Where were, where are we going? [Armorclads by JJ O'Connor, Brian Buccellato, et al.]

Harsh planet. Incredible mechs. The fight of their lives.

In a different solar system, advanced mechs known as Armorclads are used to fight wars and build worlds. On Xeru, genetically engineered workers live out their short lives mining a valuable mineral called The Pure in construction-class mechs known as Ironclads. When one of their own is killed, the Ironclads’ world is turned upside down and they defy their oppressors. Along the way, they’ll discover they’re embroiled in a mystery dating back centuries that could change the world forever—as long as they band together.

Explore a brand new corner of the Valiant Universe with writers JJ O'Connor and Brian Buccellato and artists Manuel García and Miguel Sepulveda.

Collecting ARMORCLADS #1–5.

If you took Starship Troopers, added a scosh more class discussion, and had a moving goalpost of a plot, I'd think you'd accurately describe Valiant Entertainment's Armorclads. Written by JJ O'Connor and Brian Buccellato, with artwork from Manuel Garcia and Miguel Sepulveda, Armorclads didn't read like a story with a clear aim. The volume starts with a prologue that, through historical narration, sets the premise of the titular mech suits. So, from the jump, we're eyeing the prize of mythical mech suits in the context of the yet unknown aim of a scheming bureaucrat. No strong themes yet. Suddenly we're on Xeru, where legions of genetically engineered children are contracted off-world miners. So child exploitation? Labor exploitation? Class discussion? Okay, okay, things are getting interesting. But by the end of the volume we've seen a somehow touched on planetary spirits? 

What was the governor's aim? Presumably we'll never know because he died unceremoniously. But what was the sense, if the weapon he sought was critical in the downfall of its respective ancient society, in the governor's search? A divided ruling class fought amongst and destroyed itself because the politics they maintained were fundamentally flawed. So, in turn, we're looking to, to some degree, recreate their system of politics?! Overall, I was very confused with the characters' motivations. 

And there were several plotlines that were too loosely interwoven. Was the main story to be the class uprising on the mining planet? Or was it the suits? Why were the attacking mercenaries so well equipped and what were their actual motivations? And then, out of nowhere, the "Worldvoice?" What was that? Not to mention that the main cast of underdog protagonists were children no older than 16? Sure, Jan. I didn't dislike the story or the art, but I wasn't moved by it. So 3 stars from me.  

Armorclads (ISBN: 9781682154328) is due for publication November 2022.