Book Review: Atomic Robo and the Shadow from Beyond Time

Atomic Robo and the Shadow from Beyond Time by Brian Clevinger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Atomic Robo is a robot who has been around since the 1920 when he was created by Nikola Tesla and starting in 1929 one shadow has chased him throughout his life, a lovecraftian creature who exists outside linear time--and (as we learn early in this book) actually sprang out of H.P. Lovecraft.

This story is a high concept thrill ride that takes advantage of Robo's long life to tell a tale that involves Robo and friends throughout his life. There's 1920s Robo teaming up with Charles Fort, cold war Robo, 1970s Robo getting help from Carl Sagan, and of course the modern robo an the scientists of Tesladyne, and the ultimate team up in the final issue.

The art is fun and imaginative. The story is engaging. Writer Brian Clevinger does a good job having Robo "age" as each version of Robo has slight differences in personality as he's learned more over time. He still remains wise cracking and charming at any age.

The back up stories are not nearly as fun. At best, they're amusing, with the funniest piece being a text interview with Robo. Not bad, but certainly not as good as the main story.

Still, this is a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.



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