Atomic Robo Vol. 1 TPB
…and the Fightin’ Scientists of Tesladyne
Written by Brian Clevinger
Art and Cover by Scott Wegener
Colors by Rhonda Pattison
Letters by Jeff Powell
Red 5 Comics
Cover price: $18.95; Available now

Atomic Robo tells the story of the first robot ever invented. Created by scientist Nikola Tesla in 1923, Atomic Robo is the first of his kind, a robot with artificial intelligence. After being granted American citizenship, Atomic Robo goes on to found Tesladyne, a think tank in the vein of the Fantastic Four. Now, many decades later, Atomic Robo and his Action Scientists of Tesladyne are the last line of defense against things of the unexplained.

From top to bottom, Atomic Robo, Vol.1 TPB truly delivers a solid read on many levels. First, the main character is rich in detail. On the surface Robo is a robot but look deeper and you will find a man much like Captain America: A man who doesn’t really fit in any time. All his close friends are long dead and anytime he makes any new relationship, he knows he will always outlast them, proving the character with lots of pathos to explore in future issues. I think the character expresses this when asked what the hardest about being him. He responds? “I do a great Jack Benny but no one really gets it any more.”

Another thing I really dig about the series is just how reader friendly it is. Each is essentially a single self-contained story. Any reader can basically pick up any random issue of the series and expect an entertaining and compelling story, whether it is Robo fighting large ants in the middle of a busy street or being greeted with the news that a former war buddy had passed away. Those who stick around the later issues or have picked up the trade are rewarded with more insight into Robo’s life, from stories that deal with his past missions and even hints into where he ends up in the future. It is the type of storytelling that is very reminiscent of the TV show Lost, where those who stay with the comic end up with a more balanced and richer storyline. I personally cannot wait to see where this book is headed.

The duo of writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener are a truly remarkable team. I do not think that there is a better writer/artist out there that is as good as these two. Clevinger’s writing style and tone perfectly matches Wegener’s art, so much so that you would think that they were one person. Plus, you know a duo is good together when you read one of the back-up stories featured in the trade that is not written or drawn by either of them and find them just a little on the bland side. Those stories, while entertaining, lack the magic touch, which I think is supplied by both Clevinger and Wegner.

The trade offers a lot of extras, some more informative than others. There are the aforementioned back-stories, each written by a different writer and artist duo. These are entertaining but do not add a lot to the overall picture of Atomic Robo. The evolution of Atomic Robo is also covered with several pages of sketches drawn by Wegener during the process of creating the character.

Sometimes serious, sometimes laugh out loud, Atomic Robo is a book that never stops entertaining you. If you are a fan of action, comedy, and stories with heart, Atomic Robo is something that will keep you coming back for more.