We Stand On Guard #1 Review

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Steve Skroce

Overview:

Brian K. Vaughan, known for his writing on Saga, the Runaways, and Y: The Last Man, creates a fast-paced, exciting military story set in the far future. Steve Skroce, who has drawn storyboards arts like the Matrix, Jupiter Ascending, and Cloud Atlas, gives readers a taste on what futuristic war looks like. For an Image Comic, this book has 40 pages of continuous non-stop action, which is impressive. The story takes place 100 years in the future where the United States takes over Canada. The main character must find her captured or lost brother and learn to cooperate with a squad of freedom fighters. Will she able to find and save her brother, and survive in a country full of killer robots….and bigger killer robots?

Synopsis:

In the year 2112, a family from Ottawa, Ontario in their living room watches the destruction of the White House through the eyes of the mother (literally). It is not known who is directly responsible, then suddenly outside their home, the U.S. retaliates against Canada by dropping bombs across the country. A bomb strikes down on their home; killing the parents. Tommy's father in his dying words asks Tommy to watch and protect his sister, Amber.

Twelve years later around the Northwest Territories, an older Amber walks along the snowy parts of Yellowknife. She spots an elk and is about to shoot it with her crossbow, but an American robo-dog spots her and orders her to identify herself. She immediately refuses and shoots her crossbow at the robot. The robot retaliates by blasting it's laser cannon at her and manages to injure her. As it goes in for the kill, the robot is shot down by nearby freedom fighters, the Two Four (Chief McFadden, Dunn, Highway and his dog Hungry, Booth, LaPage, and Qabanni).

Amber discusses with them that she has been searching for her brother for a while. One of the fighters, Booth, gives her First Aid treatment while the others spread out to scout the area around them. During their conversation, Amber notices Booth's Superman tattoo. She wonders why Booth has it since Superman is viewed as an American product. Booth contradicts this by stating that the original artist for Superman was Canadian; thus, making Superman Canadian (It makes sense right?).

Suddenly a larger American robot-dog appears. Two Four team engages the giant robot and manages to incapacitate it. Booth opens the cockpit to check the system's mainframe. Instead, a pilot emerges and shoots Booth out of fear. The pilot quickly surrenders, but the team debates on whether to kill him or not. Chief McFadden orders Amber to execute the pilot to see if she is trustworthy. As Dunn pleads to keep the pilot alive for information and begs McFadden to not let Amber kill off the pilot, Amber with no hesitation shoots the pilot; killing him. Amber replaces Booth and is part of the Two Four.

Review:

Vaughan started off on the right foot by taking an interesting spin on Canada taking on the United States in a far future setting. While Vaughan didn't really focus on developing or making these characters interesting, he does a great job on pointing out notable Canadian references such as, two four (24 case beer in Canada), Superman's original artist being Canadian, Canadian Tire, and Canada's water. Not only that, the book is full of action and the story itself doesn't need much dialogue to explain what is going on. As for the art, Skroce with his previous skills from his movie career contributed to the story telling. The sequences and imagery explained what was going on and there wasn't a moment I felt lost nor found some of the designs odd looking. The panels and scenery looked good; especially the snowy parts of the book. The characters were drawn beautifully; making it look futuristic, but a little modern day. For a $3 book, this 40 page comic book is a steal if you like a futuristic, thrilling action tale. If you are also a fan of Brian K. Vaughan, I highly recommend this book.