FREE PLANET #8 (IMAGE COMICS)
The Orouran Empire are no strangers to the planet of Lutheria.
Readers have seen their displays of aggression challenge the Freedom Guard since the inception of the Free Planet. They fight with a ferocity unparalleled. If you are their target, chances of survival are slim to none.
Pledging allegiance to the Empire means more than just an oath. Niketas is an Elite Space Marine. What he will do for the Great Sun knows no limits. This includes taking control of Laloux by any means necessary.
FREE PLANET #8 by Aubrey Sitterson, Jed Dougherty, Tyrell Cannon, Vittorio Astone and Taylor Esposito (Image Comics) continues its “EXPANSION PROTOCOLS” one-shot series.
Let’s take a deeper dive into a Marine’s mission for his empire.
FREE PLANET #8 by Aubrey Sitterson, Jed Dougherty, Tyrell Cannon, Vittorio Astone and Taylor Esposito (Image Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Sitterson gives a very fascinating look at the tragic devotion of one solider to their cause. The writing breaks down Niketas’s mission. Taming a planet is easier said than done. It doesn’t take long before the violence begins. Displaying the ruthless aggression leads into a major shift in the story. It’s a good change of pace for the usual direction of the series. Diplomacy may be dead in this case. It is all about enforcing the will of the empire. Results are filled with broken dreams.
Readers watch the extreme lengths Niketas puts himself through for the Empire’s cause. There are intense memories of a life once lived. The dialogue between solider and base is very driven, There is not a moment of remorse for actions taken. Pacing keeps adding more weight onto Niketas’ back. This ultimately leads to his tragic finish. It is one that gives a very direct message of what his actions were worth. The final pages put a cold stamp on the somber picture of life and purpose.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Cannon jumps in for art duties on this stand-alone. There are plenty of two-page spreads to display Niketas’ mission to the masses. A detailed look at his weaponry launches right into the wild action sequences. There is no shortage of big action during these pages. If you have ever read “The Schlub”, you know Cannon’s style of bringing out loud action to the pages.
With each advance, readers see how difficult the plan truly is. Once a neurotoxin becomes involved, the display switches to match the building sickness. Readers see past memories mixed in with mounting insanity. The close-up of Niketas’ eyes tells a story onto itself. This pushes to the final moments of his mission. From a whirling effect of memories and thoughts to the eventual brutal twist, the audience doesn’t lose sight of the shattered sense of hope. The reaction of failure between solider and base solidifies the Empire’s dead aura. This leads into a solid finish as events wrap here before the second act resumes.
FINAL GRADE: 9
A soldier’s fight leads into an internal journey into method and purpose in this excellent stand alone issue. Sitterson weaves many themes into a soulless mission. Cannon’s visuals take the brutal attacks for “liberation” to new heights. This series offers a distinct look at storytelling all its’ own.
Let me know your thoughts on Free Planet #8 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
