Atomic Robo

• Title: Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures #8 (of 6)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Clevinger
• Artist: Caanan Grall

Realizing someone is after his technology, Nikola Tesla hires a Master Wong Kei-Ying and Annie Oakley to protect the scientist’s Magnifying Transmitter which Tesla is moving by train. It’s a good thing he did to, as the train is hijacked and the unlikely pair of a martial artist and cocky sharpshooter are all that stand in the way of the shadowy group getting their hands on another of Tesla’s inventions.

There’s plenty of action here involving Wong taking down a train load of robbers and the explosion of the train itself when it becomes necessary to destroy Tesla’s invention rather than allow it to fall into the wrong hands. Wong and Oakley make for an amusing pair who I wouldn’t mind see more of in the future.

The back-up story concludes Atomic Robo and his group’s discovery of a giant robot in Egypt. As Robo and the other scientist argue how best to continue with the creature looming large before them, Jenkins takes matters into his own hands and settles the question once and for all. Worth a look.

[Red 5, $2.75]

• Title: Atomic Robo/Bodie Troll Free Comic Book Day 2013
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Clevinger
• Artist: Scott Wegener

Every year you can count on Atomic Robo to deliver one of the best comics of Free Comic Book Day. The 2013 issue features out intrepid science adventurer (who just happens to be an atomic-powered robot built by Nikola Tesla) taking on a rogue robot.

Full of humor and action, Atomic Robo Free Comic Book Day 2013 is mostly centered around Atomic Robo getting his butt kicked for most of the issue. Thankfully, he knows to bring back-up. The issue should work for both longtime fans of the comic and new readers who are getting their first taste of Atomic Robo zaniness. For those who weren’t able to get their hands on a physical copy of the issue writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener have put the entire adventure online.

The issue also includes a look at a new Red 5 series, Bodie Troll featuring a cute troll with ADHD incapable of scaring anyone. It may not be as good as the Atomic Robo story, but it’s goofy and fun. Worth a look.

[Red 5, FREE]

• Title: Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures #7 (of 6)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Clevinger
• Artist: Erica Henderson

The six-issue mini-series continues as Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures returns with a new arc. The Good: The mix of short stories, all drawn by different artists has been replaced with a single ongoing and artist. The Bad: As the storyline focuses on a much younger version of Tesla we don’t even the hint of Atomic Robo.

Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures #7 has a consistent look and feel and gives the reader a closer examination and the pre-Atomic Robo days of Nikola Tesla. In this issue two of Tesla’s inventions are stolen from a demonstration by a shadowy new enemy who plans to use the scientist’s teleautomatic control unit in their effort to overthrow the United States Government.

Even without Atomic Robo, writer Brian Clevinger still delivers a fun (if somewhat unmemorable) adventure. I like Erica Henderson’s art, but at times felt like an odd choice for the tone of the comic. That said, I’m still likely to pick up the next issue. For fans.

[Red 5, $2.75]