Aliens, Robots, and Mankind Collide in “Mech Cadet Yu, Vol. 1” Review

Writer: Greg Pak / Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa /Colored by: Triona Farrell/ Lettering by: Simon Bowland BOOM! Studios The easiest way to describe Mech Cadet Yu would be a combination between Ender’s Game, Neon Genesis Evagellion, and maybe a tad bit of The Iron Giant. However, to describe the series like that is a massive oversimplification that does not properly convey the joy and hope Pak and Miyazawa bring to the page. Mech Cadet Yu sets a new standard for giant robot versus giant alien monster story. It’s simply that good. It got a glowing review from us back with issue number one.

In this world, three giant robots descend from heavens on an annual basis and form empathetic bonds with humans as they defend the ominous Sharg. Our protagonist is Stanford Yu, a janitor who works alongside his mother at the Sky Corps Academy in Arizona, who desperately wishes for the chance to rise above his station and do more than just clean the facilities. Of course, most of the kids his age don’t believe he’ll ever amount to anything of note, in particular Cadet Park, daughter of the general and ace pilot in the making.

Yet, when the robot selection time comes only two robots appear and select Sanchez and Olivetti leaving Park mech-less. And conveniently, Yu is working off his anger and resentment when he inadvertently bonds with the third robot of the group. While he is glad to have a new robotic buddy, aptly named Buddy, he is pretty much the only one.

Thus sets the stage for the rest …