#ComicReview: Giant Robot Warriors
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Ashleigh Mayes
Everyone loves robots, no? Today's review is "Giant Robot Warriors" by Stuart Moore and Ryan Kelly. Initially, the badass cover is what led me to pick up this book. Seriously, look at it! Little did I know, the book would be dripping with humor, politics (love me some!), and serious rivalries. The book, overall, shows us what we, as Americans, love to fight other's wars. The novel is centered around Rufus. Personally, at first, I can't stand the kid. He's the self-proclaimed "pretty-boy" face of the project who seems only concerned with public relations. His form of PR? Flirting with talkshow hosts, news reporters, and whatever female is in the vicinity. He even goes so far as to take a group of girls into the top-secret lab of the Giant Robot Warrior Project. On top of that, he bad-mouths his bosses on public television! Rufus' boss, Walther, is the butt of all of his fat jokes. On more than one occasion, Walther storms out of the bar in embarrassment and frustration. Throughout the course of the book, it is found out that the President (who, without any attempt at disguise, looks oddly like President Bush) is a robot. He glitches and calls the middle-eastern people "towel heads". Before an all-out war takes place between two middle-eastern countries, the United States gets involved and shows up with a GRW of their own. The battle takes places and...you'll have to read to get the ending. :)
I really did enjoy reading "Giant Robot Warriors". Though slow at first, the book picks up quickly. It's a pretty quick read. The jokes are somewhat cheesy, but I think it was meant to be reflective on the good ol' U.S.of A.
Well...on to the rating, shall we?
Creativity of Writing: 3.5/5 I realize that this novel was originally put out around the time of "Transformers". Maybe that's what bugs me about it...that it reminds me of "Transformers". However, I really do enjoy the plot. The United States goes off to fight a war when things are falling apart on the homefront, but somehow, everything is saved at the end of the day. On top of that, the U.S. wins the war between the two middle-eastern countries. The characters feel unique and well developed. The relationships and the strain between the characters adds depth to the story. Especially the rivalry between Rufus and Walther (which is resolved rather funnily, at the end). I feel that, by giving Americans something they could relate to and an icon that they realize (Bush), the story seems more real and the danger seems more intense. Drawing the reader into the comic on a personal level is a sign of success, if you ask me.
Creativity of Art: 4/5 I dig the straight black-and-white art. I also like that the comic feels extremely detailed although it may not be at all times. The characters are definitely interesting looking and I like that they are shown at unique, not necessarily flattering, angles. I also love looking at the unique robots.
Overall Casual Read Rating: 4/5 The politics is definitely the main reason I love this comic. Then, the turmoil. I feel like it's entertaining, but not necessarily as developed as it could be. I do recommend it, but I think that a very specific group of people would like it, despite every American being able to relate to it.
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