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Mech Cadet Yu #1-4
Mech Cadet Yu, Vol. 1
A young boy gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he bonds with a giant sentient robot and joins the ranks of the illustrious Sky Corps Academy to protect the world from alien threats.
Every year, giant sentient robots from outer space come to Earth and bond forever with a brand new crop of cadets at Sky Corps Academy to help keep the planet safe. But this year, instead of making a connection with a cadet, one of the mechs bonds with Stanford, a young kid working with his Mom as a janitor at Sky Corps. Stanford has the opportunity of a lifetime but he'll first have to earn the trust of his classmates if he's to defend the planet from the monstrous Sharg.
From bestselling author Greg Pak (The Hulk, Superman) and fan favorite artist Takeshi Miyazawa (Runaways, Ms. Marvel), Mech Cadet Yu is a heartfelt underdog story set in a bright and bold sci fi world, uncovering the true makings of heroism and friendship in the face of overwhelming odds. This collection includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mech Cadet Yu, including the comic short story that inspired the series.
Every year, giant sentient robots from outer space come to Earth and bond forever with a brand new crop of cadets at Sky Corps Academy to help keep the planet safe. But this year, instead of making a connection with a cadet, one of the mechs bonds with Stanford, a young kid working with his Mom as a janitor at Sky Corps. Stanford has the opportunity of a lifetime but he'll first have to earn the trust of his classmates if he's to defend the planet from the monstrous Sharg.
From bestselling author Greg Pak (The Hulk, Superman) and fan favorite artist Takeshi Miyazawa (Runaways, Ms. Marvel), Mech Cadet Yu is a heartfelt underdog story set in a bright and bold sci fi world, uncovering the true makings of heroism and friendship in the face of overwhelming odds. This collection includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mech Cadet Yu, including the comic short story that inspired the series.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2018
14 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Greg Pak
1,640 books579 followersGreg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Lawful" for BOOM and "Sam Wilson: Captain America" (with Evan Narcisse) for Marvel. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "Darth Vader," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 7, 2018
Every four years, three Robo descend to earth and bond with three Mech Cadets. What happens when one of them accidentally bonds with Stanford Yu, the janitor's son? Will Stanford Yu and his mech, Buddy, be able to measure up with the other cadets when the Sharg attack?
Like a lot of guys my age, I have fond memories of watching Voltron, Robotech, and other Americanized anime featuring giant robots when I was a kid. Hell, I've still got Voltron and a Shogun Warrior on a shelf in my basement. My first glimpses of Mech Cadet Yu rekindled the spark in me so I had to give it a shot.
Mech Cadet Yu is a fun, kinda cute book. It feels like it's destined to be a cartoon someday. Stanford Yu is a janitor at the Mech academy when he accidentally bonds with a damaged Robo and patches him up. From there, it's training, conflict with the other cadets, and an attack by the Sharg, the enemy Earth has been using the Mechs to combat for sixty years.
I really like what Greg Pak has done here. First of, I have to mention the pace. I complain about decompression in today's comics but I didn't notice it here. The issues were satisfying on their own. Also, I really like the way the relationship between Stanford and his Mech, Buddy, was portrayed. It's going to be a tear jerker if Buddy ever gets destroyed. The conflict between Stanford and Park is all too believable.
The artwork is pretty sweet. It looks manga-inspired, as befits the story, but has a life of its own. The Mech designs have a little Iron Giant, and a little Iron Man in them. The balloons showing the faces of the Mech cadets inside their Mechs while the action is going on is a nice touch, a good way to convey emotion when giant robots are fighting equally giant monsters.
Mech Cadet Yu is a really fun book. I'm in for the long haul. Four out of five stars.
Like a lot of guys my age, I have fond memories of watching Voltron, Robotech, and other Americanized anime featuring giant robots when I was a kid. Hell, I've still got Voltron and a Shogun Warrior on a shelf in my basement. My first glimpses of Mech Cadet Yu rekindled the spark in me so I had to give it a shot.
Mech Cadet Yu is a fun, kinda cute book. It feels like it's destined to be a cartoon someday. Stanford Yu is a janitor at the Mech academy when he accidentally bonds with a damaged Robo and patches him up. From there, it's training, conflict with the other cadets, and an attack by the Sharg, the enemy Earth has been using the Mechs to combat for sixty years.
I really like what Greg Pak has done here. First of, I have to mention the pace. I complain about decompression in today's comics but I didn't notice it here. The issues were satisfying on their own. Also, I really like the way the relationship between Stanford and his Mech, Buddy, was portrayed. It's going to be a tear jerker if Buddy ever gets destroyed. The conflict between Stanford and Park is all too believable.
The artwork is pretty sweet. It looks manga-inspired, as befits the story, but has a life of its own. The Mech designs have a little Iron Giant, and a little Iron Man in them. The balloons showing the faces of the Mech cadets inside their Mechs while the action is going on is a nice touch, a good way to convey emotion when giant robots are fighting equally giant monsters.
