“So go make us some sandwiches.”
Mega Man #19
Archie Comics (January, 2013)
“Roll With It” WRITER: Ian Flynn PENCILER: Ryan Jampole INKER: Gary Martin COLORIST: Matt Herms LETTERER: John Workman COVER: Chad Thomas, Gary Martin, & Matt Herms ASSISTANT EDITOR: Vincent Lovallo EDITOR: Paul Kaminski
Roll, Quake Woman, and Kalinka are relaxing at the beach when a sudden storm damages a ship. Roll calls her friends as well as Rush, Oil Man, and Splash Woman to save everyone. Meanwhile, Drs. Light and Lalinde upgrade Mega Man with a new “slide” ability.
What they got right: I’m assuming the slide upgrade is a precursor to the Mega Man 3 adaptation. Beyond that, giving the female characters their own storyline as well as showing Roll wanting to become a nurse was a good idea. Quake Woman also has her emotions back and has to come to terms with the events that led Lalinde to remove them in the first place. It gives her a bit of growth.
What they got wrong: They acknowledge that Splash Woman is early. That doesn’t change the fact that Splash Woman is early. Yes, she’s the only other canon female character (alongside Roll and Kalinka) but should even even be constructed this early in the series? Also, are they going to adapt the Game Boy games? I haven’t seen this addressed.
Recommendation: No Best Scene because the comic works as a whole, and it’s a good story. Very recommended.
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BW Media Spotlight 
Well, they did bring Concrete Man in early as well, so Splash Woman doesn’t seem like much of a stretch.
My only critique about this issue is that the artwork seems a bit crude and substandard in places, but this title’s a joy to read month after month regardless. 🙂
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I was so underwhelmed with Concrete Man’s appearance that I guess I didn’t think of it. Also, I haven’t played the new retro Mega Man games so I forgot he was even from one. Splash Woman kind of stands out as the first female Robot Master and she worked so well in the story that this was all I could come up with.
As for the art, I think they go through revolving artists, like IDW does with Doctor Who but trying to retain a consistency (most likely to match the official models). Some seem to be better at this style than others.
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Oh, I agree completely that Concrete Man’s appearance was underwhelming and your take on the revolving art style.
My guess about their reasons for introducing more advanced robot masters is to open up new storyline direction. Technically, all of the Mega Man games have the exact same plot: Dr. Wily is the pupper master behind everything going on. The writers have to mix it up to keep things relatively fresh. 🙂
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