“Yesterday’s” Comic> Battletech #1

Get used to that name, folks. We’re doing Battletech comics all week!

Battletech #1

Blackthorne Publishing (October, 1987)

Before I start the review, I should mention that I have never played the game and only played a demo of the computer game that spun off from it, MechWarrior. I have, however, seen the syndicated cartoon and enjoyed it and have a novel that will someday end up on Chapter By Chapter. So what I know is based on that. The only playbook I own is based on the cartoon, so I’m at least aware of the history of the Battletech Universe.

In this first arc, members of the Draconus Combine (at least I’m guessing that’s who they’re with) who lost their Mechs are considered dishonored. They’re sent on “banzai” raids hoping to die in battle and maybe take the enemy with them. One group has other ideas and steal some of the enemy Steiner’s Mechs..which only earns them seppuku. Not satisfied with this solution, they decide to steal the Mechs and become mercenaries…until one of their team betrays them to the commander.

What they got right: So far the story is interesting. Since I have a slight bit of knowledge about the Battletech Universe I find it interesting to focus on characters who will be going against the system because it abandoned them. (Or just the jerk commander did. Yes, actually reduce the number of troops you have because you don’t have a Mech. Aren’t there stats for non-pilots?) In the game’s story parts and Mechs are hard to come by and I forget why off-hand, but there’s at least an attempt to remain faithful to the game’s story. (I believe this is before the “clans” from outside the area were added.)

What they got wrong: To someone just coming in, however? No clue what’s going on. Instead of that huge ad for their Star Wars comic a brief bit of backstory might have been a better idea. You do get a look at one of the Mechs but it doesn’t show up in the comic, much less have a prominent place in it.

Recommendations: Fans of the early games may get something out of it. New fans will be missing the clans or whatever else has gone on in the Battletech Universe since then, but if they know the history it should be easy to place. New people will be completely lost as to what’s going on and probably shouldn’t bother with this comic. I believe this won’t change through the other Blackthorne comics I’ll be reviewing from this series, but there will be a Malibu mini later this week.