Editing Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters 1

{{separate continuity|universe=RDM|cont=Dynamite Comics}}
{{Comic Data
| image=BSG2016GM01CovAMorgan.jpg
| title=Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters 1
| series=Dynamite
| issueno=1
| episode=
| writer= [[Karl Kesel]]
| penciller=[[Alec Morgan]] & [[Dan Schkade]]
| inker=
| colorist= [[Chris O'Halloran]]
| letterer= [[Tom Napolitano]]
| editor=
| cover= [[Alec Morgan]] & [[Chris O'Halloran]] (Cover A) <br/> [[Pete Woods]] (Cover B) <br/> [[Brent Schoonover]] (Cover C)
| published=November 2016<br/>Street Date: November 2, 2016
| collects=
| collected=
| reprints=
| reprinted=
| isbn= 725130253330
| prev=None
| next=[[Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters 2]]
|pages=32}}
==Summary==
:''All new stories from the ground-breaking [[re-imagined series]]! [[Gaius Baltar (alternate)|Baltar]] believes he was chosen by [[god]]- and now moves closer to being one himself when he constructs a [[Tallos|living Cylon Centurion]]! Is it his greatest achievement or biggest mistake? Truly obedient or waiting for the perfect time to strike? Is it the protector of [[Hera Agathon (alternate)|Sharon's unborn baby]] or its greatest threat? Will the Cylon's [[First Cylon War|bloody history]] repeat itself?''<ref>{{cite_web|url=https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513025333001011|title=
Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1|date=|accessdate=26 April 2022|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>
==Plot==

=== The Fleet ===
The comic opens by re-establishing core tenets of the [[Cylons (RDM alternate)|Cylons]]: that they were artificial intelligences "created by man," "rebelled," and subsequently "evolved". It emphasizes that some Cylons "[[Humanoid Cylon (alternate)|look and feel human]]" and are "programmed to think that they are human". It also states that "there are many copies" and "they have a plan"<ref name="G&M1_P5">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 5.</ref>.

Within [[The Fleet (TRS alternate)|the Fleet]], [[D'Anna Biers (alternate)|D'Anna Biers]] recaps recent events in her [[Nightly Fleetnews|''Nightly Fleetnews'']] transmission, "hope—possibly for the first time since the Cylon attack that nearly wiped out humanity" has been rekindled. This renewed optimism began when Lt. [[Kara Thrace (alternate)|Kara Thrace]] returned from [[Caprica (RDM alternate)|Caprica]], bringing critical intelligence of an active resistance fighting the Cylon occupiers, alongside "essential information that has pointed us toward [[Earth (RDM alternate)|Earth]]—the fleet's long-sought-for safe harbor from the Cylons". Morale was further boosted when the "captured Cylon known as [[Sharon Valerii (alternate)|Sharon Valerii]] helped defeat a Cylon logic bomb computer virus." A press conference with Commander [[William Adama (alternate)|William Adama]], President [[Laura Roslin (alternate)|Laura Roslin]] and Vice President [[Gaius Baltar (alternate)|Gaius Baltar]] is stopped when questions arise regarding these events<ref name="G&M1_P6">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 6.</ref>.

The segment then focuses on [[Galen Tyrol (alternate)|Chief Tyrol]] who "accomplished the seemingly impossible," "when he constructed from scratch—with an ever-increasing number of helpers—the Stealth Viper code-named '[[Blackbird (alternate)|Blackbird]]'". Biers notes that Tyrol "built more than simply a new Viper—he built up the entire fleet's confidence", reminding everyone that "working together, each doing our part, we can do whatever we put our minds to... we can accomplish miracles", such as "retrieve the resistance fighters", "defeat the Cylons", and "find Earth"<ref name="G&M1_P7">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 7.</ref>.

