The Terminator movie series is perhaps the best example of how success can both shape and destroy a series. More movies can be made, but studios, audiences, and other outside forces often want to see more of certain elements. In the case of the Terminator movies, every time since Terminator 2: Judgment Day they’ve tried to recreate Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This changes in Terminator #1 by Declan Shalvey and Luke Sparrow.
First, the book is set after the events of the first Terminator movie and doesn’t follow any of the characters from that movie, which is a relief. We can only work with the Connor family to a limited extent. Instead, Terminator #1 chooses to follow an elderly couple, Harper and Penny, and their efforts to outrun the Terminator. Chalvey’s opening monologue also touches on the nature of time. “Depending on your perspective, it can be long or short. Depending on your mood, it can pass or drag,” the caption reads. “In any case, never forget, it’s coming for you.”
This also applies to The Terminator, who, under Sparrow’s pencils and Colin Craker’s colors, is scarier than ever. There are also moments where you emerge from the water or drive a truck into a building. Little is said about this terrifying machine except for its glowing red eyes. The most memorable moment comes on the opening page, which features the Terminator kneeling at the bottom of a lake. For four panels, it remains motionless…until the eyes suddenly snap. I can’t stop feeling scared until I turn the last page.
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Cracker also has a back-up story, “Buried Alive,” by Sal Clavelli that tells the story of two Terminators who have lost track of time. One tries to eliminate a young man named Imane, and the other tries to protect him. There may be shades of Judgment Day to this, but this story raises some questions. In other words, what is important to Imane? Why are two Terminators sent back? Good manga leave you with doubts and want to know more, and Buried Alive is definitely a good manga.
What makes Terminator #1 such a great comic is also the way it takes the series back to its roots. The idea of The Terminator, and Skynet in general, is just nightmare fuel. They feel no pity, know no mercy, and will not stop until they achieve their goals. The fact that the main story depicts what happened after Judgment Day is a welcome surprise. Because that’s a time period that hasn’t really been explored in the franchise.
Whether you’re a die-hard Terminator fan or just burned out on the series, Terminator #1 will reignite your fear of the classic machine. The Terminator is back. If Shalvey and Sparrow have their way, the Terminator is here to stay.
Terminator #1 returns to the horror roots of the original film
Terminator #1
Whether you’re a die-hard Terminator fan or just burned out on the series, Terminator #1 will reignite your fear of the classic machine. The Terminator is back. If Shalvey and Sparrow have their way, the Terminator is here to stay.
Shalvey and Sparrow tell a story that harks back to the horror roots of the first film.
A Terminator story that finally surpasses the first two movies in terms of setting and characters.
Sparrow portrays a truly terrifying Terminator.
A backup story that will make you want to read the second issue.
I wish I had a time machine… so I could read issue 2!
