Atomic Robo And the Deadly Art of Science #2 (Red 5 – Clevinger / Wegener / Pattison / Powell)

JACK TAROT, Scourge of the Chicago Crime Syndicate, stalks the mean streets of New York City hunting down the truth behind a baffling series of high-tech robberies! Though if he knew that’d involve mentoring ATOMIC ROBO, he’d have stayed home. Hey, what’s Jack hiding behind that mask? And how does he shoot with it on anyway, I don’t see no eye-holes! Also starring Jack’s beautiful organic daughter! And a man with two skulls! And Tesla! And vampires! Again! But only a little. Every issue brings us one step closer to uncovering the secrets of THE DEADLY ART OF SCIENCE!

It is my belief that if you took someone who said “I don’t like sci-fi, I don’t like pulp stories and I sure as shoot do not like comics” and you made them read Atomic Robo – they would be transformed by the brilliant humor and action of author Brian Clevinger and be beguiled by the streamlined beauty of the Atomic Robo art team!

Left on it’s own, the first two issues of this series by themselves would make you a fan of Robo – If you have been through the first four volumes of Atomic Robo’s adventures (like myself) and are now getting this glimpse into his origins as a pulp adventurer, you can’t help but be in love.  The creative team behind this present volume has kept all the chemistry that makes a perfect blend of humor, adventure, sci-fi and romance.   If nothing else, they have tightened up the blend with superb character interactions, dialogues and situations.  No throwaways here at all!

The Bottom Line:  This is a more than fantastic series and the background information on Tesla, the Vampire Dimension and getting to see Robo’s first villain encounter are just sweet bonuses!

Issue Grade: A+