Mech Cadet Yu is a really fun book. I'm in for the long haul. Four out of five stars.
December 18, 2019
A fun boy meets giant robot story in the vein of Iron Giant and Tranzor Z. Stanford Yu is a janitor at the mech cadet school who accidentally bonds with a giant alien robot. Now he has to learn to work with his team to defeat giant crab kaiju called the Sharg. This was geared towards younger audiences and read like an afternoon school cartoon but I think there's enough here for adults to like as well. The art is bright and colorful, everything you could want in a series like this.
July 18, 2019
This was a little young for me. The issues-to-be-addressed in terms of important life lessons for kids were awfully obvious. But the art and action were solid, and you know, giant robots! So, recommended for your mech-loving 8-10 year old.
November 29, 2020
*Read as single issues*
Stanford Yu is just about the cutest protagonist to ever exist! Not only is he discriminated against for being foreign but he's also treated badly for being a cleaner. He is the ultimate underdog, and as always, we are rooting for the underdog! Stanford makes it so easy to root for him too. He's optimistic to the extent that he doesn't let his bullies deter him but he isn't so unaware that he'll just dismiss their bullying actions, it's the perfect balance between the two.
Park was an interesting character too. She seemed a lot more like a victim of the bad guy than the actual bad guy herself. It should be interesting to see how she goes up against her father in Mech Cadet Yu Vol. 2...
And, of course, the art in this was beautiful. The colorist did a superb job, I absolutely loved the colour choices it really brought the story to life and enhanced it.
One thing I did find quite unrealistic and a little too goofy for my liking was But other than that everything was very well done and this was an extremely enjoyable read!
Stanford Yu is just about the cutest protagonist to ever exist! Not only is he discriminated against for being foreign but he's also treated badly for being a cleaner. He is the ultimate underdog, and as always, we are rooting for the underdog! Stanford makes it so easy to root for him too. He's optimistic to the extent that he doesn't let his bullies deter him but he isn't so unaware that he'll just dismiss their bullying actions, it's the perfect balance between the two.
Park was an interesting character too. She seemed a lot more like a victim of the bad guy than the actual bad guy herself. It should be interesting to see how she goes up against her father in Mech Cadet Yu Vol. 2...
And, of course, the art in this was beautiful. The colorist did a superb job, I absolutely loved the colour choices it really brought the story to life and enhanced it.
One thing I did find quite unrealistic and a little too goofy for my liking was But other than that everything was very well done and this was an extremely enjoyable read!
January 15, 2019
If you took Enders Game and mashed it together with Starship Troopers, The Iron Giant and, Robotech, you would end up with something like Mech Cadet Yu.
I'ma sucker for robots vs. giant bug monsters and this satisfied that need in me quite nicely.
While it is definitely geared towards a younger audience, even an old fucker, like me, found joy in it; and I will certainly be carrying on with the 2nd volume.
I'ma sucker for robots vs. giant bug monsters and this satisfied that need in me quite nicely.
While it is definitely geared towards a younger audience, even an old fucker, like me, found joy in it; and I will certainly be carrying on with the 2nd volume.
September 13, 2018
The plot was like a mash up of transformers with power rangers. Not overly original. It was fun and simple. Really fun artwork but too simplistic and a little YAish for me
March 14, 2019
This is my first reading of a giant robot comic and I thought it was good. It seems aimed at a younger audience, but even readers of a certain age (i.e. me) can find something in it. There were some nice touches with the protagonist (Yu) and antagonist (Park) toward the end of the book that raised it above other such tales of that type. Like other reviewers have noted, I found it difficult to figure out what was going on in the action scenes, but was able to pick most of it up through context and dialogue. While entertaining, I don't feel a pressing need to continue with the series just now, though that doesn't mean I won't be returning.
June 29, 2019
Mech Cadet Yu is an enjoyable though predictable take on the classic story of a young boy and his robot. (Well, classic for anyone who grew up on Transformers, Iron Giant, Gundam, Voltron you get the picture.) In this universe, three giant mech robots partner up with one trained cadet each every four years to...be heroes together? It's unclear where they come from or why they let humans command them, whether they're on planetary defense or sanitary duty, but hey it's robots, so who cares!
The first volume follows a typical hero's journey - young Stanford Yu dreams of being a cadet, though he and his mom are the janitors of the school (but shouldn't he be *in* school?) He gets his chance when one of the three mech robots crashes before it can bond with overachiever cadet Park, and chooses Stanford instead.
The robots are sentient but unable to speak, like Iron Giant, and in one case a robot is altered against their will - there's room for ethical and social commentaries of course, but the book leans heavily into its YA Saturday morning cartoon approach. It's not necessarily a bad thing, though I wonder if Pak could have hinted at more for older readers to add another layer of storytelling.
