Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science #1
Red 5 Comics
Clevinger, Wegener, Pattison & Powell
Robo is back with the latest arc and the first issue is on par with any of the previous ones. This story is set in the past and, as a result, Robo's personality is more naïve than in the issues set more in modern times. In some ways, he's more curious which makes him more charming. On the other hand, he's more trusting which seems to get him in more trouble. Either way, the issue is very good and shows off a side of Robo we haven't seen much of but one that is equally as funny as in previous issues. I enjoyed the start of this arc very much.
Set in the 1930s, Robo is still just a lowly apprentice learning his science trade. Bored, he takes to fantasizing and killing time with his pulp magazines, sometimes getting caught at inopportune times by his boss. Eventually Robo happens upon a "real" pulp hero chasing gangsters.
Robo is like a giddy child as he chases his pulp hero around town, begging him to take him under his wing as a sidekick. Robo is relentless as he refuses to take no for an answer, including following his hero back to his secret base. Eventually Robo manages to warm himself up to one of the member's of his hero's camp.
The charm of the issue is in the humor sprinkled throughout the issue. The funnies don't just come in cheap one-liners. Some of the examples include Robo babbling on and on about how much he loves his hero, only to get shot in the head – and just continue to talk and talk, by that same hero. Another one is when he gets busted reading his pulp magazine. There are plenty of things like this throughout the comic making it a very entertaining read.
The artwork tells a fantastic story. You might think it's tough to sell expression from a robot, but this comic book does so brilliantly. The settings are perfect for that 1930s Chicago, gangster look, but keeps all of the uniqueness of the storyline that would find a robot in that setting. This book is equal parts great story and great visual.
Atomic Robo is a different kind of comic book. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but manages to keep its finger on the pulse of science fiction. It has just enough adventure to keep the story moving but is, at its heart, a character driven story. The result is a fun and intelligent story. I definitely recommend jumping on board with this issue.
4.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
