Atomic Robo and the Deadly Art of Science #4 (of 5)  (Red 5 - Clevinger / Wegener / Pattison / Powell)

New York City, 1931. Wide-eyed Atomic Robo is enjoying the forbidden thrills of chasing down robbers with vigilante Jack Tarot, but is it stay-at-home time with his father Nikola Tesla that can solve the crimes? Or will a massive mystery robot just destroy the whole city?

The origin story of Atomic Robo continues!

I am going to start with the bottom line – This is Family-Friendly Pulp Heroics at it’s best!  And how could you not love the title?

Robo is at a crossroads, having to move out of the shadows of his “father” Tesla and following his own destiny – getting help from Jack Tarot and his cute-as-a-button daughter.  And if enjoying the fact that the big shadowy bad guy is Thomas Edison is a crime – then tell my wife to get the cuffs!

Atomic Robo really is brilliant on so many levels – the first four volumes were excellent and the fifth edition is not disappointing.  It’s the classic “artificial man” plot device used in a comedy – pulp hero – sci-fi context.  As a stand alone, this issue doesn’t do the series justice – but when read with the previous three issues, it is nothing but delightful!

If there was an award for ongoing excellence in a series – for both story and art – no title could touch Atomic Robo!

Issue Grade: A

Series Grade: A