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Atomic Robo #5
Atomic Robo And The Deadly Art Of Science #1
"Chicago, 1930. Mobsters! Hijacked lab equipment! Mystery Men! Gunfights! Car chases! A mad scientist's machines, machinations, and the conspiracy behind it all! Tesla, too! And that's just in the first issue of Atomic Robo and the Deadly Art of Science!"
Comic
First published July 26, 2011
6 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Brian Clevinger
226 books94 followersBrian Clevinger is best known as the author of the most popular sprite webcomic, and one of the most popular webcomics overall, 8-Bit Theater. He is also the author of the self-published novel Nuklear Age. Clevinger has recently received attention for his Eisner-nominated print comic Atomic Robo.
Claiming that his "favorite comics are the ones where the jokes are on the reader," Clevinger is an expert in using anti-climax, interface alterations, and the occasional false ending to play with the reader's expectations. It is a testament to both his sense of humor and his writing skills that these "jokes on the reader" are usually beloved by his fanbase.
Claiming that his "favorite comics are the ones where the jokes are on the reader," Clevinger is an expert in using anti-climax, interface alterations, and the occasional false ending to play with the reader's expectations. It is a testament to both his sense of humor and his writing skills that these "jokes on the reader" are usually beloved by his fanbase.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 3, 2020
Set in the gangster era of the 1930's, we finally get to see Tesla and see his father / son relationship with Robo. Robo is straining to be a hero like the heroes of the radio serials he's obsessed with. So when he meets the mystery man, Jack Tarot, it cause a lot of friction with Tesla. There's a lot to love here. Robo is hilariously obnoxious. The art is fantastic. This is some of the best coloring you'll see in an independent comic. I like how we finally visit the rivalry between Tesla and Edison as well.
February 10, 2013
I didn't think these guys could stretch their characters any further - that they'd just be stuck in the rut of where they'd been - but apparently I underestimate our creators. Robo as a wide-eyed child, desperate to enter a world of *adventure*, is at once a great new character and hilarious by comparison to the one we already know.
Great story and great art as always - surprises continue to emerge into my view, but the quality of effort and execution are ever-present.
The FCBD issue at the end is particularly hilarious, not least of which for the reappearance of a beloved guest star. I cannot believe how much glee I get out of seeing Robo and Doctor Dinosaur's battle of wits - I can never entirely figure out if DD is actually beyond genius or completely moronic. The art is walking that hairs breadth line and never quite giving in.
Great story and great art as always - surprises continue to emerge into my view, but the quality of effort and execution are ever-present.
The FCBD issue at the end is particularly hilarious, not least of which for the reappearance of a beloved guest star. I cannot believe how much glee I get out of seeing Robo and Doctor Dinosaur's battle of wits - I can never entirely figure out if DD is actually beyond genius or completely moronic. The art is walking that hairs breadth line and never quite giving in.
August 23, 2011
With Atomic Robo's long history (he was built by Nikola Tesla) creators Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener have more than a 100 years to play around with telling stories. This tale is set during the U.S. Depression of the 1930s and draws some of its inspiration from a "young" Robo and classic pulp characters (see the introduction of Jack Tarot). This volume is not as good as previous stories. I think some of the miss was the Jack Tarot character, and the bigger problem was introducing and playing up the Edison/Tesla rivalry (and for it is the issue that neither man is as good or as bad as portrayed here in rl).
October 7, 2014
This volume moves a bit slower than the others, as a 7-year old Robo gets involved with a 1930's Gangsters and Vigilantes in a crime spree that brings the AC/DC conflict into new light. It's funny, but at a slower pace than previous volumes. It does have some great moments, though, and sets up some of the stories that occurred in later years (but earlier volumes). This also includes the FCBD 2011 issue, which is an absolute riot, though. Even if the main story wasn't strong, this volume would be worth picking up just for that story, where Atomic Robo is called in to judge a... 4th grade Science Fair. High speed hilarity ensues.
February 10, 2012
Not my favourite Robo volume - I find young Robo less engaging than his grown up self - but still, lots of fun. Seeing Tesla in more than a flashback was grand, too! It was a shame that new adventurer Jack Tarot had to spend most of his on-panel time being annoyed by Robo, but he and his daughter were fun too. I'm not sure about the romance sub-plot, though; if Robo were a human character underplaying it like this would be great, but I felt like it deserved more attention - especially since the story spans a year or so, giving lots of room to explore. Instead, it just vanishes once the main story is over, unresolved and unexplained.
To be honest, I liked but didn't love this storyline, and probably would have given three stars - except that Dr. Dinosaur showed up in the bonus Free Comic Book Day story, and livened things up no end. Still my favourite character of all time, and the FCBD story is a great one-shot with a lovely coda. More of all the characters in this story, please!
