Atomic Robo

• Title: Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures #5 (of 6)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Clevinger
• Artists: Ryan Cody, Paul Maybury, Jin Clark, John Broglia, James Nguyen

I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve ready for this series of Atomic Robo to end. Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures #5 isn’t a bad issue by any means, but the two ongoing stories involving The Sparrow and Bruce Lee feel played out at this point and what we get in issue #5 is really nothing more than setting the table for next month’s conclusion of each tale.

The other short stories include a republishing “An Appointment in Madrid,” in “Bloop” Robo searches the ocean for a supposedly giant creature that made the unusual sound, and in “Once Upon a Time in China” (the best entry this month) the Robot is shot down by Japanese during WWII, stays with a family few days, and is surprised when a member of the family shows up to a book signing 50 years later.

Is it still enjoyable? Will I still pick up the final issue of the series? Of course, but with the new series The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific already underway, I’m ready to delve into an ongoing arc with the more consistent art of Scott Wegener and (hopefully) a bigger payoff than what I’ve seen here. For fans.

[Red 5, $2.75]

• Title: Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures #4
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Clevinger
• Artists: Ryan Cody, Zack Finfrock, Xevi Benitez, John Broglia, Nic Klein

The latest issue of Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures continues the ongoing stories of The Sparrow (who finds herself captured while breaking into the Nazi camp) and Atomic Robo‘s attempt to train with Bruce Lee (which begins in earnest), as well as giving us two new adventures and a reprint of an early Atomic Robo story originally published in the character’s first series which gives us the first meeting between Robo and Jenkins.

The short adventure entitled “Most Perfect Science Division” is full of action but I felt more than a little lost and could have used some context to the events (which don’t involve Robo, Tesladyne or anything more familiar than giant robots).

The most interesting story is the very personal take on today’s comic industry as Atomic Robo steps into a comic book shop for the first time in 40 years only to discover the bizarre nature of reboots, retcons, variant covers, and grim and gritty comics – none of which appeal to the comics he once knew and loved. Worth a look.

[Red 5, $2.75]

• Title: Atomic Robo Vol. 7 #1 (of 5)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Clevinger
• Artist: Scott Wegener

In 1951 Atomic Robo finds himself shot down while flying a new prototype jet over the South Pacific. Just as unexpectedly comes help from a group of female pilots all wearing jet packs.

After being forced to crash land and being rescued by the She-Devils of the Pacific out intrepid robotic scientific adventurer discovers there’s much more going on in the South Pacific than he knew about. Years after the end of WWII, mercenaries have set about claiming weapon and supply depots left unguarded by both Japan and the Allies.

Using whatever they can find, including the cobbled together jet packs, a giant air ship and a secret island base in the Pacific, the She-Devils (women who refused to return home to household chores after the war ended) protect the territory from pirates and mercenaries.

A fun first issue to start the new series with an unexpected (but humorous) chauvinistic slant from Atomic Robo. Worth a look.

[Red 5, $2.99]

• Title: Atomic Robo Vol. 7 #3
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Clevinger
• Artists: Ryan Cody, Art Gurihiru, John Broglia, Matt Speroni

Atomic Robo returns with more sciencey adventures including the continuation of The Sparrow‘s WWII spy story and Robo training with Bruce Lee as well as a pair of new stories including a battle of 19th Century flying ships with a turn of the century celebrity crew.

“Tesla’s Electric Schooner” finds Nikola Tesla and the unlikely band of George Westinghouse, Charles Fort, Annie Oakley, Wong Kei-ying, Winfield Scott Lovecraft, and Harry Houdini all working together aboard Tesla’s latest invention to take down the War Zepplin. This along with the continuing Sparrow’s tale turn out to be the two best adventures of the issue (making this an aberration as neither star Atomic Robo).

The fourth tale, “Atomic Robo and the Electromatic Dream Machine” finds the science adventurer trapped in a dreamlike battle of wits with a disgruntled fired scientist. It’s fun, but not too memorable. Worth a look.

[Red 5, $2.75]