Best Comics You've Never Heard of: Monkey vs. Robot

Best Comics You've Never Heard of: Monkey vs. Robot

For a little change of pace, I thought it might be interesting to share some unique comics that I have come across over the years that do not share the same spotlight as Marvel or DC but are still worth a read. Today, let's take a look at a little book called Monkey vs. Robot by James Kochalka. Although the childish art style and kitschy name might lead one to imagine that it belongs on Nickelodeon, This book acts as a parable about the conflict between industry and nature. The title of the book, rather than being a mere marketing ploy, succinctly details the simplistic plot. An island where monkeys live in harmony is threatened by an invasion of robots that seek to replicate themselves and deplete the environment of its natural resources. 

Two aspects of Monkey vs. Robot were memorable to me. Firstly, the simplicity of the art style combined with the severity of the subject material make for a compelling story. One would not think that a silly looking story about cartoonish robots and monkeys fighting would be so riveting, but it's because everything looks so innocent that the story and its symbolism are effective. The violence between the two opposing forces escalates into full out war with violent, though not grisly, casualties. Again, the restraint shown by the author in depicting the horrors of war through this allegory are surprisingly effective. 

Secondly, Kochalka's simplicity in storytelling is also a deliberate choice reflected in how he presents the narrative. Dialogue in the comic is sparse, and he prefers to rely on the visuals to do the lion's share of the work in communicating his tale. Instead of focusing on the words presented on the page, readers will find their attentions caught up in the action, laughing to themselves at first at the antics of monkeys throwing coconuts at robots until the full weight of the story culminates in a battlefield of fallen combatants. 

To quote Reading Rainbow, "You don't have to take my word for it!" Check it out yourself!