Review by Frank Plowright

Atomic Robo is a long-running adventure series combining inventive alternative world scenarios with the possibilities made available via the intrusion of a formidable sentient robot.

In this opening volume writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener are very much influenced by Hellboy, but as influences go, aiming that high is ambitious. It’s there in Wegener’s jagged people and use of shadows, while Nazis are always reliable villains featuring unprincipled scientists carrying out all kinds of vile experiments. Wegener’s art can’t match Mignola’s subtlety and technique, but his layouts tell the story well, he’s an artist constantly evolving as the series progresses and his design for Atomic Robo is simple, but adaptable.

Clevinger’s background to the series is Atomic Robo being a technological wonder created by maverick scientist Nikolai Tesla in 1923 whose presence and capabilities have considerably changed how world events played out since. In the present day Atomic Robo has none of the halting uncertain humanity sometimes found with robots. He – and he’s definitely a he – is a communicator with a sardonic sense of humour, and a series feature is counterpointing what’s happening in the here and now with events from Atomic Robo’s past. In the present Atomic Robo heads Techodyne, an organisation of specialists sanctioned by the United Nations to investigate weird happenings.

Future volumes feature a less episodic story, but the energy rush of this opening dose has Clevinger throwing out ideas all over the place, obviously uncertain if the series would continue. You want giant ants? You got ‘em! Walking pyramids? Tick! A visit to Mars? On we go! Actually, Mars isn’t what you expect for the way the series is going, and Clevinger uses it as the pause chapter, but that doesn’t mean it’s dull. In between dealing with the threats, Clevinger fleshes out the personalities of those working with Atomic Robo who form a regular support crew, which is another nod to Hellboy.

Consistently creative and always entertaining, this is really impressive for first time creators. More follows in Atomic Robo: The Dogs of War. Both are also found in the Everything Explodes Collection, or individually in paperback or hardcover editions.