Despite these successes, [[Gaius Baltar (alternate)|Gaius Baltar]] expresses his characteristic cynicism regarding Tyrol's accomplishments, dismissively referring to him as "a simple mechanic." He believes in Six's observation that the public is easily distracted by "the shiny show in front of a curtain, not the man in shadows behind it."<ref name="G&M1_P8">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 8.</ref> Influenced by his [[Messenger Six (alternate)|Head Six]] manifestation, Baltar reveals his intention to construct a fully functional [[Cylon Centurion|Centurion]] from "whatever remained of the Centurions to study" after [[Battle of Kobol (TRS)#Cylon Boarding|they boarded ''Galactica'']]. His stated rationale is to gain deeper insight, asking "how much more could be learned from a fully functional model!" Inner Six warns him about the inherent dangers of creating such a machine, reminding him that Centurions are "hard-wired to fight" and are "literal killing machines!"<ref name="G&M1_P9">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 9.</ref> Baltar, however, rationalizes his plan by suggesting "what better protector for the first [[Hera Agathon (alternate)|human-Cylon child]] than a repurposed Centurion guided by a human hand?" Inner Six cautions him, hoping his true motivation isn't "simply wanting the public spotlight to shine on you"<ref name="G&M1_P10">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 10.</ref>.

[[John Cavil (alternate)|Brother Cavil]] then appears, interrupting Baltar's internal dialogue with Inner Six. Baltar, attempting to explain his "talking to myself" as a method of "process[ing] information," then engages Cavil in a discussion about "all those people who were chosen for some mission by God," probing into "what sort of people they were?"<ref name="G&M1_P10"/> Cavil reveals that he believes in what he can see, and that all he has ever seen are people playing god, admitting that "the only time true greatness ever happens"<ref name="G&M1_P11">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 11.</ref>.

Three days later, [[Saul Tigh (alternate)|Saul Tigh]] reports on the soil mining tests. The raw material is excellent for hydro-agri nutrients, but the terrain is unstable and volatile, and will worsen if Cylons find them. [[Karl Agathon (alternate)|Karl "Helo" Agathon]] contacts ''Galactica'', requesting another Raptor to speed up the operation, suggesting [[Sharon Valerii (alternate)|Sharon Valerii]] could assist, as she is "just killing time in the brig". Commander [[William Adama (alternate)|Adama]] refuses, stating it's "not an option." Agathon argues that Sharon is not the same Cylon who shot Adama and has proven helpful by finding the [[Tomb of Athena]] and shutting down the [[Cylon computer virus|Cylon logic bomb]], questioning how much more she needs to do to earn trust<ref name="G&M1_P14">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 14.</ref>. A seismic event occurs, and Helo reports two individuals are "in the basket" but a third is lost<ref name="G&M1_P15-16">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', pages 15-16.</ref>.

Back on ''Galactica'', three days later, [[Kara Thrace (alternate)|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] and [[Lee Adama (alternate)|Lee "Apollo" Adama]] are trying to locate Baltar [[Gaius Baltar (alternate)|Baltar]], whose comm is off and his lab's security cameras disabled, as well as locked. [[Felix Gaeta (alternate)|Gaeta]] confirms that Baltar's security programs are too advanced for them to bypass, but Starbuck forces entry by firing her weapon at the door<ref name="G&M1_P17">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 17.</ref>. Inside, they discover Baltar is building a [[Cylon Centurion]]<ref name="G&M1_P18">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 18.</ref>. Lee is furious, citing that Centurions nearly took down ''Galactica'' and killed twelve men. Baltar attempts to explain that this Centurion will be "different! Better! Completely under our control!" and even capable of limited speech. Thrace begins warming up to the idea, offering various ideas as to how this might be accomplished<ref name="G&M1_P19">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 19.</ref>.

