Yes, Free Comic Book Day was weeks ago, but dang it, I’ve been busy with stuff (super secret stuff), and I only just made it to my FCBD stash in my ever growing comic book stack, which is relatively small when compared to my ever growing comic book collection that has not been bagged, tagged, and boarded. It’s all on my to do list, just like this Mini Retro Review of Red 5 Comics’ Free Comic Book Day Atomic Robo issue.
Why does Atomic Robo hate Doctor Dinosaur? The answer lies in the battle between the two as Doctor Dinosaur claims he’s traveled back through time to prevent the mammals from destroying his reality. No matter how many times Robo attempts to discredit Doctor Dinosaur’s claims, the Raptor looking dino insists he’s done it with the help of crystals.
What I like best about Brian Clevinger’s writing in this issue, is he doesn’t waste anytime in dropping the reader in the middle of the action, while at the same time giving you all the information you need. During our recent MSP interview, I commented on how much research Clevinger does for his stories, and it looks like he did a lot of it for this story that is essentially a promo piece. All of Robo’s retorts on time travel are based on scientific arguments, or maybe they’re are not, but it comes off as believable here.
I also like how Doctor Dinosaur comes off as a complete nut, changing his world view, each time Robo makes a proclamation. It works to further the character development for a character we don’t even know if we will ever see again.
On the art side, Scott Wegener delivers fine art, served up in the storyboard landscape view that he has been experimenting with for the last year or so. IT works very nicely here as it compliments the island setting the fight takes place on.
Credit really needs to go to the two, who have crafted a unique original story that they gave away for free. Many comic book publishers use Free Comic Book Day as a way of repackaging old stories or issues to draw readers in, but Clevinger and Wegener took the time to whip up something totally new.
And it rocks.
I know we’ve been reviewing a lot of independent titles on Major Spoilers recently, and there is a reason for that; there are so many really good titles and stories that go unnoticed because other review sites are so focused on the big two, that in this economy many of these great series will disappear if the word doesn’t get out. I think it is pretty clear that everyone at Major Spoilers digs Atomic Robo, and you should too. If you don’t believe Why Atomic Robo Hates Doctor Dinosaur doesn’t deserve 5 out of 5 Stars, head over to the Red 5 Comics website, and check out the entire story yourself.
For those of you who are on the Atomic Robo bandwagon, and even the few of you who aren’t, use the comment section below to convince others why your point of view is correct!
5 Comments
2 years in a row i got atomic robo at the FCBD and 2 years in a row it’s awesome. the first one made me discover atomic robo, the second one made me enjoy atomic robo for a few more pages. the first trade was awesome. made me think of a robot hellboy, but funnier. the second one was fine, but nowhere near the first. i can’t wait for the 3rd trade.
This is without a doubt the funniest Atomic Robo ever..The use of animation style techniques as well as the dialogue and comedic timing is impeccable. And Doctor Dinosaur is such an awesome character, i mean seriously the name alone is the epitome of awesome and you just don’t see a lot of crazy dinosaurs fire assault rifles these days. “I used crystals” will from here on out be my explanation for everything i dont feel like explaining, and its a good trope they decided to poke fun at.
I know he only has eyes, but Robo’s facial expressions in this was priceless.
they said Dr. Dinosaur would return.