecha action we saw in the western frontier. By comparison, the engagements here were quite tame, and the walkers on either side going down like flies at the slightest damage.

And frankly, I expected more diversity when it came to the Imperial arsenal of walkers. All in all, an OK entry which needed more polish.


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