But overall MCY is a charming story that effortlessly delights in the tropes of its genre. Skip Tanaka, first mech cadet, is a rougish Obi Wan type who is sure to become a father figure to Stanford; the villainous commander of the academy has designed man-made mech, with its clearly menacing design and scheming with his daughter Park, Stanford's antagonist, though she has an equally predictable arc.
Also, we're set up for Stanford to embody the idea that exists within many minority groups: he needs to work five times as hard to be taken seriously - his mom says as much in the opening pages. Yet it seems more like luck and strangely advanced engineering skills on par with the adults ("I can fix stuff") that lets him get ahead. It would be nice to see some flaws in this kid who might suddenly have an inflated sense of importance, or who loses himself in the additional work. His mech, whom he names Buddy, is cute but still largely an extension of Stanford without much personality (like Bumblebee, for example) - hopefully that will change.
The big bads are of course an evil alien invasion, but instead of more robots are giant crab creatures who are unfortunately called the Sharg ( which I always almost misread as shart). While Miyazawa and Farrell's unique artwork and surprising colors make them the more stunning part of the book, mindless aliens (for now) miss an opportunity for a more interesting story.
Miyazawa has a rough but expressive anime style and it really gives a nostalgic feeling to those of us who grew up watching Gundam or other related anime. It's really the only acceptable style for this kind of story, in my opinion. The mech robots are very human and give off a strong Iron Giant vibe, and of course they reflect each of their owners.
It was nice to see diversity among the cadets (and appropriately most of the characters are Asian) even though they have very little going on. Stanford's new friends and cadet mates have the most dialogue when they're interacting with their robots, but there's so much room for relationship building and backstory that will hopefully have some time in the next volume. Stanford's mom Dolly is confined to overbearing and worrying though supportive mother type, and above all it will be not just nice but necessary to see more dimensions from her.
Mech Cadet Yu is an easy read that feels perfect for young readers and maybe a kid's television series in the future. It's definitely predictable for older readers, but still enjoyable - and every generation needs its fun robot stories. I'll look forward to the next volume and hope for more world building and focus on secondary characters.
The first volume follows a typical hero's journey - young Stanford Yu dreams of being a cadet, though he and his mom are the janitors of the school (but shouldn't he be *in* school?) He gets his chance when one of the three mech robots crashes before it can bond with overachiever cadet Park, and chooses Stanford instead.
The robots are sentient but unable to speak, like Iron Giant, and in one case a robot is altered against their will - there's room for ethical and social commentaries of course, but the book leans heavily into its YA Saturday morning cartoon approach. It's not necessarily a bad thing, though I wonder if Pak could have hinted at more for older readers to add another layer of storytelling.
But overall MCY is a charming story that effortlessly delights in the tropes of its genre. Skip Tanaka, first mech cadet, is a rougish Obi Wan type who is sure to become a father figure to Stanford; the villainous commander of the academy has designed man-made mech, with its clearly menacing design and scheming with his daughter Park, Stanford's antagonist, though she has an equally predictable arc.
Also, we're set up for Stanford to embody the idea that exists within many minority groups: he needs to work five times as hard to be taken seriously - his mom says as much in the opening pages. Yet it seems more like luck and strangely advanced engineering skills on par with the adults ("I can fix stuff") that lets him get ahead. It would be nice to see some flaws in this kid who might suddenly have an inflated sense of importance, or who loses himself in the additional work. His mech, whom he names Buddy, is cute but still largely an extension of Stanford without much personality (like Bumblebee, for example) - hopefully that will change.
The big bads are of course an evil alien invasion, but instead of more robots are giant crab creatures who are unfortunately called the Sharg ( which I always almost misread as shart). While Miyazawa and Farrell's unique artwork and surprising colors make them the more stunning part of the book, mindless aliens (for now) miss an opportunity for a more interesting story.
Miyazawa has a rough but expressive anime style and it really gives a nostalgic feeling to those of us who grew up watching Gundam or other related anime. It's really the only acceptable style for this kind of story, in my opinion. The mech robots are very human and give off a strong Iron Giant vibe, and of course they reflect each of their owners.
It was nice to see diversity among the cadets (and appropriately most of the characters are Asian) even though they have very little going on. Stanford's new friends and cadet mates have the most dialogue when they're interacting with their robots, but there's so much room for relationship building and backstory that will hopefully have some time in the next volume. Stanford's mom Dolly is confined to overbearing and worrying though supportive mother type, and above all it will be not just nice but necessary to see more dimensions from her.
Mech Cadet Yu is an easy read that feels perfect for young readers and maybe a kid's television series in the future. It's definitely predictable for older readers, but still enjoyable - and every generation needs its fun robot stories. I'll look forward to the next volume and hope for more world building and focus on secondary characters.
November 10, 2023
This has clearly taken inspiration from many science fiction coming of age stories involving outcasts, wars and giant robots. It's fun but in the first volume there isn't anything that I haven't seen before. There's definitely potential but the first volume is fairly standard.
