My review of #0 @ Broken Frontier!

[Jason Berek-Lewis]

Here is my review:

Hidden behind a stunning photo cover is a thrilling story true to the show in every way, complemented by art that is out of this universe!

Firstly, I have to put a caveat on this review. This #0 issue is set within the continuity of the Battlestar Galactica TV show and takes place between the events of episodes 7 and 11 of Season 2. Only Season 1 has screened on television in Australia, and Season 2 is not available on DVD in this country until the middle of August.

As such, I am missing some of the context needed to truly appreciate this comic. However, as an ardent fan of what I have seen so far, I can convincingly say that every fan of the show must go out and get a copy of this comic…right now!

On the small screen, the characteristics that make Battlestar Galactica so special are its pacing, its characters and its stylized universe. Every one of these attributes is faithfully and passionately recreated in this comic.

Greg Pak’s script sizzles with raw emotion. The characters’ palpable feelings completely overcome the absence of all-out action. Each character speaks and acts in 100% accordance with what we have seen on the screen, giving Pak’s writing an unmistakable authenticity. Where the script absolutely excels is in giving each character their own unique voice, so much so that I actually "heard" the actors’ voices reading the dialogue.

Another of Pak’s awesome achievements is that, even in the 15 pages presented here, he is able to faithfully reflect the dramatic tension and unique pacing that make the TV show so thrilling. The ongoing unease between Adama and Apollo is here, as is a reflection on Adama’s inner demons. The quiet moments, as the anxiety builds, are perfectly placed.

The story in this issue revolves around a medivac ship that is on fire. The conflict arises as those in charge, Adama and President Roslyn, must decide how to best meet this new threat. As with every decision, the hidden menace of the Cylons hangs over all. Pak’s stunning cliffhanger ending is guaranteed to make any fan feel the catch of emotion constricting about their throat.

Nigel Raynor’s pencils have faithfully captured the look and feel of the Battlestar Galactica universe, yet reflect a stunning and unique interpretation. Fans of the show’s impressive tech, from the Cylons, to the Vipers, to the larger ships will not be disappointed.

David Curiel’s colors are lush and vivid, beautifully contrasting against the dark of space and perfectly matching the show’s existing palette. Simon’s Bowland’s letters don’t get too much of a chance to shine in this shortened book, but his work is clean and solid.

This is 100% a fan’s comic. If you have somehow managed to miss the brilliant TV show, strap yourself down, watch the miniseries and Season 1…and then grab this comic and let your mind be frakked!

You can catch it online here. (http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/details.php?id=828)

[estee]

Okay...I bought this issue.

Right off the bat it had two things I liked just on the cover...a cheap price and a hot chick in a tight red dress.

Inside things got a bit more complex.

First...I didn't like the fact that the writers were more interested in keeping the issue in line with the series than to make a comic book. I had no idea who was who, what was what because I don't watch the show. If you want to get people to buy the book they should have started at the beginning. If the writers had done that, it might have enticed me to watch as well. It didn't happen.

Second...The fact that Cylons were the creation of human beings. That concept holds no allure for me. Oooo we make a bunch of robot slaves and then we get all indignant when they finally rebel. Spare me. That didn't work for me in Matrix and it doesn't work for me now. Do they expect me to feel sympathy for the human race when they were architects of their own demise? But if they were just an alien race of robots bent on enslaving us that's okay. Its a plot that's been used before. Just substitute the word "Cylon" where it says "Communist" and we're good to go.

So I'm sorry, but this book and the series isn't my thing.

[KrAzYeTy]

Hmm I am in the same boat as estee, not a fan of the show so I was a little lost.

I am still gonna give them a chance, cause sometimes #0's are a little vague purposely.

No other comments for now.

