While this second “Voltron: Legendary Defender” miniseries has had an ongoing plot, there are plenty of one-and-done fights against a new enemy in every issue. This gives the space for a longer story as well as a somewhat satisfying conclusion to anyone who decides to pick up a random issue without following the whole series. This issue follows the same formula where the Paladins and their friends have a new threat to face. Check our review to see how they do, but notice that there are some minor spoilers.
Written by Tim Hedrick & Mitch IversonCover by Rubine
Illustrated by Rubine
Layouts by Jung Gwan Yoo
Coloured by Beni Lobel
Lettered by AndWorld Design
The Pilgrimage Part Three. The convoy must cross into increasingly dangerous territory, trying to avoid a terrible and scary monster despite complications arising from Hunk’s attempt to cook the “Most Epic Breakfast Ever” using a single massive egg.
Coran catches an illness, which is also a plot point used in the animated show. And like in the show, in the end his illness also turns out to help the Paladins out of a tricky situation here too. That doesn’t mean that the issue’s plot is a copy of the show’s, as the situations surrounding the idea of Coran being sick are quite different. Tim Hedrick and Mitch Iverson have come up with a nice little story where Coran, who is usually mostly a comedic character, saves the day by being clever. The mini-series had a bit of a rocky start regarding the characterization of certain characters who are often used as laughing stock with Hunk being portrayed as a total idiot who speaks of himself in third person. The writers quickly made an improvement after the first issue and have even given Hunk two possible love interests who compete over him, even if it’s still made humorous.
The issue’s illustrator Rubine uses an art style that is mostly close to the show’s style but there is variation in this between images, sometimes even inside the same panel. In a certain pose a character can look exactly like they do in for example some of the show’s promotional art, while in other poses the style they are drawn in is much more different. Neither one looks bad but the inconsistency is noticeable. The lions and Voltron have a good amount of detail to them but some of the backgrounds inside the castle could have used more detail. It’s true that most rooms in the castle have always been quite spartan but for example the scene that happens in King Alfor’s old specimen closet could have been an opportunity to come up with something more interesting than just rows of plain empty-looking bottles on some tables. Rubine is talented at using varying angles, there are only a couple that seem like the wrong choice in that situation. Jung Gwan Yoo is responsible for the layouts of the issue and has done an excellent job with them especially, in the sword fight scene.
There is more added to the lore of the Davdabhau race and that addition becomes an important component of the plot. While something about the anthropomorphic cats on a pilgrimage to new hunting lands doesn’t do it for me (it’s probably their designs that are reminiscent of early 2000s webcomics), the mythical villain offers an interesting challenge to the heroes both at close range and out in space. Rubine has drawn him as a majestic warrior and the colouring of his nebula form looks neat against the space background.
The ratio of action sequences and calmer moments is well balanced, with both having humour that sometimes hits its mark and sometimes really doesn’t. It’s jarring to read a line that can be barely classified as a joke and then have to see another character praise the aforementioned quip. There is funny dialogue too, like Coran trying to call King Alfor a nerd and Hunk still being teased over the Davdabhau girls wanting to marry him. The character interactions work quite fluidly even though there isn’t anything new introduced to the relationship dynamics and some of the dialogue is a bit embarrassing.
Overall the issue has a very light-hearted tone. It’s not one to make you ponder serious questions or be emotional on the character’s behalf, but to give you a moment of entertainment instead. Beni Lobel’s colouring helps to set this mood, giving only the sword fight scene a more serious tone by using slightly more muted colours compared to the bright blasts and nebulas that otherwise fill the pages. If you’re looking for something memorable, this isn’t what you need right now, but if you want a bit of basic all-ages action comedy to pass the time, “Voltron: Legendary Defender” could be something to check out.
Final verdict: 6.7 – An entertaining read, but nothing too special.