Takeshi Miyazawa's art is great, it has a retro-futuristic vibe that really works for this kind of story. I'm just not sure if it's enough for me to read volume two.
Takeshi Miyazawa's art is great, it has a retro-futuristic vibe that really works for this kind of story. I'm just not sure if it's enough for me to read volume two.
June 11, 2018
I said it after reading first issue, I am going to say it again. I am in love with this, because well.. robots. It's like meeting of Pacific Rim and... oh Iron Giant! That story pulled me in with first pages. It's lots of fun mixed with very touching storyline and amazing development of characters. I'm incredibly happy I found this, main character is whole-hearted and widely likeable. I've read digital version but I definitely want this in my bookshelf.
December 5, 2018
Mech Cadet Yu Vol 1., by Greg Pak, illustrated by Takeshi Miyzawa
Rating: 4.5/5
Note: Special thanks to BOOM!Studios for sending a copy for review.
I loved this within the first couple of minutes I started reading and I devoured it in one sitting.
The fact that Mech Cadet Yu stars an Asian character along with a diverse set of side characters absolutely elated me. This is a hidden gem amongst graphic novel releases this year, and I highly recommend it to everyone. Needless to say, I’ll be pushing this into the hands of students when they ask me for a book to read.
There are similarities between this title and the very well-known Gundam Wing and Pacific Rim series, so plot-wise, there’s nothing we haven’t seen before. This is about an ordinary boy who works as janitorial staff along with his mother who stumbles into a stray mech and instantly creates a special unbreakable bond that thrusts him into the Cadet Academy. Sounds familiar? The plot is a recycled version of ones we’ve seen, but for some reason, I don’t find it tedious or uninspiring; in fact, I think the exact opposite. What makes this graphic novel so good is a combination of many things: the strong plot with interesting characters, the gorgeous artwork, and the thrilling action sequences. There’s a smooth flow between each scene which creates a fluid progression of the storyline and dialogue. At times, the action scenes were a bit on the messy side which caused the story to advance too quickly in these pages, but it didn’t deter me from reading.
I loved every character depicted in this graphic novel, but my favourite, other than the mechs, is Stanford’s mom. Despite not being featured for a majority of the plot, her character still somehow shines. I liked seeing the creators bring her into scenes. This shows how important the bond between her and Stanford is and I appreciated seeing that mother/son relationship grow. Also, I liked how the creators decided to have her work a blue collared job to support the family after her husband’s passing; this aspect about her alone is realistic to many Asian families who have immigrated to North America with the father staying behind to work in Asia. I also liked how Pak incorporated a Cantonese translation into the dialogue between Stanford and his mother. I haven’t seen this written into graphic novels before. Even without saying much about her history, readers learn plenty just from her steady presence. Now that’s some excellent story-telling right there.
Another character I liked was Park. She’s not just your typical antagonist as her actions were very much influenced by her domineering father. I thought it was brilliant that Greg Pak decided to change her character, who was initially written as a male in the original comic, to a female with strong characteristics and a compelling backstory yet to be revealed. We get a few peeks about what makes act her so jealously towards Stanford in this volume, but there’s plenty more behind her hostility.
For the next volume, I’d love to find out more about the mechs that come to Los Robos. Volume one didn’t touch on the history behind why this occurs, or why the characters are living in a dystopian world, so this will absolutely keep me reading and following this series. Now, if only they can option the rights for a TV series *hint hint.*
July 8, 2019
What's the point of using all this paper to print a separate volume if it's gonna contain only 4 chapters? Well, I mean, profit, obviously. But I find it so annoying. What do you get in four chapters? Usually, barely anything. So that's where I am with this comic.
The premise is very cliche - you have an academy for young people where they are trained to pilot giant robots so they can defeat evil aliens. Yes, it has some cosmetic differences from the other books of the genre, but as I was reading this volume, I kept getting Voltron flashbacks. And as someone who thinks that Voltron was a disaster of a cartoon (ruined by whoever was trying to profit from it and a horrible, toxic fandom), this isn't exactly the association I enjoy.
And here's the thing - this is only the initial feel of the comic. It feels like it can be so much more than that, like it has tremendous potential, but the publisher wants you to get the nextbrochure volume to see if it actually develops into its own thing.
I guess I'm just being ranty. I'm sure sure it will. It's just I've seen other examples on Boom! Studios works with tiny volumes go sour before and maybe got a little bit cautious.
There are several things I like about the first four chapters. I like how the characters are introduced and the fact that we get to learn so much about two of their personalities in such a short span of pages. I like that the mean (possibly corrupt) angry general guy is Korean- American, and not another Evil White Man™. Heck, the ethnic representation is really great in this comic! I also like that the robots are more than just battle suits - they are intelligent and have feelings! Although some of the designs are veeery lazy. But visuals is something I get used to easily.
