BOOM! Studios; $3.99

The alien threat known as the Sharg have returned to Earth, meaning that the cadets who have been training for that potentiality will soon be thrust into real life-or-death situations. Stanford’s mother attempts to dissuade him from joining the battle, but he refuses to back down – though his commanding officer shuts down any inclination he might have to actually entering the fray. Their training exercises continue instead, though even those get interrupted when a massive Sharg shows up.

Mech Cadet Yu very much feels like a love letter to the great mecha anime and manga series of the ‘90s, and the influences from the likes of Mobile Suit Gundam and Neon Genesis Evangelion are obvious to see. But it never feels as though it’s just aping those series and is instead able to transform those old tropes into something entirely unique. Between some stellar writing and great artwork, plus a whole lot of action mixed with genuine emotion, Mech Cadet Yu should prove to be a hit for BOOM!.

-Carrie Wood