To be honest, I liked but didn't love this storyline, and probably would have given three stars - except that Dr. Dinosaur showed up in the bonus Free Comic Book Day story, and livened things up no end. Still my favourite character of all time, and the FCBD story is a great one-shot with a lovely coda. More of all the characters in this story, please!
June 9, 2015
As always, Atomic Robo is a rollicking good read. Deadly Art of Science is a bit slower, a bit more low key, than some of the other books, focusing on Robo's sometimes-strained relationship with his creator, Tesla, and introducing an early crime fighting mentor, Jack Tarot. Here we see Robo learning the basics of crimefighting and gunslinging.
There's a kind of weird relationship thing going on with Tarot's daughter. How do you kiss a robot with no mouth?
The art is fantastic, as always. Wegener's angular, chunky style is full of depth and three dimensional geometry. It really works with the action-packed story.
The best part of the book is the Free Comic Book Day one-off included at the end. I love Dr. Dinosaur so much I can't even stand it.
There's a kind of weird relationship thing going on with Tarot's daughter. How do you kiss a robot with no mouth?
The art is fantastic, as always. Wegener's angular, chunky style is full of depth and three dimensional geometry. It really works with the action-packed story.
The best part of the book is the Free Comic Book Day one-off included at the end. I love Dr. Dinosaur so much I can't even stand it.
June 1, 2011
I was a bit worried that they might start lagging with the terrificality, but it's still going full bore. This is a flashback to Robo's early days, and it's fun to see him as the less-than-competent neophyte battling thugs and the evil Edison.
As soon as I finished this I sent an email to Scott Wegener asking if there will be a large-format hardcover of Atomic Robo released any time soon, and he said one will be out in December. I now know the first item on my Christmas list!
As soon as I finished this I sent an email to Scott Wegener asking if there will be a large-format hardcover of Atomic Robo released any time soon, and he said one will be out in December. I now know the first item on my Christmas list!
September 19, 2015
A very solid origin story for Robo. It's nice to see so many different elements (pulp vigilantism, robots, the war of currents, real world scientists, love, mystery, etc.) come together so well. The art is also top knotch.
The Free Comic Book Day 2011 issue kicks this book up to five stars. It's fantastic!
The Free Comic Book Day 2011 issue kicks this book up to five stars. It's fantastic!
November 25, 2013
Atomic Robo. Tesla's epic battle of the currents with Edison. Jack Tarot (rhymes with The Shadow.) Manbot-woman romance. 'nough said.
January 15, 2018
Still really enjoyed it, but this one was a slight step back from the quality of the previous volumes. It was the first of the series to have a continuous storyline all in one time and place, which isn't a knock against it all on its own...it's just that the climax boiled down to cheerleading for Tesla (again) and turning Edison into a two-bit villain (again) which doesn't take a lot of creative depth. Plus a few unoriginal jokes about gun laws in America (that aren't even accurate...) elevated the political slant above the story itself.
Nevertheless, the quality of the artwork was good, and the jokes and dialogue were good. The love dynamic between Robo and Helen was a new direction, and presents its own complications, much like the best elements of the previous volumes have done. I'm excited to read volume 6.
Nevertheless, the quality of the artwork was good, and the jokes and dialogue were good. The love dynamic between Robo and Helen was a new direction, and presents its own complications, much like the best elements of the previous volumes have done. I'm excited to read volume 6.
Read
April 24, 2020My Atomic Robo reviews are becoming redundant, so I’m going to just list my favorite quotes as reviews starting now.
“I wear pants because it’s the law.”
“He’s a super-strong bulletproof scientist. He’s the greatest technological advancement in history! “ Well, I don’t like to brag...” “Why would you? It was Tesla’s achievement.” “Er, yeah, well...”
“Mr. Tesla designed me to dissipate waste heat throughout my frame to approximate human body temperature.” “That’s the least romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Bah!” “Very mature.” “That’s no way for a poopyface to speak to his father.”
“Aeroplanes are fine if you’re in the 1920’s or whatever, but you guys should have upgraded to gravity catapults by now.”
“I wear pants because it’s the law.”
“He’s a super-strong bulletproof scientist. He’s the greatest technological advancement in history! “ Well, I don’t like to brag...” “Why would you? It was Tesla’s achievement.” “Er, yeah, well...”
“Mr. Tesla designed me to dissipate waste heat throughout my frame to approximate human body temperature.” “That’s the least romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Bah!” “Very mature.” “That’s no way for a poopyface to speak to his father.”
“Aeroplanes are fine if you’re in the 1920’s or whatever, but you guys should have upgraded to gravity catapults by now.”
February 23, 2017
While reading the first four volumes of Atomic Robo I kept hoping to see more of Tesla. While I'd still like to see more, it was great to have a story where he makes an appearance and contributes in a big way (take that Iron Man!).