The volume ends on a cliffhanger and I'm pretty sure I'll read the next one to find out what's gonna happen, but at this point it's very hard to properly tell how I feel about it, when so little has happened.
The premise is very cliche - you have an academy for young people where they are trained to pilot giant robots so they can defeat evil aliens. Yes, it has some cosmetic differences from the other books of the genre, but as I was reading this volume, I kept getting Voltron flashbacks. And as someone who thinks that Voltron was a disaster of a cartoon (ruined by whoever was trying to profit from it and a horrible, toxic fandom), this isn't exactly the association I enjoy.
And here's the thing - this is only the initial feel of the comic. It feels like it can be so much more than that, like it has tremendous potential, but the publisher wants you to get the next
I guess I'm just being ranty. I'm sure sure it will. It's just I've seen other examples on Boom! Studios works with tiny volumes go sour before and maybe got a little bit cautious.
There are several things I like about the first four chapters. I like how the characters are introduced and the fact that we get to learn so much about two of their personalities in such a short span of pages. I like that the mean (possibly corrupt) angry general guy is Korean- American, and not another Evil White Man™. Heck, the ethnic representation is really great in this comic! I also like that the robots are more than just battle suits - they are intelligent and have feelings! Although some of the designs are veeery lazy. But visuals is something I get used to easily.
The volume ends on a cliffhanger and I'm pretty sure I'll read the next one to find out what's gonna happen, but at this point it's very hard to properly tell how I feel about it, when so little has happened.
April 10, 2019
Great for Kids! Classic Hero Story
I will admit I got half way through and stopped reading for awhile. It wasn't bad, just not that intriguing for my old self. I did pick two teeny tiny things that bugged me, but like typos they're hardly worth mentioning.
I picked it back up to return it for another & found myself really enjoying it.
This is great for kids & I can totally see it being a cartoon series.
I will admit I got half way through and stopped reading for awhile. It wasn't bad, just not that intriguing for my old self. I did pick two teeny tiny things that bugged me, but like typos they're hardly worth mentioning.
I picked it back up to return it for another & found myself really enjoying it.
This is great for kids & I can totally see it being a cartoon series.
September 6, 2018
This is a sweet, fun story of giant fighting robots and the teens who pilot them. The art is cute for the humans but I found it a little hard to tell what was actually supposed to be happening in some of the robot combat scenes? Generally I could piece it together from dialogue.
Overall, not my particular cup of tea, but great for tween (and beyond) fans of Pacific Rim and such.
Overall, not my particular cup of tea, but great for tween (and beyond) fans of Pacific Rim and such.
June 2, 2019
A solid, well-drawn twist on the giant-robot genre. It's great to see a young-readers appropriate story in this genre with a diverse cast. This volume doesn't break much new ground as far as story or plot twists, but it hints at a larger backstory that makes me interested in continuing on with the series.
March 7, 2019
Cool little mech graphic novel start to a series. Can't say that it is doing anything especially revolutionary at this point but it is a nice entry into the giant mech genre.
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March 27, 2019classism, elitism
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December 20, 2017This comic was discussed on The Secret Stacks Episode 38.
May 30, 2018
This is a hokey, paint-by-numbers hero story involving giant robots, but I found it surprisingly engaging. Pak does a great job giving his characters enough personality that the reader is able to look past the very cliche storyline. Takeshi Miyazawa's expressive faces and Triona Farrell's colors help this story feel really vibrant.
I mainly reommd it for teens, but also for manga fans looking to expand their horizons a bit, and gundam enthusiasts looking for a new storyline.
I mainly reommd it for teens, but also for manga fans looking to expand their horizons a bit, and gundam enthusiasts looking for a new storyline.
January 10, 2019
Mech Cadet Yu is essentially a mash-up of Iron Giant, Power Rangers, and Ender's Game. It's fun and fast-paced and not particularly original. The crusty cliche of an evil general and his mean, but redeemable kid is there, as well as an alien menace, mysterious mechs, and four kid pilots (although we only really get to know two). It's an enjoyable read, but fairly disposable.
November 22, 2018
This is an entertaining “giant robot v. giant monster” story aimed at younger readers. Pacific Rim for middle grade kids, with a nice blend of manga and western comics. I could easily see this as an animated film. Nothing really new here, just a fun execution of typical tropes.
December 26, 2018
It’s Pacific Rim meets The Iron Giant. What more could you possibly want?
November 26, 2025
This story is for kids. Every character is one-dimensional and the action is pure manga. I suppose it teach the importance of having friends you can rely on. Even if you get rejected by your playmates, treat them nicely and they'll turn around in the end. Also if giant aliens attack Earth, it's your duty to use your alien robo to save the day. You know, like in real life.
