“For a Few Rubles More” (part 1)
Writers: Alex Sheikman, David Moran
Artist: Alex Sheikman
Colorist: Joel Chua
Publisher: Archaia Studios Press
I won’t lie to you; the continuation of Alex Sheikman’s Robotika series was one of the comic events I was waiting for this year. Of course, the series didn’t arrive until the end of the year, but that’s okay. I’m happy to say that it was well worth the wait! Oh, you’re unfamiliar with Robotika and the characters of Niko, Cherokee, and Bronski? Not to worry! This first issue of this new mini-series is easily accessible for any reader, though I don’t know if the other issues will follow suit. After all, the first page is a playfully vague synopsis of the entire first series, so some elements are bound to pop up again. However, if you are looking for a first-class, tongue-in-cheek sci-fi tale with incredible artwork, you have found the right comic book. Taking a page from Yojimbo / Fistful of Dollars, our protagonists are positioning themselves between warring factions in a frontier-like desert town. Sheikman and David Moran script a tale that is truly fun to read, even if it does contain a little too much cheekiness at times (particularly scenes where Cherokee is prominent). Plus, you will absolutely drop your jaw at the level of artistic talent that Sheikman brings to each and every panel of the issue. Four bucks may be a little more than you want to spend on a comic you’re unfamiliar with, but I think this newest edition of Robotika is well worth the price.
The biggest complaint I had about the first series was the flat writing by Sheikman, who bounced all over the place and didn’t give the story life until the very last issue. Now, with the addition of Moran as the scriptwriter, “For a Few Rubles More” is full of vibrant characters and good dialogue. He injects some needed light-hearted drama into Sheikman’s deadly serious world, creating a comic book that is solid all-around entertainment. Granted, this issue doesn’t continue from where the last series finished (unless you consider the tournament the three are headed to), but what readers encounter is something much more substantial and linear. However, the fact that Niko, our main character, has such a secondary role in this issue is a tad disconcerting. Cherokee and Bronski make up for this lack, though, which works because they are more personable characters than Niko anyway. The last couple of pages of the main story, featuring Cherokee’s capitalistic spirit, is both funny and endearing. Speaking of Cherokee, another complaint I had about the first series was the annoying way in which her dialogue was written vertically, which was difficult to read and slowed the pacing of the issue to a crawl. Early in this issue, Sheikman and Moran remedy this in a very witty scene that is aimed at those fans who complained the first time around. All in all, this first issue is about atmosphere and setting the background for the next three issues, as we encounter a cast of dastardly denizens that are not frightening in the least, but slimy and compelling enough to give our heroes a run for their money.
However, as decent as the story and dialogue may be, nothing holds a candle to the artwork in this issue. As I’ve said before and will say again, Sheikman is a talent that everyone should be checking out. He has a scary amount of skill regarding the comic book page, and he displays that skill on every page of Robotika. Characters have a visual emotional complexity that is refreshing to see, and panels are constructed with all elements in mind, similar to a skilled film director. The settings Sheikman portrays, whether out in the canyons or inside a futuristic office, scream off the page, making readers involved in the comic on a much deeper level. Finally, his scenes have a strong energy about them, filled with realistic movements and mannerisms. This causes the whole issue to have a nice flow that is only accentuated by the timely dialogue.
This newest edition of Robotika is an issue you don’t want to miss, particularly if you are into pseudo-Westerns such as Firefly or Kill Bill. Oh, and one more note to sweeten the deal; the four dollar cover price includes 32 complete pages of original material, with the classy printing job that has become Archaia’s stock in trade. This is a completely entertaining graphic experience, and I can’t wait for the next three issues.
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