I wasn't a huge fan of the masked vigilante thing, but overall it worked and it was great to see more of Robo's early days.. And seeing Robo and Helen's relationship was pretty cute.
It was great seeing the rivalry between Edison and Tesla, and especially the fight at the end!
I wasn't a huge fan of the masked vigilante thing, but overall it worked and it was great to see more of Robo's early days.. And seeing Robo and Helen's relationship was pretty cute.
It was great seeing the rivalry between Edison and Tesla, and especially the fight at the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
How did Robo go from science to Action Science?
What was Edison talking about in the fourth collection, Atomic Robo & Other Strangeness?
Who is Robo's favorite Western hero?
And has Robo ever known love?
These questions and more are answered in Atomic Robo and the Deadly Art of Science!
What I find most fascinating is that some of the smallest things in these early comics are actually seeds for much later stories.
Also, I am really digging the Dr Dinosaur pages at the end of these collections.
What was Edison talking about in the fourth collection, Atomic Robo & Other Strangeness?
Who is Robo's favorite Western hero?
And has Robo ever known love?
These questions and more are answered in Atomic Robo and the Deadly Art of Science!
What I find most fascinating is that some of the smallest things in these early comics are actually seeds for much later stories.
Also, I am really digging the Dr Dinosaur pages at the end of these collections.
May 20, 2020
Tesla vs. Edison
Atomic Robo pokes fun at the traditions of pulp and comics fiction - while also offering some original ways to approach the genre. Robo, himself, is a humorous and sarcastic robot who is always questioning the science behind pulp fiction, pointing out its absurdities, but reveling in them at the same time.
Perfect for adults and children at different levels.
More than worth the cost.
Try it if you have any imagination.
Atomic Robo pokes fun at the traditions of pulp and comics fiction - while also offering some original ways to approach the genre. Robo, himself, is a humorous and sarcastic robot who is always questioning the science behind pulp fiction, pointing out its absurdities, but reveling in them at the same time.
Perfect for adults and children at different levels.
More than worth the cost.
Try it if you have any imagination.
June 6, 2017
The first volume of Atomic Robo that has a linear, completely cohesive chronological storyline, and though it may have been the non-linear storytelling that caught my interest at first, it was the character of Atomic Robo that made me stay, and that means getting an amazing origin story for our hero was soooo satisfying.
Loved every minute of this.
Loved every minute of this.
November 16, 2021
Otra fantástica historia de Atomic Robo que esta vez se retrotrae casi a los inicios del personaje. Una relato detectivesco y de justicieros que se apoya en la histórica guerra de las corrientes entre Tesla y Edison para hacer lo que mejor sabe hacer: ciencia loca y humor inteligente. Recomendadísimo, como el resto libros.
April 6, 2018
En este quinto volumen se nos presentan las primeras andanzas de Robo. Está muy gracioso verle con un comportamiento más de novato, y como pasa del laboratorio a la acción. Realmente está en la línea de los anteriores, pero lo he disfrutado incluso más.
January 8, 2017
Solid, fun writing; lovely art. Atomic Robo continues to be a joy each and every volume.
"I wear pants because it's the law."
"I wear pants because it's the law."
September 10, 2017
To impvoe: More Dr. Dinosaur. Less noir.
But that's just my opinion.
But that's just my opinion.
September 11, 2017
Tesla vs Edison and Jack Tarot and his daughter
May 20, 2023
Pulp adventure with a pro-science bias. Young Atomic Robo in some of his first pulp adventures alongside a vigilante 'mystery man'. Also, Tesla vs. Edison.
March 27, 2025
An excellent origin story for an increasingly amusing character!
April 17, 2012
Atomic Robo and the Deadly Art of Science, the fifth and latest installment (2011) of the adventures of Nikola Tesla's wisecracking robotic action scientist, takes us all the way back to the 1930's, when Robo is a young lad eager to get out of Mr. Tesla's lab and start living.
In this volume, Atomic Robo gets tangled up with Jack Tarot, crime-bustin' vigilante, and in the process learns how to put the "action" into action science. The mystery is good fun, and the chemistry between Robo has with Tarot and Tarot's daughter Helen works very well.
If you haven't read any of the first four volumes of Atomic Robo, fear not, as each - while in continuity with the others - is self-contained, and, in fact, this volume makes for an excellent starting point, as it's the chronologically earliest complete story featuring Atomic Robo.
Clevinger's writing is its usual excellent combination of amusing sarcastic wackiness and (oh, if only other comics had this much) character depth. Wegener's art is also up to his high standards, able to capture both the fun of the action sequences and the tenderness of the character interaction.
In addition to the main story, there's also a bonus feature - the inclusion of the Atomic Robo Free Comic Book Day 2011 comic, featuring the return of Dr. Dinosaur. You can also find this story online, along with other past Free Comic Book Day offerings, at the official Atomic Robo site if you want to sample the goods, but it's inclusion in the collected volume is welcome.