The alien robo mechs have been around for years, since the first one bonded with Skip Tanaka. Now they regularly send three robos to bond with human cadets from Sky Academy. Except now only two arrive. The third robo stumbled into a janitor's kid named Stanford Yu. He has always wanted to be a cadet, but was not allowed. The army even tries to arrest him for meddling with a robo, but Skip shows up to protect the boy. You can't deny the legend. Park, the third cadet who is the best in the class, but a bit of a b!tch, receives a man-made robo from her father who is an army general.
The alien robo mechs have been around for years, since the first one bonded with Skip Tanaka. Now they regularly send three robos to bond with human cadets from Sky Academy. Except now only two arrive. The third robo stumbled into a janitor's kid named Stanford Yu. He has always wanted to be a cadet, but was not allowed. The army even tries to arrest him for meddling with a robo, but Skip shows up to protect the boy. You can't deny the legend. Park, the third cadet who is the best in the class, but a bit of a b!tch, receives a man-made robo from her father who is an army general.
July 5, 2018
More or less the love child of Pacific Rim and The Iron Giant, Mech Cadet Yu is a fun book that I found myself enjoying more and more thru each chapter. For the last sixty years, every four years giant Mechs fall from the sky and bond with a young child and thru that bond and the training the young cadet has gone thru, they become a champion of the human race against the alien threat of the Sharg. No one knows where the Mechs come from and no one knows how they choose the child they bond with, but they have become the front line defense for the human race. In the most recent bonding, one of the Mechs chooses Standford Yu, the son of a janitor at Sky Corps, who has had no experience or training to be a Mech pilot/companion but because the Mech has chosen him, he is thrown immediately into training.
There is the inevitable rivalry between Yu and the daughter of the program director who has supposed to bond with the third Mech and is instead given the first human-built Mech (which reminds me very much stylistically of the Evangelion mechs), and of course they are immediately thrown into a battle with the Sharg when no one is prepared for this since they are still first year cadets, and of course they win this battle; to be fair, the entire story is and of itself a very simple heroes journey, and one that we've all read before. However, Greg Pak's writing really brings some heart and soul to both the cadets and their Mechs and the whole thing just feels fresh in a very nostalgic way. Takeshi Miyazawa's art is dynamic and his Mech designs are both intimidating and friendly; these are robots that can kick ass and be your best friend.
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this initial volume and am looking forward to reading more of Yu's adventures.
There is the inevitable rivalry between Yu and the daughter of the program director who has supposed to bond with the third Mech and is instead given the first human-built Mech (which reminds me very much stylistically of the Evangelion mechs), and of course they are immediately thrown into a battle with the Sharg when no one is prepared for this since they are still first year cadets, and of course they win this battle; to be fair, the entire story is and of itself a very simple heroes journey, and one that we've all read before. However, Greg Pak's writing really brings some heart and soul to both the cadets and their Mechs and the whole thing just feels fresh in a very nostalgic way. Takeshi Miyazawa's art is dynamic and his Mech designs are both intimidating and friendly; these are robots that can kick ass and be your best friend.
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this initial volume and am looking forward to reading more of Yu's adventures.
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August 12, 2019Review copy: Library
I’m always on the lookout for new comics to read, and I was delighted to come upon Mech Cadet Yu at the library. Mech Cadet Yu follows the scrappy, handy Stanford Yu, the son of a janitor working at Sky Corps Academy. When he ends up bonding with a giant robot, it’s his time to shine — which is lucky for the planet, since it’s under attack from the alien Shargs!
I’ve never been much of a mech fan. (Voltron and Neon Genesis Evangelion went over my head.) But Mech Cadet Yu has converted. Robots CAN have feelings. *clutches heart* Stanford Yu’s story is a heartwarming one. He’s introduced at the start alongside his Cantonese-speaking mom, so you know I was immediately on board.
The comics series (there’s three of ’em) is a classic story of banding together, standing up against the bad guys, and learning the power of friendship — among fellow cadets and robots. Takeshi Miyzawa’s art is incredible, and there are countless panels that would make excellent posters to hang up. The story was a fun journey from start to finish.
This is definitely the type of comic that I wish I could see on the big screen. Think Pacific Rim, but younger, more lighthearted, and did I mention the robots have feeeelings? They do. I highly recommend this series, and pretty much everything else Greg Pak has written for. (If you haven’t read the Amadeus Cho as Hulk comics, definitely check that out.
Recommendation: Get it soon! Especially if mechs are your thing, or you want to read more comics.
I’m always on the lookout for new comics to read, and I was delighted to come upon Mech Cadet Yu at the library. Mech Cadet Yu follows the scrappy, handy Stanford Yu, the son of a janitor working at Sky Corps Academy. When he ends up bonding with a giant robot, it’s his time to shine — which is lucky for the planet, since it’s under attack from the alien Shargs!
I’ve never been much of a mech fan. (Voltron and Neon Genesis Evangelion went over my head.) But Mech Cadet Yu has converted. Robots CAN have feelings. *clutches heart* Stanford Yu’s story is a heartwarming one. He’s introduced at the start alongside his Cantonese-speaking mom, so you know I was immediately on board.