Commander [[William Adama (alternate)|Adama]] arrives, expressing his disapproval that Baltar is building a Centurion without his consent or knowledge. Adama views it as repeating "the worst mistake made in human history." However, he acknowledges its potential for military and other uses, agreeing to allow Baltar to reprogram it, if it can be done completely, removing any sub-routines or hidden commands. Adama also inquires if Baltar could do the same with more advanced Cylon models<ref name="G&M1_P20">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 20.</ref>.

Meanwhile, [[Sharon Valerii (alternate)|Sharon Valerii]] is told that if Baltar's Centurion project works, Commander Adama wants to reprogram her. She considers the possibility of a "lobotomy" or a "different personality." Valerii reassures him that the worst thing would be if she stopped loving him, to which both pledge that won't happen. Sharon agrees to help Baltar, hoping to ensure his creation "isn't a monster... or less of one"<ref name="G&M1_P21">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 21.</ref>.

Eleven days later, [[Gaius Baltar (alternate)|Baltar]] unveils his new Centurion, named [[Tallos (RDM alternate)|Tallos]], before an audience. He claims to be breaking [[Cycle of Time|the cycle]] of past mistakes by learning from them. He introduces Tallos as "a new Centurion for a new era!". President Roslin wryly notes that Tallos is named after the automaton protector created by [[Zeus (RDM alternate)|Zeus]], noting that it "nearly killed the wandering [[Argoneers]]." Lee notes that if things "goes south," he'll take out the Centurion himself<ref name="G&M1_P22">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 22.</ref>.

As Baltar prepares to activate Tallos, Head Six tells him, "History will remember this moment, Gaius. You're about to take an interconnected system of inanimate elements and give it sentient, independent life. Only two others have ever done that before. [[Daniel Graystone on Backtalk - A Near-Disaster Rescued by 'Terror Mom'|Daniel Graystone]], when he created the [[Cylons (RDM alternate)|Cylons]]... and God"<ref name="G&M1_P23">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 23.</ref>. Tallos is activated, and Head Six eagerly asks if it's "alive!"<ref name="G&M1_P24-25">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', pages 24-25.</ref>. Baltar celebrates the accomplishment, then asks Tallos to whom it owes its existence, expecting a "thank you." Tallos responds, "By. Your. Command."<ref name="G&M1_P26" /> 

Baltar exclaims, "Oh, bollocks," as Tallos kneels before Valerii instead of him<ref name="G&M1_P26">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 26.</ref>.

=== Caprica ===
[[John Cavil (alternate)|Caprica-Cavil]] enters a tent where [[Simon (alternate)|Simon]] is being beaten by [[Samuel Anders (alternate)|Samuel Anders]], having previously stopped [[Jean Barolay (alternate)|Jean Barolay]] from killing him. Cavil commends them for sparing Simon and, during a line of questioning regarding the fate of [[Verheiden (alternate)|Verheiden]]<ref name="G&M1_P12">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 12.</ref>, Cavil posits that Simon could have wiped out the [[Caprica Resistance|entire resistance]] before it began. Cavil convinces Anders to let him take over interrogating Simon, noting that "[[Lords of Kobol (alternate)|the Gods]] have always been very big on testing people."<ref name="G&M1_P13">''Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1'', page 13.</ref>

==Notes==

=== Timeline ===

* The events of this issue occur in between "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]" and "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]." It also takes into account "[[The Plan]]," noting that Simon was [[Caprica Buccaneers (alternate)|Caprica Buccaneers]]' team doctor.

===Errata===

* The comic erroneously repeats the mistake of ''Battlestar'' fanatics, notably when it comes to the Blackbird being a "stealth Viper." [[Blackbird#Notes|'''It isn't and couldn't be one.''']]
* Agathon is seen entering a Viper cockpit on page 14, although he is flying a Raptor over the [[unnamed planetoid]].
* [[Felix Gaeta (alternate)|Gaeta]]'s name is misspelled on page 17 as "Geata."

