Comic Review: Zombies vs. Robots #1
Image source: IDW Publishing.
Just like the man who discovered the great taste that chocolate and peanut butter make when together, IDW Publishing struck gold when it decided to pit robots and zombies against each other in Zombies vs Robots. The original 2005 series by writer Chris Ryall and artist Ashley Wood was a success that spawned three more series and a one-shot in later years. Now, IDW is ready to commit with an ongoing series by the original creative team, along with additional writers and artist for its first issue, like Steve Niles, Val Mayerik and Anthony Diecidue. Zombies vs Robots #1 takes the simple premise and prepares it for a continuous and entertaining run.
Issue one takes place one year after the robots nuked the hell out of Earth in order to eliminate the zombie menace. The story follows a dronebot named ORIS-1 that’s sent to Earth to observe the current situation between robots and zombies, as well as see if the planet is inhabitable for human life. After the main story, two shorts elaborating on the ongoing struggle between robots and zombies, from the point of view of the few humans that survived, followed. “Tales of ZVR” is a two-paged story of a child looking for his father. “The Orphan” focuses on another youth who’s alone in the world and looking for robotic parts for unknown reasons.
Despite the grim premise, there’s a nice cheeky humor to Zombies vs Robots #1. The back and forth between the three founding scientists responsible for the zombie plague and what even lead to their ultimate demise, for example, is delightfully dark. The quirky tone is complimented by Diecidue’s artwork. Each panel is filled with beautiful illustrations that retain the horror presentation of these characters, while exaggerating them for an expressive, sketchy look. Action is limited here, but what’s shown is tight, such as the dronebot shooting off a zombie’s hand, or a Warbot firing all rounds at the undead. The artwork in “Tales of ZVR” by Wood is equally impressive, as it embraces the eerie and isolated theme of the story.
The worst you can say about Zombies vs Robots #1 is that it’s ultimately a set-up for bigger and better things to come. As soon as the book catches the reader up with their “long time no see” mechanical and zombified friends, the main story is over. The additional stories are a nice compensation, but nonetheless predictable in storytelling. At the very least, the quick pace of the main story indicates future stories won’t be bogged down by unnecessary filler.
Zombies vs Robots #1 is a welcome return for the series. The adventure may be over too soon, but the book delivers enough action to ensure another visit by the reader. And besides, it’s zombies fighting robots! Who can say no to that?
Zombies vs Robots #1 is now available in stores.