MikeyBumchin picks Eisner award winner 2012!!
Last year, during my Library reviews, I picked up a book called American Vampire, which was published by DC/Vertigo. At the time I had a lot of positive things to say about the book, which was written by Scott Snyder and Stephen King, with Rafael Albuquerque providing the artwork. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a Marvel Zombie, and only pick up books from other companies to keep the reviews even. So, you can imagine my surprise, that the book that I considered to be the best non marvel series I read last year, won an Eisner award.
So, this year I’m sticking my neck out and am predicting another winner. The category is best limited series, and the book is Atomic Robo and the ghost of station X. Admittedly it’s up against some tough competition, in the form of Ed Brubaker’s “Criminal: Last stand of the innocent” (Marvel/Icon), and “Flashpoint: Batman – Knight of Vengance” (DC/Vertigo) (soon to be reviewed in an upcoming Library Hotpick).
The book does have another thing going for it, this isn’t the first time its been nominated for an Eisner. Oh no, in 2008 Atomic Robo and the fightin’ scientists of Tesladyne was nominated, an actually won. It walked away with a best limited series, and the books colourist Ronda Pattison won an award for her work.
The book’s publisher (Red 5 Comics) were kind enough to send us a press copy of the book for reviewing, and to pimp it up for the Eisners. As a die-hard Marvel fan, I only have one thing to say about this book……sorry Ed, my moneys on the robot.
Atomic Robo and the ghost of station X is the sixth mini series produced by the company, and at 145 pages, it is genuinely worth every penny. From the very first page this book is brilliant, the writing, provided by Brian Clevenge, is brilliant. I never had the opportunity to read some of the earlier mini series, but, after the first few pages, you feel as though you know exactly who everyone is, and exactly what their role in the story is. The story is essentially a detective story with a load of science thrown at it. In addition to that we have a lot of humour in it, that plays well for both adults and a younger audience.
In the book itself, the forward is written by six time Eisner Award winner, Greg Rucka (Punisher, Gotham Central), who actually comments that after he read the book, he immediately passed it on to his son. Rucka praises the book, as he feels (and I agree), that this is one of the few books, released over the past year, that would be appropriate for young children to read, without worrying about some of the themes found in it.
The art in this book is very nice indeed, it has simple, effective, clean lines provided by Scott Wegener. Added to this we have the colouring of former Eisner winner Ronda Pattison who provides a colour scheme that is fresh, and has an almost cartoon feel to it.
If you don’t already own a copy of Atomic Robo and the Ghost of Station X, the trade paperback has been available in stores since April. The book can also be purchased digitally from both Comixology and iVerse’s Comics.
In Summary, to all involved in this book, well done, its brilliant, to Red 5 Comics, thanks for bringing it to my attention, and to the Eisner award panel, give this book the award now.
Related Posts
Batman Arkham Origins Gameplay Trailer →
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Teaser Trailer →
Full Arkham Origins Trailer: More Batman vs Deathstroke →
