Robot Sex by Die Bold Comics - Comic Review
Robot Sex blends John’s masterful tale of Laevau and silent Barney with Roman Gubskii’s vivid art, crafting a cozy, creature-filled dystopia that leaves you craving more.
Title: Robot Sex #1
Author: John Holland
Artist: Roman Gubskii
Publisher: Die Bold Comics
Summary: In the far future the earth is mostly a barren wasteland, where a few cities still survive. In the first issue, we find Laveau, a speaker for the dead and her partner, Barney, who is a robot travelling to the city of New Orleans for a job for Laveau. And despite the title, there is no sex in the comic, but plenty of robots.
Laveau and her robot companion travel the deserts of the world to the city of New Orleans.
Overview
The desert is a terrible place to find yourself in if you are alone. But good luck has it that Laveau, a speaker of the dead (whatever that might mean, at this point, I am not too sure) is travelling with her companion Barney, who is .. a robot.
Now now now… don’t let your fantasy run wild. I mean for sure do, this is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, sci-fi. You’ll need all the help you can get from your fantasy. But what I meant is that you might read the title and get the wrong idea. As John Holland would put it “… despite the title, there is no sex in the comic, but plenty of robots.”
The story
Like any compelling post-apocalyptic comic, this tale opens in a sprawling void. Often, such stories depict cities swallowed by rampant flora and fauna, but here—much to my delight—it’s a desert that sets the scene. We meet Laevau and her loyal robot companion, Barney, as they journey toward New Orleans.
What John has achieved creatively with this narrative is nothing less than a triumph. The story hinges on the interplay between a human (or so we assume) and a robot who never utters a word other than a single emoji answers in a conversation bubble (not sure how that would work in real life but hey… it’s not real life), yet it never feels flat, cold, or hollow. Instead, the bond between Laevau and Barney shines through—their mutual affection and deep understanding are palpable.
Think of a conversation with your closest friend or a sibling. A handful of words often suffice to convey what you feel; sometimes, no words are needed at all.
As with any good survival story, they go through their own Odyssey. The desert is full of traps. From Dust Devils that can even strip the metal out of a robot, to slave traders capturing robots to sell.
A thread of mystery weaves through the tale. As Laevau and Barney traverse the desert, they’re heading back to what seems to be one of the last remaining towns. There, we encounter a mix of beings—humans, non-humans, and a cryptic cult that emerges as the tantalizing loose end. This enigma, alongside the questions of where Laevau’s sister is and what became of her, leaves us eagerly awaiting the next issue to untangle it all.
The Art
The artistry of Roman Gubskii defies description. In most comics, the story and art bolster each other—if one falters, the other can often compensate. But with Robot Sex, it’s clear that if either element fell short, the whole experience would crumble.
Flipping through Robot Sex, I’m struck by the meticulous detail in nearly every panel and the uncanny way it feels… cozy. That word might seem misplaced, but it fits. The desert manages to feel both desolate and teeming with life, a paradox brought to life by Gubskii’s skill.
You sense the ruin of the cities, yet they pulse with vitality thanks to the exotic creatures inhabiting them.
Picture crafting not just one, but dozens of unique beings. Roman’s imagination shines brilliantly, evident within mere pages of this indie comic. From an array of robots to a diverse spectrum of life forms in this dystopian world, his creativity knows no bounds.
Conclusion
In the end, Robot Sex stands as a remarkable fusion of storytelling and artistry that lingers long after the final page. John’s masterful narrative, centred on the unspoken yet profound connection between Laevau and Barney, pairs seamlessly with Roman Gubskii’s breathtaking visuals, where every panel brims with detail and imagination. Together, they transform a barren desert and ruined cities into a world that feels both hauntingly empty and vibrantly alive. The mysteries of the cult and Laevau’s sister leave you hungry for more, while the inventive creatures and cozy dystopia showcase a creative synergy that elevates this indie gem. It’s a testament to what comics can achieve when vision and execution align so perfectly. Here’s hoping the next issue arrives soon.
Thanks for reading!