If you're an Atomic Robo fan, well you should have read this comic already, and if you aren't yet, this is a perfect place to start. You'll be glad you did.
In this volume, Atomic Robo gets tangled up with Jack Tarot, crime-bustin' vigilante, and in the process learns how to put the "action" into action science. The mystery is good fun, and the chemistry between Robo has with Tarot and Tarot's daughter Helen works very well.
If you haven't read any of the first four volumes of Atomic Robo, fear not, as each - while in continuity with the others - is self-contained, and, in fact, this volume makes for an excellent starting point, as it's the chronologically earliest complete story featuring Atomic Robo.
Clevinger's writing is its usual excellent combination of amusing sarcastic wackiness and (oh, if only other comics had this much) character depth. Wegener's art is also up to his high standards, able to capture both the fun of the action sequences and the tenderness of the character interaction.
In addition to the main story, there's also a bonus feature - the inclusion of the Atomic Robo Free Comic Book Day 2011 comic, featuring the return of Dr. Dinosaur. You can also find this story online, along with other past Free Comic Book Day offerings, at the official Atomic Robo site if you want to sample the goods, but it's inclusion in the collected volume is welcome.
If you're an Atomic Robo fan, well you should have read this comic already, and if you aren't yet, this is a perfect place to start. You'll be glad you did.
September 2, 2014
Yep, this is just as much fun the second time as it was the first. I find I'm getting more out of these graphic novels because I'm able to read them more slowly, look at the backgrounds a little more rather than being caught up in the new, in the adventure (not that I'm not still!). So that's a nice thing.
Review as of May 26, 2012
I really enjoy this volume! It was so much fun seeing young Robo, acting like a kid, star-struck and not wanting to do science with Mr Tesla because it's boooooring! It's too perfect. I really feel like this collection picked up from the last one, bringing back what I love about the series, especially the snappy writing.
I was reading it in transit and grinning like a fool because I was trying not to laugh out loud. It's definitely a great one and probably a good place for any newcomer to start. Too funny!
Review as of May 26, 2012
I really enjoy this volume! It was so much fun seeing young Robo, acting like a kid, star-struck and not wanting to do science with Mr Tesla because it's boooooring! It's too perfect. I really feel like this collection picked up from the last one, bringing back what I love about the series, especially the snappy writing.
I was reading it in transit and grinning like a fool because I was trying not to laugh out loud. It's definitely a great one and probably a good place for any newcomer to start. Too funny!
July 14, 2018
While not the story of Atomic Robo’s construction, this volume tells the “origin” of Atomic Robo as a hero. In 1930, Robo encounters masked vigilante Jack Tarot and his daughter investigating strange science-related crimes. The pair need Robo’s science expertise, and Robo wants Tarot to serve as a heroic mentor. Jack Tarot reluctantly agrees, and the result is another engaging science adventure full of action, drama, historical celebrities, romance, and giant robots. This volume has a lot of heart and character development, and also sheds a great deal of light on events hinted at in the previous volume.
August 28, 2014
After the antics of the first few volumes you can be forgiven for thinking that that is Atomic Robo's only trick. "The Deadly Art of Science" proves however that this story is capable of being more serious, albeit with a helping of humor. In contrast to the jumping around in time of previous issues, this new story instead goes all the way back to what can most readily be called Robo's adolescence and gives us the first time he dabbled in adventuring. It is also helped by featuring the first actual appearance of Nikola Tesla and sheds some light on theirs and Robo's relationship past their initial creator/creation dynamic with Tesla.
August 16, 2016
Read via ComiXology Unlimited, and well worth the time. We get to see a young Robo in action, training with a Mystery Man named Jack Tarot, and generally causing havoc in a variety of ways. We also finally get to see Nikola Tesla, and Clevinger indulges himself in a final battle between Tesla and Edison that hits all kinds of notes in regards to both of them. It's also very nice to have comic book science that has some actual grounding in reality (though this doesn't stop Clevinger from getting wild and woolly at points.)
September 15, 2016
Remember when I said I thought Atomic Robo was better at short stories than long arcs? Well, I take it back. Deadly Art of Science is a very tightly-written, very entertaining arc that sheds a light on Robo's early life while throwing out plenty of references to previous stories--both discussing things that happened previously and clarifying things that will happen later. Clevinger's writing really shines here; I feel like I say this every time, but you're really doing yourself a disservice by not at least checking out Atomic Robo.
February 16, 2013
This is actually my favorite volume of the series. Young Atomic Robo is a lot more spunky, fun, and headstrong. The Hellboy influence does shine through a little more when dealing with young Robo, but considering I enjoy that style of writing, I'll roll with it. I also enjoy the Edison/Tesla rivalry that is the foundation of the conflict here. The art, as usual, is simplistic and sparse but gets the job done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews