Atomic Robo has been consistently good from the beginning. I’ve never read a bad issue or storyline and have always been more than pleased. Does volume nine meet expectations? Read on!
ATOMIC ROBO AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE #1
Writer: Brian Clevinger
Artist: Scott Wegener
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
Previously in Atomic Robo: Robo has ended up in 1884, the Old West. The problem is he hasn’t been invented yet. Remember: Do NOTHING unless you’re supposed to.
MAKES ME WANT TO LEARN
The best thing about Atomic Robo is the change of settings and time periods and Brian Clevinger’s natural ability to squeeze real historical figures into the stories. That continues here as a few make an appearance, most notably Doc Holliday. Clevinger does his research and puts these characters into the stories in a way that doesn’t feel forced and is true to the real life personalities. I’m not a fan of westerns but Clevinger has made me want to go out and learn more these people. This was the case after I saw H.P. Lovecraft’s appearance in volume three and I enjoyed researching the man rather than just his stories. I want to learn more about Doc Holliday and the Butcher Boys, and learning is always a good thing.
I was a bit lost having not read the previous storyline, leaving me with many questions as to how Robo ended up in the past. That’s unfortunate as the best thing about Atomic Robo has been how each volume stands on its own. That mattered little as Clevinger hooked me with the story and I’m eager to go back to find out what happened. Robo doesn’t make much of an appearance in this issue which may disappoint, but the cliffhanger promises that we’ll see more soon. I’m leaving this review vague as the story is best served without knowing anything. Needless to say, Brian Clevinger may be writing one of the few western stories I’ll end up liking.
WHAT WERE YOU EXPECTING?
If you were expecting Scott Wegener’s art to be anything short of amazing then you’re crazy. Everything from the colors to layouts are wonderful and his style is original and continues to improve. Wegener’s style is one I’d love to see animated and it almost looks as if it is. He also uses a lot of horizontal panels and layouts which give the book a cinematic look and feel. There isn’t much more to say other than the art is just amazing as it has been before. Plus, how cool does Robo look in a Clint Eastwood getup? C’mon!
BOTTOM LINE: BUY IT. YOU MAY WANT TO READ THE PREVIOUS ISSUES THOUGH
Stephen has championed Atomic Robo for years and for a good reason. It’s a great book and Clevinger and Wegener put everything they into each story. This issue has all the trademarks of an Atomic Robo story, historical setting and figures and a promises of some great action. Robo doesn’t make much of an appearance and this is the first time that previous reading is required but it barely affects the enjoyment. Buy it now!
