DC: Mech #1
Scheduled to arrive in stores: July 26, 2021
Cover date: September 2022
“DC: Mech”
Writer: Kenny Porter
Artist: Balbemar Rivas
Cover: Balbemar Rivas
Variant Covers: Dan Mora, Ricardo López Ortiz and Karl Kerschl
Reviewed by: JP Rocha
A part of the DC Omniverse, the world of DC: Mech is set in a modern day with a small collection of heroes. The story establishes that in this world a mech enhanced Parademon scout was sent to earth after the devastation of World War 2 and threat of war ended. It took the whole Justice Society of America to defeat this lone scout, but with some heavy losses. The response was to prepare the world for an inevitable future invasion.
When the story picks up we are quickly filled in that the modern world seems to have only two established heroes Batman and The Flash. While there are only two heroes there still seems to be a legacy of heroes as we are introduced to the current Flash Wally West. It is unclear if the heroes powers are limited to mech suits, or are the natural abilities of the heroes enhanced by the suits.
The plot is initiated by two events. The first arrival of three more Parademon mechs. The second the arrival of Superman.
One thing that is consistent is that regardless of the planet, mech seems to be utilized universe wide, and Krypton is no different. Superman arrives in the modern day on earth. Although coming to earth a full grown man, the story lets you know that Kal-El is still the Superman we know. Earth’s greatest hope to survive the invasion from Apokolips.
Story – 4: You might think a story about mechs is overplayed and basic, but “DC: Mech” is a fun and interesting take on the world of DC. Porter seems to have good knowledge of the DC Universe, as he unveils his story and mech universe. I am looking forward to the next issue.
Art – 4: In the issue we see many DC characters we know and overall the art is good but stylized. Rivas’ mechs design are fun and play to each character well, but oddly enough the mechs are not the strongest part of the issue’s art. Rivas’ strength is his takes on the heroes and villains of the DC Universe. The down side of the art is the characters’ abstract features and gestures that seem to be a little wonky in places.
Cover Art – 3: While not the most interesting cover, the art is a perfect reflection of the interior art. The scratchy speedlines on Superman’s mech is used a lot throughout the issue inspired by the look of Japanese manga. So if you like the cover art you will like the interior art. Of the four covers this is the recommended cover.
Variant Cover – 4: Looking at the next two solicitations, this is the first in a series of cover designs that showcases the mech’s schematics. Mora seems to be taking on a role as DC character designer. Which is well deserved as seen with this cover art.
1:25 Variant Cover – 3: This is the least interesting of the four covers. Very heavily manga inspired. The strength is the mech action, but the character design and buildings seem out of place.
1:100 Variant Cover – 3: This cover is clearly inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion. In what seems a part of a series of cover designs that depict each hero with their mech.
Check out the Mild Mannered Reviews contents page.
So is like if DC superheroes turn into something like Tekno man?