TheBattlestar Galacticauniverse has been translated into the vivid pages of comic books. Various publishers have taken on the task of extending the saga of the Colonial Fleet and their relentless adversaries, the Cylons, across different stages of the series. Marvel Comics spearheaded the first comic book adaptation of the ABC television series. With a monthly run that spanned from March 1979 to January 1981, they delivered a total of 23 electrifying issues.
In 1998, Realm Press assumed the mantle, releasing a single-issue special titled “Search for Sanctuary.” They followed this with additional standalone comic stories that delved into different facets of theBattlestar Galacticauniverse. Their venture culminated in the introduction of theBattlestar GalacticaSeason 3monthly comic series. However, the series met a premature end after just three issues, marking the conclusion of Realm Press’s involvement in the franchise.
One of the most intriguing additions to Realm Press’s comic book series was the Acmarans. This enigmatic species took center stage in the narrative arcs “The Law of Volahd, Part 1” and “The Law of Volahd, Part 2.” This new species brought a fresh layer of intricacy into the fabric of theBattlestar Galacticauniverse.
Who Were the Acmarans?
The Acmarans were distinguished by distinctive physical traits such asdark blue skin and humanoid forms. They designated Salis as their home, venerating it as the “city of perfect peace.” However, concealed beneath this facade of serenity lay a sinister truth. Salis served as a site for Cylon experimentation on organic life forms. These operations ran under the meticulous supervision of Volahd, a Cylon masquerading as the Acmarans' divine figure.
In this alternative narrative, the Acmarans were once a spirited and liberty-embracing society until the rise of Taron. This new leader pledged to usher in peace and security under the guise of their so-called “true god,” Volahd. However, this promise exacted a heavy toll, as numerous Acmarans mysteriously vanished. They becamesubjects of brutal Cylon experimentsintended to mold them into unrecognizable beings, thus fulfilling Volahd’s promise of a “new life.”
During this tumultuous period, a force field powered by cyranite encircled Salis. This force field served a dual purpose. First, it shielded the Acmarans from the hazards of the cosmos, ensuring no escape. Second, it enforced absolute isolation, preventing external communications. This notion of “perfect peace” was rigorously enforced. Any individual whom Volahd deemed “evil” would face swift retribution: death itself. The tranquil facade of Salis thus veiled a dark underbelly of subjugation. Cries for freedom were stifled under Volahd’s pseudo-religious fervor and the insidious experimentsperpetrated by the Cylons.
What Happened in ‘The Law of Volahd?’
“The Law of Volahd” unfolds following the aftermath of the catastrophic “Hand of God” events, in which the Fleet confronted a critical dilemma in the form of rapidly depleting fuel reserves. A glimmer of hope emerged as long-range scans uncovered promising planetary systems teeming with mineral deposits and an abundance of tylium.Adama issued a directiveto halt the Fleet’s progress and dispatched a patrol team led by Apollo, accompanied by Starbuck, Lomis, and Colin.
As the patrol descended into the atmosphere, they were awe-struck by the planet’s breathtaking beauty. To their astonishment, they detected signs of life that had eluded their initial orbital scans. Suspecting elevated cyranite levels, Apollo ordered Colin to return for sustained long-range scans, preparing for any potential threats.
During Colin’s ascent, his vessel collided with an unforeseen energy field. In a panic, Lomis, in an attempt to evade an imminent attack, careened into the same energy barrier. Apollo urged his team to maintain their positions, scouring the surroundings for impending danger.Boomer’s report confirmed the destructionof both cadets' ships at the same altitude, sparking heightened tension.
The surviving members of the patrol stumbled upon an alien metropolis, where they were greeted by representatives led by Taron, proficient in their language and customs. Extending a warm welcome, Taron identified the local people as the Acmarans, denizens of the fabled city of Salis, and extolled its virtues as the epitome of “perfect peace.”
Starbuck, skeptical of this proclamation, referenced the recent destruction of their fighters. Taron feigned ignorance, attributing their harmonious existence to the protection andguidance of their god, Volahd. A female Acmaran, Averna, clarified that sole communication with Volahd was reserved for Taron, and Volahd had decreed that the Warriors be permitted to enter. Upon venturing into the heart of the city, the crew uncovered the origin of the force field. When asked about their unimpeded entry into the planet’s atmosphere, Taron explained that Volahd’s divine will facilitated their arrival.
Underscoring their need for cyranite, Apollo and Starbuck sought Taron’s assistance in acquiring the resource amicably. Averna conveyed their plea to Taron, who ostensibly acceded, claiming to have received a divine mandate from Volahd. However, he responded with a cryptic utterance of “Akmarod,” leading to the Warriors' sudden and forceful restraint. With ominous authority, Taron brandished a staff pulsating with electric energy, heralding Volahd’s decree and marking the condemned with the sentence of death. Thecharged staff struck Starbuck, and an agonizing current surged through his body.
Meanwhile, aboard the Galactica, an escalating signal strength emerged, tracing back to a covert Cylon code. Tigh’s report outlined the abrupt cessation of communication and scans from all Fleet vessels. With that, the baseship hurtled towards the planet where the patrol had landed, indicating an imminent and perilous meeting.
Back within the confines of Salis, Averna unveiled the sinister reality of Taron’s imposition of Volahd upon her people. He promised serenity and sanctuary in exchange for their individual liberties. Averna recounts her escape from the clutches of the insidious “new life” process, which entailed mechanization and perverse experimentation. Her account offered a firsthand glimpse into thetorment inflicted upon her peopleby their supposed protector.
Starbuck and Boomer found themselves ensnared in the confines of Volahd’s inner sanctum. Readers receive the shocking revelation that Volahd was none other than an IL-series Cylon, shattering the illusion of a divine being. Unwilling to accept their newfound knowledge, Volahd decreed their immediate extermination, invoking a fierce clash between the Warriors and their captors. In the heat of the battle, Taron’s true nature as a mechanized being came to light, contrasting with the promises of a benevolent “gift.”
In a blaze of defiance, Starbuck directed a charged staff weapon towards Taron, further exposing the deceptive nature of the promised “gift.” Overcome by fury and despair, Taron unleashed chaos within the metropolis by propelling a severed Centurion head into an energy column. This ruptured the force field that had cloaked Salis. Exploiting the turmoil, Starbuck and Boomer seized the opportunity to break free from their captors. Apollo commandeered a Viper to engagethe advancing Centurion division.
Averna joined the battle, forging a collective effort that culminated in their successful escape just as the baseship careened into Salis. As it did so, it shattered the oppressive force field and reinstated the line of communication with the Galactica. Landing outside the city’s confines, they stumbled upon other survivors who had managed to evade Volahd’s imposed “new life.” These other Acmarans kindled aglimmer of hope for the futureof Averna’s beleaguered people.
The tale of the Acmarans in “The Law of Volahd” in theBattlestar Galacticacomic series sheds light on the complexities of power, deception, and the struggle for freedom. Through the resilient spirit of Averna and the valiant efforts of Apollo, Starbuck, and their fellow warriors, the narrative underscores the triumph of resilience in the face of oppression.