=== Nods ===

* [[Verheiden]] is a nod to writer [[Mark Verheiden]].
* Tallos' activation is aligned to the depictions of [[w:Frankenstein's_monster|Frankenstein's monster]], notably the use of a lever to start the flow of electricity and Baltar's declaration that "It's alive!"
* The story of [[Tallos#Notes|Tallos]] being built by [[Zeus]], as well as Tallos' involvement with the [[Argoneers]] originates from the tales of ''[[w:Argonauts#Talos|Jason and the Argonauts]]''. 

==Analysis==

* Many of the stylistic choices depart from earlier Dynamite Entertainment installments, with loose interpretations of not only the characters, but also of the uniforms and other Re-imagined Series stylings. 
* The story fills in the blanks, as it were, with what happened to the Caprica Buccaneer's "Doc Simon" in the wake of "[[The Plan]]" and the events that tied into the aftermath of "[[The Farm]]." Notably questions regarding Simon's actions, and why he did not simply kill the Resistance in their nascency, are planted by Cavil in Anders' head. It is, of course, Cavil's intention to prove something to [[Final Five|one of his creators]] that prevents him from wholesale slaughter of the entire Resistance. 

==Questions==

* Why does Tallos kneel before Sharon Valerii and not Gaius Baltar? 
* How much does [[Fleet Cavil (alternate)|Fleet Cavil]] know about what's happening?
* Why does [[Caprica Cavil (alternate)|Caprica Cavil]] help keep [[Simon (alternate)|Simon]] alive, particularly when doing so would endanger his plan?
* How much of a threat will Tallos present to the Fleet?

==Noteworthy Dialogue==

=== ''[[Gaius Baltar (alternate)|Baltar]] and [[John Cavil (alternate)|Cavil]] have a conversation about instruments of God:'' ===
'''Cavil:''' Everyone believes in something, but you're asking: did they believe in the Gods? The answer is: I don't know and, frankly—I don't care. They believed in what they were doing when they were doing it. That may be the closest the devine any of us ever get.

'''Baltar:''' That's rather sobering coming from a man of the [[Sacred Scrolls (alternate)|Scrolls]]. Don't you believe in the Gods?

'''Cavil:''' I believe what I can see, and all I've ever seen is people playing at being Gods.

'''Baltar''': Quote distressing for you, I Imagine.

'''Cavil:''' On the contrary—that's the only time true greatness ever happens.

==Related Imagery==
===Covers===
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:BSG2016GM01CovAMorgan.jpg|'''Cover A:''' Main Cover (''Art:'' [[Alec Morgan]] & [[Chris O'Halloran]])
File:BSG2016GM01CovBWoods.jpg|'''Cover B:''' Variant Cover (''Art:'' [[Pete Woods]])
File:BSG2016GM01CovCSchoonover.jpg|'''Cover C:''' Variant Cover (''Art:'' [[Brent Schoonover]])
File:BSG2016GM01CovDIncen10BWMorgan.jpg|'''Cover D:''' Incentive Cover (''Art:'' [[Alec Morgan]] & [[Chris O'Halloran]])
File:BSG2016GM01CovDIncen10Morga.jpg|'''Cover D:''' B&W Incentive Cover (''Art:'' [[Alec Morgan]] & [[Chris O'Halloran]])
File:BSG2016GM01CovEIncen20VirgS.jpg|'''Cover E:''' Virgin Incentive Cover (''Art:'' [[Pete Woods]])
</gallery>
===Preview Pages===
:''Please Note: These are used for promotional purposes by the publisher, and are provided here in the same vein.''
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:BSGGodsMonsters201601IntCFO1.jpg|Page 1
File:BSGGodsMonsters201601IntCFO2.jpg|Page 2
File:BSGGodsMonsters201601IntCFO3.jpg|Page 3
File:BSGGodsMonsters201601IntCFO4.jpg|Page 4
File:BSGGodsMonsters201601IntCFO5.jpg|Page 5
</gallery>
==References==
<references></references>{{comic list|series=TC}}