Monkey Vs. Robot & The Crystal Of Power by James Kochalka

Monkey vs. Robot #2

by James Kochalka

This thought-provoking story is told almost completely without words, relying on Kochalka's expressive illustrations of the title characters. For all the book's humorous and charming appearance, beneath the entertaining veneer lies a stirring examination of the dual nature of existence, the dichotomy within the human mind, and our profound effect on the ecological environment. A modern day fable for readers of all ages, based on the age-old struggle between nature and technology.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy

Mass Market Paperback

First published May 27, 2003

About the author

James Kochalka is an American comic book artist and writer, and rock musician. His comics are noted for their blending of the real and the surreal. Largely autobiographical, Kochalka's cartoon expression of the world around him includes such real-life characters as his wife, children, cat, friends and colleagues, but always filtered through his own observations and flights of whimsy. In March 2011 he will be declared the cartoonist laureate of Vermont, serving a term of two years.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The war intensifies as the robots search for a crystal that will give then domination over the monkeys. The analogy between technologically advanced countries conquering less technologically advanced countries is hard to miss. A very thought provoking story that can be read on several levels. James Kochalka has done a fantastic job showing us the true cost of wars of conquest.

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope!

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in that it seems like Kochalka is revisiting the theme of the first book rather than wirting a sequel. This is a little more polished in terms of narrative and so it loses some of its raw power. Still intense, and more graphically violent but with a clearer message. On all counts, it should be better than the first but somehow it's not. Still a worthwhile read. Oddly enough, because of the massive amounts of monkey blood, this one probably isn't as appropriate for the children's room. But, as with the first, I haven't gotten any complaints about it so far...

[Wes Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would seem that the theme of the Monkey vs. Robot series would be Nature vs. Science. Sadly, if you hope to get an answer from Mr. Kochalka, you will be mistaken. That age-old saying "it'll all end in tears" has never been more apropos. This novel is extremely graphic, too. And Hopeless.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Violent! So Violent! What?! After reading Jonny Boo and Pinky and Stinky I certainly wasn't expecting a monkey massacre. Don't be fooled, this is a comic fit for a high school environmental science class, not for kids.

[Coral · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find quite the deep meaning in this that the description implies. Nor was the art quite as expressive. But I didn't feel like my fifteen minutes were wasted, either.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, This is what I expect in a graphic novel, I actually know the backstory and plot, yet a little graphic and violent. So, not exactly my type, but okay.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Public library copy. Notes: published in neat purple ink, hardly any words to read, but my enjoyment of the book soured solely with its weak ending. Too bad, it was great till The End.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit more violent than expected and themes were grand but looked simple. Probably meant for 10 year olds rather than the 7 year olds it might look appealing to.

[Denisse · Rating 2 out of 5]

No era necesaria esta continuación.
No me gustó que los monos hablaran.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute and then brutal and then more brutal.

[Matt Piechocinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beer = wrist medicine. Ha!