Cody White
Robo is an independently published cyberpunk comic book from new creator Jesse Keppler and indie comics artist Philip Appley. This new series is both speculative and cautionary, exploring topical concerns like social media, commoditization of workers, and corporate power. The story also deals with competing expectations and obligations between an employer, your community, and the self. The first issue is currently available on Kickstarter.
In the world of Robo the world has been reborn. Humanity, dedicated to personal freedom, has thrown off the oppressive rule of artificial intelligence and man serves only himself once again. Corporations have succeeded the nation-state as the dominant organization in life and within them, creating value for shareholders is the only true law in life. The old world is gone, leaving only remnants of cultural nostalgia, wrapped up in corporate branding.
Corporations like NeuChicago. The capital city of the Northcentral Corporate Republic of America (NCCRA), is a territory corporation built to evoke the spirit and nostalgia of old Chicago. It is a cultural icon among North Americans known for liveliness, good times, and charming grittiness. NeuChicago is the home to Sunburst Technologies, a defense technology corporation specializing in law and order that provides weapons and soldiers to corporations and states throughout the world. Sunburst enjoys a popular position among the people of NeuChicago and the NCCRA due to providing protection and defense forces for the territories. The most well known and celebrated of these defenders is Charles Centon, better known as Robo.
The first issue finds Robo pulled away from a fast paced, ADD-fueled PR appearance by a call to a mysterious crime scene. The company’s lead investigator preaches patience and surveillance but Robo charges forward into the city’s depths, overconfident in his ability to stop what’s happening. Coming face to face with a technological horror building something beneath the notice of the city above, can Robo save the city and keep his job?
A Kickstarter campaign for Robo #1 is currently active, offering digital and print versions as well as behind the scenes information about the creation, NeuChicago postcards, and other custom rewards for backers. Funding will go toward furthering the series to continue telling the story.
The book itself is 20 highly detailed black and white pages filled with unique characters and futuristic backgrounds. Jesse Keppler, is new to comics writing, while Philip Appley, creates comic art full time for independent projects. The book will be published under the label Moosecat Comics.
Relevant Links:
Robo #1 on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1922110640/robo-1
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/moosecatcomics
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moosecatcomics/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoboComicbook/
Moosecat Comics website: https://www.moosecatcomics.com/