The comics series (there’s three of ’em) is a classic story of banding together, standing up against the bad guys, and learning the power of friendship — among fellow cadets and robots. Takeshi Miyzawa’s art is incredible, and there are countless panels that would make excellent posters to hang up. The story was a fun journey from start to finish.
This is definitely the type of comic that I wish I could see on the big screen. Think Pacific Rim, but younger, more lighthearted, and did I mention the robots have feeeelings? They do. I highly recommend this series, and pretty much everything else Greg Pak has written for. (If you haven’t read the Amadeus Cho as Hulk comics, definitely check that out.
Recommendation: Get it soon! Especially if mechs are your thing, or you want to read more comics.
November 29, 2018
Adding review:
Transformers meets Voltron in Mech Cadet Yu Volume one by Greg Pak, Takeshi Miyazawa and Triona Farrell. I would like to point out when I say Transformer and Voltron I do not mean the modern-day versions but the awesome 1980s versions I grew up on. The story itself is totally today, but still the creators are paying honor to the classics.
Sandford is your typical hero: he is the runt, not well liked, the underdog, is thought of only as the “janitors kid.” You see where Stanford keeps true to himself and Park (the generals daughter, whom both he and Park are set up as the "foil" to Stanford) might just come around. It is all stereotypical, but that can be forgiven as it is an interesting story. This book is probably best for the 10 to 14-year-old crowd, but a strong 9-year-old could read as well. However, publisher description says this is for 12 to 17. While sensitive readers might not be able to handle it, it seems accessible to most readers (up to adults).
Perhaps my favorite part is the end where design and other background art is included as well as the original story that this one is based on. There are a few changes from what will finally become Mech Cadet Yu but it is still the same story.
Transformers meets Voltron in Mech Cadet Yu Volume one by Greg Pak, Takeshi Miyazawa and Triona Farrell. I would like to point out when I say Transformer and Voltron I do not mean the modern-day versions but the awesome 1980s versions I grew up on. The story itself is totally today, but still the creators are paying honor to the classics.
Sandford is your typical hero: he is the runt, not well liked, the underdog, is thought of only as the “janitors kid.” You see where Stanford keeps true to himself and Park (the generals daughter, whom both he and Park are set up as the "foil" to Stanford) might just come around. It is all stereotypical, but that can be forgiven as it is an interesting story. This book is probably best for the 10 to 14-year-old crowd, but a strong 9-year-old could read as well. However, publisher description says this is for 12 to 17. While sensitive readers might not be able to handle it, it seems accessible to most readers (up to adults).
Perhaps my favorite part is the end where design and other background art is included as well as the original story that this one is based on. There are a few changes from what will finally become Mech Cadet Yu but it is still the same story.
December 17, 2022
I bought this for my nephew along with a couple of other things for Christmas, so I wanted to check it out.
This is a fairly cool mech story, but this volume is really just the beginning. Stanford Yu is your unexpected protagonist, a maintenance worker on the base who is chosen by a robo.
I saw comparisons of Yu with Deku from My Hero Academia. I can kind of see that, but they are definitely their own. More of the road could show similarities, but Yu is not near as intense as Deku.
The story is about the beginnings of him bonding with his robo (which he names Buddy, a moniker I’ve never really liked) and dealing with interpersonal relations among the other cadets. The daughter of The General seems to look down upon Yu and lower class citizens. The General wanted the third robo to bond with her, but it went off and found Yu instead.
However, they’ve been working on a program for a man made robot, which then gets assigned to The General’s daughter.
It’s fairly obvious they will patch things up in the future, but it is a fun story arc for now.
All in all, it’s an entertaining read with kaiju action near the end. The only thing that could propel it higher for me would be if it was actually an adult comic. This is shonen/young adult level material.
This is a fairly cool mech story, but this volume is really just the beginning. Stanford Yu is your unexpected protagonist, a maintenance worker on the base who is chosen by a robo.
I saw comparisons of Yu with Deku from My Hero Academia. I can kind of see that, but they are definitely their own. More of the road could show similarities, but Yu is not near as intense as Deku.
The story is about the beginnings of him bonding with his robo (which he names Buddy, a moniker I’ve never really liked) and dealing with interpersonal relations among the other cadets. The daughter of The General seems to look down upon Yu and lower class citizens. The General wanted the third robo to bond with her, but it went off and found Yu instead.
However, they’ve been working on a program for a man made robot, which then gets assigned to The General’s daughter.
It’s fairly obvious they will patch things up in the future, but it is a fun story arc for now.
All in all, it’s an entertaining read with kaiju action near the end. The only thing that could propel it higher for me would be if it was actually an adult comic. This is shonen/young adult level material.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
It doesn’t take much to sell students on a comic book or graphic novel, but I really liked this one so I thought I would add it to the book talk rotation.