[sschroeder]

A couple of things concern me about this issue. The first is the possibility that these found people all once thought dead are Cylons. Since this comic is in the show's continuity it would be difficult to write that they are Cylons. I realize the crew were only considering that at this point, so I'm not jumping to conclusions. I'm just bringing it up. If it is revealed that they are Cylons (somehow, maybe Baltar tests them or more duplicates are found?), then the writers really have to do that carefully and explain it. In the rest of the episodes that follow people do not act as if the whole society around them can be Cylons (which is different from any one person can be a Cylon, the basic state of affairs). They might try to do it by saying only those who have died can somehow be made into Cylons. At this point though, it seems pretty likely that aren't Cylons. The suspicion and paranoia would just be through the roof otherwise in the series after this point.

Next, I just didn't like the art all that much. That's personal taste, but it might keep me from buying.



Firstly, I have to put a caveat on this review. This #0 issue is set within the continuity of the Battlestar Galactica TV show and takes place between the events of episodes 7 and 11 of Season 2. Only Season 1 has screened on television in Australia, and Season 2 is not available on DVD in this country until the middle of August.

As such, I am missing some of the context needed to truly appreciate this comic. However, as an ardent fan of what I have seen so far, I can convincingly say that every fan of the show must go out and get a copy of this comic…right now!
I'm completely caught up on the show, and I think you run the risk of ruining some surprises, just based on the zero issue already, if you are behind but reading this comic.



I had no idea who was who, what was what because I don't watch the show.
Almost every important character in the comic is named, and they gave you some idea of their function and position and what was happening.



If you want to get people to buy the book they should have started at the beginning. If the writers had done that, it might have enticed me to watch as well. It didn't happen.
I disagree. People who already follow the show are the most likely audience for this. That doesn't mean you can't start here though.



The fact that Cylons were the creation of human beings. That concept holds no allure for me. Oooo we make a bunch of robot slaves and then we get all indignant when they finally rebel. Spare me. That didn't work for me in Matrix and it doesn't work for me now. Do they expect me to feel sympathy for the human race when they were architects of their own demise? But if they were just an alien race of robots bent on enslaving us that's okay. Its a plot that's been used before.
I think you are a bit optimistic about humanity not causing its own demise some day. It just probably won't come from sentient robots.

If The Matrix didn't work for you this show will be a tough sell, even though they don't really have anything to do with each other. On this show you'll have to accept sentient robots and faster than light space travel to get where the story wants to go.

This is a good show, and I would encourage you to give the mini-series and a few episodes a try. Some of the ways that the situations arise is questionable. Certain actions, decisions, etc. Where the show excels is showing you the heat of those situations.

[KrAzYeTy]

I rented the mini series to try and familiarize myself a little with the BSG universe, and I have to say man is it a great show.

Now I just have to find the first and second seasons, which I hope are as good as the mini.

Anyone who plans on reading this comic have to atleast watch the mini. I haven't even rented a real movie this good in a long long time.

:)

[Drifter39]

Yep, If your feeling a little lost in reading the comic book, or just jumped into the television series, I Highly Recommend watching the mini-series. When I first heard about a year and a half ago about the new Sci-fi channel series, I thought great, they Just ruined something That I loved watching growing up. I'm 40 years old and remember watching the Movie and then the series growing up. Guess what? I was wrong. The new show is Awesome. A buddy of mine kept bugging me to watch it, and I finally gave in and watched the mini-series. I have been hooked Since.

I like that the comic book jumps right into what could to me be deemed as a lost episode. The story has been that good!! Just give it a chance, and soon, like me, it will be on your must have list!! :D

[agentalbert]

The show is absolutely fantastic. I think anyone reading the comic but not watching the show is really missing out.

I don't have a problem at all with the plot of the comic existing within the realm of the show. That has to happen, you know. The creators of the show wouldn't let Dynamite take the comic into an entirely different direction and have characters live in the comic, but be dead in the show, and vice versa. I like that these are stories that exist within the timeframe of the show, but aren't shown. Like comic versions of lost episodes.