Anyways, I am conflicted with this 1986 special from the short-lived NOW Comics. It is labeled as 'A Holiday Special'. Only there's nothing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other holiday related to be found inside. And yet, I had that feel good Christmas feeling reading A Boy and His 'Bot.
Young Rick is outside stargazing when he witnesses a meteor crashing down nearby. Only it's no mere space rock. Instead, Rick discovers a large sentient robot that was knocked off course and into the boy's backyard.
The mech offers Rick the chance of a lifetime: to become the pilot of the craft which is designed for a crew of one. As Rick travels around the world saving lives, he wishes he could be a hero full time. But he's been gone for several hours. Surely, mom and dad are wondering where the lad is. Maybe there's time for one last trip before dinner.
A Boy and His 'Bot was created, written and illustrated by Gary Thomas Washington. Washington doesn't have a ton of comic book credits. The indie hero comic Megaton seems to be his biggest and most long-term project. The back of this book stated that Washington was then enrolled at a College art program in the Midwest with hopes of a A Boy and His 'Bot monthly series. However, that didn't seem to ever come to pass. I wonder what happened to him. Did he graduate from art school? Did he go the way of many struggling comic artists and enter the field of animation or commercial art? Did Mr. Washington die before achieving his dreams?
I really would have liked to if they had followed this book up with a series. NOW stayed solvent for a few more years. So I don't think that was the reason for there not being a series based on this. And it's not to be confused with the young adult novel of the same name by Daniel H. Wilson It has a similar plot to this one. But I checked and it's very different.
Another work that has similar vibes but is different is The Iron Giant. Though the animated film is from 1999, it's based on The Iron Man, a children's novel from 1968. However with A Boy and His 'Bot, they go on adventures in outer space and becomes a Star Trek for kiddos when Rick and the robot meet a new alien species. But if you are a fan of The Iron Giant, I think you are going to love this book!
A lovely one-shot that I wish kept on. Plus I just can't figure out why this is called a' holiday special.' So, I will knock off 1 star. But I'll keep it in my holiday comics bin since that's technically what this book is.
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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