Atomic Robo Volume 1

If you were to enter a comic book store at this very moment, you'd be pretty hard pressed to actually find the first few issues of Atomic Robo. They're sold out.

But never fear! The Atomic Robo Trade Paper Back (Volume 1) is hear! Compiled together and coming out in June this year are the first 6 issues of Red 5's incredibly successful series. But what is Atomic Robo you ask (for those who do not know...)?

Well in these issues you will see Atomic Robo (a robot), do battle with Nazis, giant ants, clockwork mummies, walking pyramids, Mars, cyborgs and his nemesis, Baron von Helsingard. Yes you heard me right... Nazis. This guy is like a robot version of Indiana Jones.

Red 5 Comics is fast becoming one of my favorite producers of comics, with Atomic Robo being a favorite on that list if only for the artwork - which is fantastic. Look for the first volume of the TPB to come out in June, complete with new stories, concept art, pin-ups and more. If you're looking for me, I'll be at the local comic store picking myself up a copy!

For other works by Red 5 comics, you might want to check out our previous article, Afterburn.

One company, Two Characters, Three Cool Announcements!

California-Based Sideshow Collectibles, Inc. has recently announced three new projects based on two of your favorite Star Wars characters!

Sideshow was formed in 1993 as a designer toy and collectible studio under the name Sideshow Productions. At that time, it was a motion picture prop and special effect firm. In 1994, the company shifted it's focus exclusively to the collectibles market. The company typically produces licensed products from movies, television, animation, and comics.

In collaboration with Medicom Toys, Sideshow has recently released a stylized C-3PO vinyl toy. Approximately 8" in height, the toy has 11 points of articulation. While it was designed to fit in with some of Medicom's previous Star Wars releases. Here's the rub, to get the toy to have C-3PO's distinguishable golden shine the company had to made this 'vinyl toy' out of...plastic!

Now, 8" is certainly nice...but how about 66"!? Sideshow announced today they would also be accepting pre-orders for two other special releases: A life size C-3PO and R2-D2!

Made of fiberglass and other quality materials, these robots feature both light and sound functionality for that extra level of robot realism!

Unfortunately, the robot celebrities do not walk around. But here's hoping that they give you some relationship advice after your wife leaves you for dropping over $5,000 each on two robot statues to decorate your living room.

Slo-Bots!

If there is one not-so-secret passion that your friendly Goliath!? staffer has besides alternative party snack foods, it would likely be robots. (really?)

In the epic battle of pirates vs. ninjas, robots would win.

So naturally, we got rather excited in finding Mike Heisler's Slo-Bots on the interweb today. Heisler builds many of these custom constructs using salvaged parts from other vinyl toys like Munnys, Qees, and even Mighty Muggs!

Heisler is quite the talented artist, and I look forward to seeing his future creations. His popularity is certainly growing: upon writing, he had 1078 Myspace friends!

Bennett Robot Works

Add some one-of-a-kind style to your collection with one of the fine specimens from Bennett Robot Works of Bridgehampton, NY. These are not toys.

These robot sculptures were inspired by the "Modern Age" visions of Norman Bel Geddes and Raymond Loewy from the 40s and 50s. They are made from salvaged parts from such unique locations as garbage dumps, basements, construction sites, and garage sales.

Ranging in price from $750 to $6000, Bennett currently has over 30 robots on display and for sale. Each robot takes approximately a month to build, and range in height from 14" to 25".

While not battery powered or mechanical in nature, you will be able to rest easy at night knowing you will be safe during the impending robot uprising while your friends are forced to fight off the cute but killer Elmo robot and his 'jazz hands' or the always deadly Beerbot.