The Tablet of Destinies #1

Lady Mechanika: The Tablet of Destinies #1

Writer: M.M. Chen
Artists: Joe Benitez and Martin Montiel
Colorist: Mike Garcia
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Cover Artists: Joe Benitez, Martin Montiel and Mike Garcia

Lady Mechanika: The Tablet of Destinies #1 kicks off a new arc in the series with a new creative team as well. It’s written by M.M. Chen who helped collaborate on the first arc of the series and who manages to capture the same caliber of dialog, characterization and storytelling as Joe Benitez. Joe is also back as an artist along with the help of Martin Montiel who helped in Lady Mechanika #5. Colorist Mike Garcia also shows up after having helped in Lady Mechanika #5. New to the series, however, is long time Star Wars letterer Michael Heisler who I’m glad to see on the team. Having read many of his previous comics, it’s nice knowing the lettering is in competent hands.

Storywise, this arc breaks off into new adventures. There’s three by the issue’s end. One is in Africa as Professor Thomsen and Mr. Strassman are exploring the lost city of Enki. Elsewhere Lady Mechanika goes on an abominable snowman hunt in the Swiss Alps, then returns to England where she gets swept up in the Enki expedition. As usual, there are plenty of mysteries sprinkled throughout and each little adventure is filled with action. It’s a nice way to start the arc.

Now if anyone is trepidatious about the change in artists, the first page should be enough to sweep away your fears. The panels are dripping with detail and gorgeous illustrations. There’s even fancy mechanical borders on some of the panels which add an extra touch to the whole atmosphere of the comic. While the style is a little different from the previous issues, it looks great in its own right. The melding between Benitez and Montiel is near perfect and the coloring by Garcia is pure visual splendor.

The Tablet of Destinies #1 is off to a great start. Excellent storytelling and artwork make this one well worth your time and effort. I give it a five out of five metal bikinis.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.