kailey_luminouslibro's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
4.0
A mysterious robot boy crash lands in a city, and soon his programming detects a threat. The programming goes into combat mode, attacking bystanders and accidentally destroying a grocery store greenhouse. But when a little bird is hurt, his programming seems to awaken a consciousness and the boy becomes aware of his actions. He looks around and realizes that the devastation is his own fault. He tries to make amends and rebuilds the greenhouse. He is adopted by a sweet lady, who he begins to call his grandmother. Gradually he learns to be human and fit in with society. But there are those who would use his robot programming for their own selfish ends.
This graphic novel is so cool! The characters are very emotional and complex. I love that there is a background for each character which is gradually revealed through the story. Everyone has a secret in their past that has some kind of connection to what Machine Boy is dealing with in the present.
Poor Machine Boy is quite innocent and he has difficulty understanding some of the nuances of human behavior. His heart is generous and kind, but there are people who will never accept him and others who will try to use his powers for their own gain. It was fascinating to see how he tries to navigate these different relationships. While discovering the truth about the people around him, he also discovers the truth about himself.
The plot is really exciting! There is plenty of mystery and action and adventure and funny moments.
The setting on this earth-like planet is so imaginative and wild! I'm not sure if it is futuristic Earth, or some other planet. There are dog-people and bear-people and bird-people and regular human people. Apparently there is some sort of magic energy that can be harnessed to provide power for the city, but individuals can also manipulate it if they have the skills. The whole setting of this city is so weird and cool.
The artwork is amazing! Every page is so colorful and full of energy. I appreciated that the action scenes are clear; you can tell exactly what is happening through each panel. The designs for the characters are really unusual and whimsical. I love it!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This graphic novel is so cool! The characters are very emotional and complex. I love that there is a background for each character which is gradually revealed through the story. Everyone has a secret in their past that has some kind of connection to what Machine Boy is dealing with in the present.
Poor Machine Boy is quite innocent and he has difficulty understanding some of the nuances of human behavior. His heart is generous and kind, but there are people who will never accept him and others who will try to use his powers for their own gain. It was fascinating to see how he tries to navigate these different relationships. While discovering the truth about the people around him, he also discovers the truth about himself.
The plot is really exciting! There is plenty of mystery and action and adventure and funny moments.
The setting on this earth-like planet is so imaginative and wild! I'm not sure if it is futuristic Earth, or some other planet. There are dog-people and bear-people and bird-people and regular human people. Apparently there is some sort of magic energy that can be harnessed to provide power for the city, but individuals can also manipulate it if they have the skills. The whole setting of this city is so weird and cool.
The artwork is amazing! Every page is so colorful and full of energy. I appreciated that the action scenes are clear; you can tell exactly what is happening through each panel. The designs for the characters are really unusual and whimsical. I love it!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
crookedtreehouse's review
2.0
If you've ever read an all ages book about a misunderstood robot trying to fit in, then you've read a better version of this story.
This reads like an outline of a dozen better books. It's like an illlustrated Wikipedia description of a story. There's no heart, just plot details as we go from famliar scene to familiar scene.
Likewise, the art feels famliar, but it's a solid, positive familiar. Good line work, shadows, and there are a few beautiful and striking panels. I am much more likely to pick up a book with this artist's name attached to it than the writer's.
It's by no means terrible. If you've got a young kid who's into robots or outsider stories, this is a safe bet to hold their attention. But I don't think it will be their favorite.
This reads like an outline of a dozen better books. It's like an illlustrated Wikipedia description of a story. There's no heart, just plot details as we go from famliar scene to familiar scene.
Likewise, the art feels famliar, but it's a solid, positive familiar. Good line work, shadows, and there are a few beautiful and striking panels. I am much more likely to pick up a book with this artist's name attached to it than the writer's.
It's by no means terrible. If you've got a young kid who's into robots or outsider stories, this is a safe bet to hold their attention. But I don't think it will be their favorite.
frasersimons's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
What a great middle grade comic. It’s focus on character interactions and earnestness with regards to making things right when you do something wrong, and the response from people when you do so, is just very heartwarming. It’s classic, simple storytelling with fantastic art and cool artwork and surprising conflicts. And lots of kicking butt when that needs to happen too. Reads like watching a classic cartoon, including the ending.
mistermipsy's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
3.0
Cute concept but it moves too fast with no time to really get to know any of the characters. Still, it's a fun idea packed with tropes that youn anime/manga fans will love. Would recommend for elementary schoolers.
destdest's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
Charming! The stories felt episodic though they were held together by a common thread. Machine Boy has a quick turn of heart after an encounter with Goh (think of your average shounen hero but mid-sixties) and later his wife. The stuff with Bea felt rushed, but the lighthearted tone and the lovely artwork kept my attention. The boyband stuff was also fun.