Snapshot review: 4/5
Written by Brian Clevinger
Illustrated by Scott Wegener
160 pages, color
Published by Red 5 Comics
Atomic Robo is always a fun read for me. It’s a great blend of historical science fiction, action and humor.
In this Volume, ROBO is once again up against the Nazi’s as they begin releasing their mechanical and biological weapons on the invading Allied troops. The mystery of who is really behind the attacks is ROBO’s driving directive. He’s got some fun partners in this one including a British spy called, The Sparrow, and a gibberish-speaking Scotsman.
This comic is always at it’s best when dealing with the weird weapons and mythology of the Nazis. It’s like a supercharged Indiana Jones to a certain extent. And where in Volume 1, we saw Atomic Robo through the years, this story line sticks with a much more linear path, and I think it benefits from it. The whole thing feels more connected in a way the first did not.
And the extra characters in Dogs of War, make for some great interaction for ROBO. Although, much like an old-school Schwartzeneggar character or even Die Hard’s John McClane, it never seems like ROBO really grows as a character. But that’s also one of his charming features. He just can’t help himself, but to make smart-alec comments for everything.
The action and illustrations are fantastic, as always with Atomic Robo. It’s one of my favorite parts of the series that it is a fun, action-packed adventure in historical scifi. There are large mechanized tanks, mutant super-soldiers, war action, explosions, secret weapons facilities, and so much more. Pretty much everything that makes me say, “Heck yes!”
You don’t necessarily come away from these books having learned something, but you do come away from it smiling and feeling like you had a great time. So if that sounds awesome to you, then Atomic Robo Vol. 2: Atomic Robo and the Dogs of War is for you!