(Courtesy of BOOM! Studios)
More than just ‘80s nostalgia, RoboCop: Citizens Arrest #1 (BOOM! Studios) delivers an effective social commentary while exploring the grittiness of the cyberpunk genre. Writer Brian Wood and artist Jorge Coelho have put together an entertaining reboot of the Robocop franchise,
This is a provocative vision of a future where justice is crowdsourced and lethal. It’s been decades since the RoboCop program first began. Corporations have taken over the schools and the government.and law enforcement is the biggest private contract of all. Traditional police forces no longer exist as all citizens are encouraged and rewarded to spy on their neighbors.
Here are 5 reasons why you should get RoboCop: Citizens Arrest #1:
5) The Mythology!
Happy #NCBD! This week we spotlighted 3 new series, including a new RoboCop by one of my favorite writers Brian Wood. As usual check out everything we are reading on the site. #tmnt #kevineastman #robertkirkman #robocop #comics #Aftershockcomics #boomstudios #idw #imagecomics pic.twitter.com/duBvkXx1eB
— The Geeks’ Valhalla (@GeeksValhalla) April 11, 2018
Readers can jump into the issue without having seen the sequels and the recent remake. Fans will revisit the original design; not the black and sleek suit from the remake. RoboCop has outlived everyone he knows, becoming an urban tale for the hopeless who need a ray of hope.
4) The Social Commentary!
Writer Brian Wood brings back the political satire from the first film, taking aim at conservative talk shows. Doing what he does best, Wood takes jabs at the healthcare system and social injustice. The narrative is told from the perspective, Leo Reza, a rebellious youth who wants to hurt the corrupt system.
3) The Artwork!
Artist Jorge Coelho puts his own spin on the classic poster, where RoboCop comes out of his police car. Coelho’s take on the future involves drones, giant robots, and tall buildings. Adding to the social commentary, Coelho depicts the poor and wealthy class, but there’s no middle class.
2) The Colors!
Notice how the streets are drenched in shadows, with very little sunlight, where RoboCop hides. Colorist Doug Garbark takes away light source in the urban setting. In the environment of the wealthy class, Garbark paints this world in heavenly whites and yellows.
1) A Fun Read!
My cover for ROBOCOP: Citizens arrest #2.
Hope that you like it!@JCoelhoPT @brianwood @boomstudios pic.twitter.com/QRjZMPa1wP— davidrubin (@davidrubin) March 29, 2018
With its biting social commentary, RoboCop: Citizens Arrest #1 pushes the main protagonist into a new territory. The first issue has peaked my interest, so I’m looking forward to the second issue.
Rating:
Three out of four emojis
Robocop: Citizens Arrest #1 arrives in stores on April 11, 2018.
By Jorge Solis