Joshua Boulet's 'Robot Monk' Predates Real Life
Last week a Chinese robotics company pulled off a hell of a Buddhistcore marketing blitz when one of its $13,500 humanoid robots joined an order of monks. Most major news outlets covered the spectacle of it all, with a dash of practical business analysis. All I could think was "Ahh, defense tech. But make it fun," partially because two weeks ago I read a very different robot monk story. One that did seem to get it, and is more worthy of your precious free time than deceptively innocuous PR stunts.
Robot Monk is a beautifully illustrated sequential story that begins with a bunch of wealthy fat cats who have decided to purchase a valuable, secluded island. The only wrinkle in their plans? An ancient order of monks who preside over the land, routinely engaging in a fire ritual supposedly intended to preserve the earth and its inhabitants. When the business men sic their semi-organic humanoid autonomous robots (Bio-Boys) on the monks, it disrupts the ritual and leads to the origin story of our robotic hero.
Two specific scenes really resonated with me about this comic. The first happens in the origin reveal (see photo above) in which Robot Monk's swords are given the names "Truth" and "Enlightenment," followed by an excellent use of sound (Z-CRACK; TAP, TAP, TAP, TAP, TASKIT!). The second happens toward the end, where the robot is about to fall on its sword before realizing a greater purpose. It's a solid introduction, and one that already has a second issue planned and funded via Kickstarter.
Creator Joshua Boulet's work features clean lines and straightforward panels with plenty of detail. What I love most about this debut issue is the wider magazine size, and the fact that he's got command of what a black and white story must be to pass muster in this era of comics. If you enjoy Kung Fu books as much as I do, but with the familiar vibe of early Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, Robot Monk #1 will not disappoint.
And neither does Boulet, whose other work is definitely on my short list of things to check out.
