StarCraft: Frontline Volume 1 Review … the Manga!
Summary: StarCraft Frontline Volume 1 is an excellent introduction to this gaming universe in the Manga format!
4
Hidden worlds
With almost perfect timing with Blizzard‘s release of their remastered edition of the original StarCraft, this Manga inspired comic takes the reader into the diverse gaming universe of this real-time strategy title. The Manga is also jam packed with StarCraft goodness and not only contains some very interesting stories but helps explore the universe, including the different aspects of the humans, Zerg and Protoss. It’s kind of like a behind the scenes snapshot into what makes this universe tick.
The first story is entitled ‘Why we Fight’ which centres around the three different species in StarCraft which include the Terrans (humans), Zerg and Protoss and what this war means to them. It’s basically an introduction to the StarCraft universe with the writer really channelling the themes from this PC game, including the classic yet clichéd one-liners. The Terran story revolves around Jin-Ho who is protesting against the Dominion with his fiancé Anna. However when the protest gets violent, the Dominion intervene and Jin-Ho is taken away to be ‘resocialised by the nefarious Dr Burgress in order to be a better Dominion citizen. As a result, he becomes a marine of the dreaded Death’s Head Legion as he is sent to help secure Xel’Naga temple and is caught in the middle of a war between the Terran, Zerg and Humans.
This story continues, however from the perspective of a young Zerg hatchling who not only comes across Jin-Ho but also that of the powerful Zerg/human hybrid Kerrigan (aka the Queen of Blades). Following this Zerg’s ‘story’ is that of a Protoss named Khastiana who completes her training as a Zealot and is also attempting to secure the temple Xel’Naga. It is here where she comes across Jin-Ho and helps him unleash his memories that were stolen by Dr Burgress. Needless to say, things don’t go according to plan for any of our protagonists but it does provide an interesting insight into the three races from StarCraft.
Additionally, the other stories also help explore these distinct species which includes more information on the ‘resocialisation’ process, including the Terrans battle techniques with the Zerg and how the ‘hive’ or the swarm is the true way of life. The last story revolves around the Protoss that gives the reader a unique insight into their noble culture and how they train their soldiers to become ‘higher’ beings. Needless to say, all the stories contained in this trade paperback really help flesh out the motivations of each of the races and it’s accompanied by some wonderful art that truly pays homage to the in-game graphics and cutscenes of these video games.
All in all, it’s definitely one for StarCraft fans or for those who want to get into the game and learn some of the history behind it.
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