By author Greg Pak and artist Takeshi Miyazawa - Mech Cadet Yu volume one is a great action/Sci-fi read that is pleasantly devoid of superheroes and mutants. It has good old fashioned robots, aliens, and alien robots. A good underdog story is thrown in for good measure.
The basic plot is that every year giant robots from outer space come to earth and bond with a Sky Corps Academy Cadet. The cadets are trained to work with these robots to help protect the earth from the Sharg, a race of giant monster aliens who have attacked Earth before. As our story begins though, a young janitor, Stanford Yu, is accidentally chosen by an off course robot. From there, Stanford gets the rare opportunity to train with the other cadets. This of course is unacceptable to a cadet Park whose father is a General with the Mech forces. Can they work together to defeat the Sharg again?
This feels like a nice throwback to the sci-fi alien/robot comic genre, and I loved it!
By author Greg Pak and artist Takeshi Miyazawa - Mech Cadet Yu volume one is a great action/Sci-fi read that is pleasantly devoid of superheroes and mutants. It has good old fashioned robots, aliens, and alien robots. A good underdog story is thrown in for good measure.
The basic plot is that every year giant robots from outer space come to earth and bond with a Sky Corps Academy Cadet. The cadets are trained to work with these robots to help protect the earth from the Sharg, a race of giant monster aliens who have attacked Earth before. As our story begins though, a young janitor, Stanford Yu, is accidentally chosen by an off course robot. From there, Stanford gets the rare opportunity to train with the other cadets. This of course is unacceptable to a cadet Park whose father is a General with the Mech forces. Can they work together to defeat the Sharg again?
This feels like a nice throwback to the sci-fi alien/robot comic genre, and I loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2019
Plot
Stanford and his mom are janitors at the Sky Corps Academy. Stanford is around the same age as the students who are training, and the three cadets waiting for a Robo Mech to choose them. When only two arrive, Park, the third cadet is upset, but the major chooses to give her Hero Force One, the first man-made robo mech. Stanford, on the other hand, finds a beat up old robo mech crashed into the desert, and the two bond. He now finds himself a cadet, and is treated poorly by Park, whose father seems to have some nefarious plans. Now the four cadets will train together against the Sharg, whose impending attack is closer than they know!
Review
The main character, Stanford, basically looks like a redrawing of the kid from Pikachu. Same spiky hair and red hat. I enjoyed the art, especially the Sharg and Stanford's robo mech, but the story was meh. I liked that the antagonist was changed from a male in the original short to a female in this series. But, it's another story where girl and boy hate each other, have to work together, become friends, and fight the enemy, then the kids save the world.
Stanford and his mom are janitors at the Sky Corps Academy. Stanford is around the same age as the students who are training, and the three cadets waiting for a Robo Mech to choose them. When only two arrive, Park, the third cadet is upset, but the major chooses to give her Hero Force One, the first man-made robo mech. Stanford, on the other hand, finds a beat up old robo mech crashed into the desert, and the two bond. He now finds himself a cadet, and is treated poorly by Park, whose father seems to have some nefarious plans. Now the four cadets will train together against the Sharg, whose impending attack is closer than they know!
Review
The main character, Stanford, basically looks like a redrawing of the kid from Pikachu. Same spiky hair and red hat. I enjoyed the art, especially the Sharg and Stanford's robo mech, but the story was meh. I liked that the antagonist was changed from a male in the original short to a female in this series. But, it's another story where girl and boy hate each other, have to work together, become friends, and fight the enemy, then the kids save the world.
January 9, 2019
This book came my way via the SLJ, and I read it to expand my admittedly limited knowledge of books to recommend to our graphic novel loving students. That said, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this read!
The conflict and overall storyline are simplistic and predictable, but what makes the book for me is the delightful relationship between Stanford and Buddy, the protagonist and his mech. I have never seen such a sweet, cute robot! Watching the bond between them develop made for a very satisfying read. They are tested, they prevail through their challenges, and the ending leaves you wanting more.
My one complaint may have more to do with my own personal preferences than any shortcoming on the book’s part, but I found the fight scenes hard to follow at times. I also felt like the main character, Yu, and his foil, Park, were occasionally hard to tell apart in the busier pages when they are in their mechs and only their faces are visible. It was a minor distraction, but the kind of thing that pulls me out of a book.
The conflict and overall storyline are simplistic and predictable, but what makes the book for me is the delightful relationship between Stanford and Buddy, the protagonist and his mech. I have never seen such a sweet, cute robot! Watching the bond between them develop made for a very satisfying read. They are tested, they prevail through their challenges, and the ending leaves you wanting more.
My one complaint may have more to do with my own personal preferences than any shortcoming on the book’s part, but I found the fight scenes hard to follow at times. I also felt like the main character, Yu, and his foil, Park, were occasionally hard to tell apart in the busier pages when they are in their mechs and only their faces are visible. It was a minor distraction, but the kind of thing that pulls me out of a book.
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