“I’m totally reading your mind….”
Lost In Space #3
FINAL ISSUE
Dark Horse (July, 1998)
WRITER: Brian McDonald PENCILER: Gordon Purcell INKER: Terry Pallot COLORS: Digital Chameleon COVER ART: Gary Erskine & Gordon Purcell LETTERER: Pat Brosseau DESIGNER: Kristen Burda EDITORS: Ian Stude & Phil Amara
Unable to fix the ship, the alien (who we learn is named Vol-Eck) brings back Smith’s mind to work out a deal. With Smith’s plotting, Vol-Eck takes the crew prisoner after the gun West found turned out to be his and featuring a remote recall feature. The ship is repaired and taken to the homeworld of Vol-Eck’s enemies, which turns out to be the asteroid field that damaged the Jupiter 2 in the first place. Then they go home, only to find a dead world. With no war to fight and no home to return to, Vol-Eck deletes his own personality, leaving Dr. Smith behind with his memories.
What they got right: If this was an anti-war tale at least it isn’t annoyingly preachy about it. The concept of rigging the battlesuit so that, if worn by an enemy, the true owner’s persona takes it over made for a good story.
What they got wrong: Facial expressions weren’t all that expressive this issue. I’ve seen more expression in painted-style artwork.
Recommendation: While not a great story (granted, they didn’t have a lot to work with considering the source material), it’s a fair story at best. Unless you really like the movie I wouldn’t call this a mini-series you have to own but it’s not too bad. There are at least some interesting ideas here.
BW Media Spotlight 