Dark Droids understands its place in Star Wars comics. It is aware of that it entered the mainstream at a time when the cries for one thing completely different have by no means been louder. Each affected sequence has since benefited not directly for the previous couple of months, offering an avenue for a ultimate boss really feel for this period of comics. But there’s a black sheep within the steady named Dark Droids: D-Squad.
The first concern solely existed to inform the shockingly enthralling story of Ajax Sigma and his complicated persona. Now, this miniseries solely exists to… I’m undecided. The appeal that was promised, channeling the oddball nature of the notorious animated arc from The Clone Wars, hasn’t been there constantly sufficient. Instead, it’s solely felt like a automobile to get an inexpensive pop from these exterior the comedian bubble after they see the title “D-Squad.”
Despite some cute moments right here and there, the most important crime is that it doesn’t appear taken with establishing its place in Dark Droids. Issue #3 wastes an unjustifiable quantity of web page time in lastly reuniting the crew, however it all falls flat as a result of the bigger crossover has lengthy handed it by.
Spoilers forward…
We open with the conclusion of the standoff that ended the final concern. IG-88 is in the course of gathering the bounty on Triple Zero and BT-1. 4-LOM has his eyes set on R2-D2. Meanwhile, R2 is caught within the center whereas attempting to get everybody to get alongside for the better good. And who might neglect the Scourged cyborg that has additionally joined the occasion? I’ve nothing in opposition to droid-on-droid violence, and the format of this opening was executed very effectively.
Israel Silva’s colours have been a spotlight for me on this sequence. The hotter colours of Gallios’ sky give life to a planet that in any other case can be normal territory for many Star Wars planets nowadays. It creates an environment that could possibly be soothing if dirty warrior droids weren’t attempting to kill one another. It’s off-putting and quirky, and I want this concern had extra.
I additionally just like the continuity of the Scourge sending a “hybroid” to go after R2. Dark Droids #2 established that the entity thought R2 was too helpful to waste however simply wanted him out of the best way for some time. We have since seen the Scourge take the minds of Beilert Valance, Magna Tolvan, and Lobot as its core cybernetic trio. It is sensible to ship one other after R2, a droid it considers to be a large menace if left unchecked.
After the skirmish is the place issues took a flip. I felt very disconnected as soon as the speaking began. Last week’s Dark Droids #4 noticed this new and improved D-Squad catch as much as Ajax Sigma at his darkest hour. They motivated him to proceed the great struggle. It was a very real second, knowledgeable by D-Squad‘s work to discover what makes Ajax tick. I do know some launch dates bought shuffled round, with D-Squad #3 initially popping out earlier than Dark Droids #4, however spending your penultimate concern of a sequence explaining what the reader has identified for weeks and months didn’t sit proper. I’d really feel the identical even when this concern got here out in its unique slot. Simply put, not having a way of ahead momentum stunk as a result of all we will do is stay within the now.
Anywho, our ragtag group of droids make their option to Ryloth so as to add yet one more to their ranks earlier than they discover Ajax Sigma. Enter R2’s “undoubtedly not a love curiosity” QT-KT. Sadly, the “undoubtedly not” droid flirting needs to be picked up one other time because the Scourge manages to trace them down. The picture of the crew going into battle is as wonderful as you’d anticipate, with the colours and Salva Espín’s artwork once more being the standout.
The mayhem takes a flip as QT will get hit, leaving R2 not a cheerful camper. It would make for an exhilarating cliffhanger if we didn’t already see she’s 100% tremendous in Dark Droids #4. Oh effectively. It will get a cross due to the aforementioned shuffled calendar.
Despite my ranting, I wouldn’t classify this concern as unhealthy. Dark Droids: D-Squad is a sufferer of an formidable crossover hell-bent on ending earlier than the 12 months is up. It’s the bizarre uncle you embrace within the household gathering, solely to recollect why you by no means reply their calls throughout the remainder of the 12 months. You love them, and so they present amusing or two on the dinner desk, however it rapidly turns into time to maneuver on. R2-D2 will do one thing completely insane within the subsequent concern or in Dark Droids #5 to assist beat the Scourge, and it will likely be superior, and we’ll neglect this ever occurred.
RATING: 5/10
Nate makes use of his love for Star Wars and flicks typically as a approach to deal with the ache of being a Minnesota sports activities fan. When he is not on the theater, you’ll be able to often discover Nate studying a comic book, listening to an audiobook, or taking part in a Mario online game for the 1,000th time.
