World Building And Wacky Robots: ‘After The Robot Apocalypse’ #2 Review

The latest issue of SP:Zero’s self-published sci-fi comic book, After the Robot Apocalypse #2, continues to focus heavily on world building as well as introducing a slow of new characters and some backstory too. Particularly the reason behind the rise of the robots that have led a group of survivors to set up their very now heavily protected but fragile society.

SP:Zero, as you will know from the back matter include in this issue, is one of Bristol’s  most eminent and prominent street artists and is now realising his lifelong dream of producing his very own comic. And as a first-timer, it’s pretty, pretty good, to paraphrase the muppet-mauling Larry David.

The artwork is, of course, the star here with SP:Zero lavishly laying out and illustrating each page with a great deal of detail and energy. But, for me at least, it’s the robots that stand out. Something I’m sure SP:Zero is more than aware of, given their diversity of design. First, there’s Scout, an inhumanly large Samurai inspired warrior robot and companion to our biker hero, Nicki, who helps kick the ass of rogue robots roaming the wastelands as they scout for survivors to save. Then, there’s Stog, a cybernetic fur-ball in a baseball cap positioned as something of a comedic character, as his appearance would suggest. But they’re just two examples of the many well realised and wonderfully designed robots running throughout this book. This may be a sci-fi yarn more suited to an America style series, but with Stog and company, SP:Zero harnesses a long tradition of UK comics too.

Another key component to this issue’s success is the contribution of colourist CF. Lum, who’s skills and subtle colour blends help elevate this indie comic book to another level. His contributions cannot be underestimated as he held delineate much of the intricately detailed panels that often involve multiple characters. His colours help create the appropriate sense of depth required when working on a. Book with such a large cast of characters, all of whom want to be heard.

The one area I think SP: Zero could work on is his scripting. Something a good editor could really help polish up. It’s an exposition-heavy book and I feel with more consideration much of the dialogue could be incorporated and told by the art. As it begins to be by the end of this issue when the origins of the apocalypse are recounted. Still, this is his first comic book work and with time, and some guidance, I’m sure this will easily be rectified in future issues.

Photo by Olly MacNamee (Thought Bubble 2023)

After the Robot Apocalypse #2 is a fun book with some amazing artwork that pops off the page thanks to the dynamic designs and colour work. 

You can grab your copy of After the Robot Apocalypse #2 here, or look out for SP:Zero at a comic convention in the UK across the coming year.

And you can catch my interview with SP: Zero/Keith Hopewell here to learn more.