At what cost is Freedom too much? That is the question plaguing Lutheria’s newfound protectors. The Freedom Guard was assembled as the planet won their true independence. Balancing the multiple factors adjusting to the new world is one thing. Jackson Crater is a whole other combustible element.
What lies ahead isn’t getting any easier for anyone.
FREE PLANET #3 by Aubrey Sitterson, Jed Dougherty, Vittorio Astone and Taylor Esposito continues to blaze its’ trail of intense storytelling.
Let’s take a closer look at what transpires now.
FREE PLANET #3 by Aubrey Sitterson, Jed Dougherty, Vittorio Astone and Taylor Esposito (IMAGE COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Sitterson throws the Guard into more uncharted water that come with heavy prices. With Lutheria’s Orchaleum being a sought after resource, many parties want it. The writing presents the Orouran Empire as the new contenders. Readers watch as they show no regard into going for what they want. Diplomacy isn’t their strong suit. It might not be the Guard’s as we find out.
Katja and Basil get some backstory before being thrusted into a diplomatic moment. Yrl-Ken, The Quadros representative provides friction in dealing with the upcoming threat. Sitterson plays this point right into the heart of the issue. A starflight scrap takes center stage as the creative team unloads their arsenal. The action will have fans locked in as the presentation is ambitious. It rolls into a more stable ending. Events end with a shadowy feel/ Knowing the moves in silence will speak volumes as Freedom’s cost is very steep.
Doughtery and Astone open up with a huge full page image. The Orounan Empire makes a loud debut. It is followed by a two page showcase that displays their unbending methods. The art switches gears to a more calm time between Katja and Basil. It serves as a reminder of a lost past and hardened future. The debut of Yrl-Ken is presented in full detail. Its’ one of this series strengths. There is very little left out of an ever changing world.
The majority of the issue is taken over a star fight for the ages. Readers see a two page splash assess the threat incoming. It is the tip of the iceberg as the fight is staged in a very unique way. There’s a series of two page splashes that come across (in this version) as if the readers are flying in the fight. It is a bold move but this series has never been afraid to go places. The panels never let up on the excitement until the fight is over. In its’ wake is a return to form for the guard. This leads into a very tense aura for the closing. Tensions are high as the struggles to maintain Freedom is weighing heavier by the day.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.2
The Freedom Guard not only has to navigate outside threats but ones within. Sitterson stages the drama with excellent writing. Doughtery and Astone gamble and score with an distinct look at a space fight in motion. The storytelling involved with this world-building is second to none.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Free Planet #3. Thanks for reading!