OneMetal.com REVIEW:
Robot13 #3

Thomas Hall and Daniel Bradford’s singular Robot13 caps Book One with an earth-shaking finish that’s bound to pique your attention. Floating on the same wavelength as Hellboy, Robot13 trades the paranormal for the mythological and shapes it refreshingly well.

The comic fixates on a mechanical amnesiac investigating his own mysterious origins. For those unfamiliar with the fascinating yet surprisingly uncomplicated indie hit, its hero—a unique cross between robot, futuristic spaceman, and ancient skeleton warrior—reawakened and rose from underwater depths, saving innocent fishermen from monstrous, tentacled peril. Although the sea-faring crew expressed their infinite gratitude and even offered him a place on their boat, the lonely Robot13 yearned for something else: to return to his creator, the “Doctor” (and no, he isn’t British and doesn’t wield a sonic screwdriver).

The previous issue concluded as a recluse named Oliver and his dog, Lucky, sniffed out the fallen defender, who recently tangled with a phoenix and crashed into the cold, mountainous heights. In this installment, the elder provides shelter and divulges quite a familiar tale of Cretan proportions, but an angry Colossus is bent on eliminating Robot13 and soon interrupts the homely conversation.

The fledgling Robot13 runs on simple charm and holds vast potential under lock and key. Boasting sharp and captivating artwork, the comic has yet to genuinely explore its own world and polish its characters. Regardless, Hall’s Robot13 figure stands as an brilliantly vivid invention and ranks as one of the most noteworthy characters encountered in comics for a long time. Although issue #2 struck a blank, Robot13 #3 crams every possible ounce onto its pages, balancing story and action together. Hall keeps the intrigue alive and thriving by connecting the protagonist’s relevance with mythic lore, suggesting a prosperous future for the comic. The writer uncovers some of Robot13′s nuts-and-bolts beginnings, and with Bradford’s assistance he executes a laudable artistic parallel. More readers should grab onto this infant, slow-burning series that often slips through popular grasp.

Fans can order Robot13 #3 on Wednesday, March 10th, or view local and internet availability listings at blackliststudios.com.

Bottom Line

Robot13 #3 ends the first collection in stride. Creators Hall and Bradford embark their robot hero on a soul-searching quest, expanding their budding, mythological world and boosting the book's credibility in the process. Robot13 is invigorating—it defies its leisurely pace and simply enthralls.