Spitfire Vs Aliens! Review: Gundam-Style Warfare Meets RAF Legacy
How about some big concept Sci-fi action incorporating historical Navy and Air Force conflict, but in space inhabited by animal and human protagonists with some high action Gundam Wing influence in art, with skill and bucket loads of potential? Strap in and prepare for take off with "Spitfire Vs Aliens!" by Atholl Buchan.
Atholl Buchan is a writer, artist and Makaton advocate. The self-described dad with an iPad has previous work, including self-published comedy Western Frontiers Tales, a short comic for SaturdayAM issue 110, a contribution to Brewgooders Anthology, Space Train for Falcon, lettering and colouring on Brightside issue 2. He has also worked for both the RAF Peterhead Heritage Society and the Polish Heritage Flight. A thoroughly interesting individual introduced its review time.
So, let's start with the art. Atholl Buchan has a nice style that's easy on the eye. There are really good layouts and designs showing a keen eye for the dynamic and action sequences that are underlined with a Manga influence in a very fun way. The character designs show great imagination and handle emotions really well, with occasionally rough around the edges moments and a couple of tricky moments of issues with perspective. These moments are outshone by the really strong vehicle presentation that shows a real appreciation for the subject matter.
The absolute standout moment has to be the reveal of special mode "Really Overpowered Battle Orientated Transformation". It is executed with fantastic design and skill. The influence is obvious here, but Atholl has clearly harnessed some love and admiration into this design for impressive results.
The other standout aspect of Atholl's art has to be the colouring. The lighting and laser presentation are excellent. Second only to some very beautiful depictions of space as a backdrop and landscape. All around a strong effort with some room for improvement, but a clearly talented eye with a flair for action and set pieces. Admirable and enjoyable art explored its story time.
I feel it's here in the storytelling that Atholl Buchan's talents really shine. The imagination is great. Two warring kingdoms locked in interstellar battle, a secret technology and a connection to a Scottish pilot and his Spitfire. It's really great stuff with super dialogue showcased. In fact, a script that outshines its execution in overall delivery. It's an idea with a lot of appeal and is easy to get invested in.
Another aspect of the strength of the storytelling is the passion at its heart. Yes, there's some heavy-handed influence on display, but this comic feels like a love letter to those ideas. It's not an attempt to replicate them, which is a key distinction. Passion is undeniable, and Atholl shares it in a compelling manner. There is a fascinating potential on offer here that I feel exceeds its presentation. If the two could align, this could be an even greater comic for all ages.
Atholl ends things on a very excellent cliffhanger moment that feels very Anime in that tune in next week sort of way. I have to say I'd be very interested to see what happens next. One thing's for sure, this one brings oodles of joy.
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For fans of Sci-fi, Manga, Spitfires, aliens, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force based weaponry locked in interstellar warfare crewed by human and animal-like lifeforms, Scottish pilots, Gundam Wing, RAF Peterhead and secret weapons in art with moments of excellence, especially when it comes to vehicles, blast off with Spitfire Vs Aliens!
To get your copy, you can find print and digital versions at The Shift website here. Atholl Buchan is an interesting creator with the added fascinating bonus of being a parent of a Makaton user and therefore an advocate for the use of Makaton in art & comics. A noble enterprise indeed. To keep up to date with Atholl's latest happenings, check out the Facebook profile here. For more on Makaton, everybody should check out the charity website here. I highly recommend checking out the sign of the week. It's a really great resource.
Review: 4/5.
