Ok, the shit is starting to hit the fan. Serial killer Thomas Parnell is beginning to impose his will over Skynet and bring his desire for utter destruction of everything (machine and man) to fruition.  He is beginning to win the battle that is ongoing at the time portal and he has also discovered Skynet’s little “secret” plan to bring back Marcus Wright to be used as a partnership that hopefully might put an end to Mr. Parnell’s crazy carnage creations. Things are not looking good and the action from Issue #8 of this 12 issue series are beginning to portray a more downside where resistance may be futile and defeat imminent for all involved with the exception of Mr. Parnell who holds all the cards. Writer J. Michael Straczynski has put some seriously good POW! into this great miniseries that has shown few, if any, signs of slowing.  The action has been pure white knuckle.  And with Pete Woods’ art, a strong tandem of creation superpowers are being displayed for superb reading satisfaction.

The action in Issue #8 shifts from future to past and drops some reveals that definitely puts a damper on the hope and intents of the good guys who now happen to be Skynet and the humans. Mortality and second chances are discussed and reviewed and as you read, you get the feeling that there might be second chance.  Or maybe no chances at all as we see Parnell’s reptilian like grip begin to put the squeeze on everything.  Only time will tell as to the outcome.

I think that the best news for all players involved in this high stakes game of victory of death is that we still have four more issues to play this thing out.  I was a little concerned as twelve issues for a mini is pretty long.  But with J. Michael Straczynski at the helm with Woods’ aiding pencils, I think twelve issues might just be the perfect amount to make this mini right.   They have delivered in spades for eight full issues now.

Still, I think the opening was a little bit out of place.  Not much mind you, but just a hare that kept this one from getting a five out of five.  I recognize that John Conner and Marcus Wright’s little talk are setting something in motion that is partially addressed, but wiped out rather quickly as things move. But other than that, as a fan of the terminator franchise, this comic has been a keeper and a reader all the way.

Score: 4/5

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Pete Woods Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price:  $3.99 Release Date: 8/13/14 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital