Lion Forge Roar 2018
Written by Michael Uslan
Layouts by Andrew Pepoy
Pencilled by Javier Saltares
Inked by Christopher Ivy & Mike Anderson-Mikuloctopus
Coloured by Jason Millet
Lettered by Saida Temofonte
The invasion has begun! As fleets of deadly Tyranno starships descend on the Earth, the Secret Scouts launch their science-fueled resistance to save humanity from the rampaging space dinos. But are all of these alien invaders bent on the same murderous goals or are the ones claiming to come in peace the unlikely allies humanity will need to survive?
This issue strikes like hurricane! The opening is a no holds barred look at how the Reptilions are making small work of Earth’s major cities. I have talked before about how smartly this has been written and this continues to demonstrate that. Earth wouldn’t be an easy target if they’d had the use of their satellites and communications but having taken those out first meant that the Earth was blind, blind to where they were going and exactly how many there were, see size of invasion force. While the whole thing feels like it happens too fast the reality of the situation is that’s exactly how it would happen so it rings true to me.
The way that this book is structured is sensationally well done. Even Sarah who has the most idiotic suggestion I have ever heard when she wanted to talk to invading force and their leader and use diplomacy. Considering the fact that they are decimating cities I would the time for talking was long gone. I get where she’s coming from but these aren’t beings that will talk they already are attacking so it’s simply ridiculous to think her suggestion would have merit. Her characterisation is such that I wish she came across more confident in herself in every situation but we can excuse a lapse here and there.
Michael does an amazing job keeping multiple arcs running simultaneously here. We’ve got the Scouts, those left behind trying to take back Reptilon, the resistance that went to Earth to stop Rex, who with his forces is another part of the story to follow. So a while two intersect here and finally the resistance is more fully coming together and Rex learns what is happening back at home things are heating up as they say. I’m really impressed with how it all flows and that we get this amazing feel to how the story unfolds.
I am a huge fan of the interiors here. The book has a very classic comic book style and feel when we see it. That animation edge to it is still there and keeps me thinking of that Saturday Morning where you get up early on your own have that bowl of Boo Berry Cereal and watch cartoons. That is what the interior artwork makes me feel. The creativity and imagination that we see here is wonderful and how the dinosaurs are morphed into a more humanoid appearance is still menacing yet not over the top frightening. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling. The colouring here really is well suited to what we see and how it brings the dinosaurs to life more fully.
There is a lot to like about this book. The fact that intelligence and on the fly thinking are not things to be ashamed of, to use them to your advantage despite those who are older and have forgotten what it’s like to do more than crave and power and money think. Look at the governments around the world, they are more obsessed with power than what’s best for the people and this shows you you can think differently, you don’t have to tow the line and you can make a difference when you believe in yourself and those around you.
This is a gem people and one you need help polish and shine so others can see it too.