Josh 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 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 sick 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.
Short Q&A below!
Why choose the [superior] larger magazine-size page format?
Because it’s better. It lets the art breathe. The reader can pay attention to the details – if they want to, or not. That's the beauty of yourself, right? You pick the road.
Two main artistic/illustrative influences of your work as a creator?
Well, Moebius should be obvious, and do I really need to say Eastman and Laird’s Ninja Turtles? Those characters have been an influence on my life. When I was talking to people at the show some said they can see Geoff Darrow in my work, but I don't pretend that I am that good. [Editors Note: About to take the Sword of Truth out, buddy.]
What’s the end-goal — aka dream pursuit — for Robot Monk?
For a lot of people to read this book and love it. Like the Ninja Turtles. I doubt I could handle that type of success, but fuck it – let's play games.
Can you tell me a bit about your pace (per page/panel) and process?
I’ve found myself creating comic pages on a 14x17-in spiral bound drawing pad, and then scanning those pages in to make many digital corrections and put the book together. Drawing on the spiral pad collects all the pages, which you can flip thru and read as a rough draft of sorts. It reminds me of something that Bode or Crumb might have done in the heyday of the underground comix movement in San Francisco. Minus the weird perverted shit Crumb does.
Will Robot Monk get colorized at some point? (I think it works well in B&W, don’t get me wrong, just curious based on your website.)
Of course. I often wonder if it being in black and white hurts the book. Like maybe more kids would read it, if it was in color. Black and white feels so 90’s independent, but I love that. Thanks for checking out the comics section of my website. There are 32 free comics you can read on there. Color and b/w.
