“Yesterday’s” Comic> Battletech: Fallout #1

There was also a “#0” Battletech by Malibu, but it’s just a quick moment of some of the character, based around the Jade Falcon clan attack on Sommerset, like in the cartoon. This miniseries is either set in that continuity or something closer to the games.

“Don’t worry, the CG is on our side!”

Battletech: Fallout #1

Malibu Comics (December, 1994)

A group of survivors from the Sommerset attack by the Clans crashes on Star’s End, an asteroid club city for pirates. But the pilot, Beauregard, knows the owner, Morgan. What he doesn’t know is that Clan Jade Falcon has already claimed Star’s End, and the city of Movl. While they pick up another Mech pilot along the way, the survivors are about to walk head long into danger!

What they got right: If you missed the few scenes in Battletech #0 (which is really an introduction to the Battletech Universe) you get the important parts here. #0 is recommended to follow along (or seen the TV show that this is supposedly based on, but features none of the characters) but it is not as imperative as it would have been with the Blackthorne comics. The art is pretty good.

What they got wrong: While the Malibu comic gets the Battletech terms right (something the Blackthorne books failed to do) there is no glossary to explain clan terms like “freeborn” or “quaiff” that pop up, and I’m sure someone thought the “Leftenant” rank was a typo in the #0 issue. I think that gets fixed later in the miniseries but it sure would have been a better idea either in this issue or #0. Even a caption box would have been beneficial. Also none of the characters on the cover will end up in the comic, unless that guy on the left is supposed to be Beauregard. Also, I thought Sommerset was the first attack by Jade Falcon. How did they get out here so fast?

Recommendation: This may be a better comic to come in on if you’re curious about Battletech or MechWarrior, although the cartoon might be a better choice. There’s still the start of a good story even if you aren’t familiar with either the show or the game. It’s worth looking into.