Robots vs Princesses is published by Dynamite. It is written by Todd Matthy with art by Nicolas Chapuis.
Originally a Kickstarter campaign, Robots vs Princesses was picked up by Dynamite, and it was probably one of their best decisions ever. The story is about spunky, tomboy princess Zara and a renegade Decimator (robot) named Wheeler. Zara must find an animal before the recital, where she will show off her ability to have animals do things for her by singing, as we know, all princesses can do.
However,unlike the other princesses, Zara doesn’t want a normal animal. She wants a dragon, just like the legendary Queen Kyra, who supposedly tamed one. So, she ventures into the Forbidden Woods. It isn’t a dragon she finds though. It’s Wheeler, a robot on the run from the tyrannical robot leader, appropriately named, Tyranns. With the woods in the middle, neither side knew the other even existed. But now the meeting and agreement between Zara and Wheeler will change both of their worlds. In the most epic of ways because giant robots and also fairy tales.
This debut issue is a good one. Nicolas Chapuis provides us with colorful, balanced art (as in not overly cartoon-y but enough that younger kids and adults can appreciate it) alongside Todd Matthy’s entertaining, vibrant characters. So far, I like everyone we’ve met. Even the other princesses are funny and not stereotypical. Each person/robot is their own character and they contribute to the story, some even have their own side-story going on that isn’t detrimental (so far) to the main plot, but adds still adds to their own development.
The reservations I have about this book are not due to Todd Matthy’s writing or Nicolas Chapuis’s art. My concerns lie in the concept as a whole. I like the robots, I really do. I’m excited to see what their addition adds to this type of mythical, medieval world. I like their designs and how they tie in to the legend of dragons. What I’m concerned about is Zara and her fellow princesses. I have seen this story many times. I firmly believe women of all ages should be exposed to this type of independent, strong female character. Still, I can’t help but wonder how she is going to stand out against every tomboy-ish princess we have seen in recent years.
Wheeler is great, he’s perfect, I think I’m going to love him. With Zara though, I felt like I’ve already seen her. I found her, Clarisse, Artella, and even Penelope likable and interesting, but I found myself more drawn to Artella, because not only does she seem strong and confident, but her singing makes snakes and scorpions dance. She also appears to be the only ethnically diverse out of the four princesses. How can I not want to read her more?
OVERALL SCORE: 8.5 / 10
I have high hopes for this series. I can already tell it’s going to be amazing, but I want the leading lady to show me how she can stand out among other rebel princesses. Either way, she and Wheeler are going to give us an epic crossover event.
