Mega Robo Bros by Neill Cameron (review)

In a futuristic London, a brilliant scientist-cum-secret agent and her warm and quick-witted husband raise two young robot boys, Alex and younger brother Freddy, and work tirelessly to keep the pair from killing each other over comic books, toys, and video game turns. Despite their unmistakable sibling bond, the boys' super strength, flying ability, and lasers make for a magnificently destructive sibling rivalry. Their comic bickering (Freddy sings of "poopy butts" just to irritate his big bro) is counterpointed by Alex's more grounded concerns about what sentience really means when you're made and not born, and by Freddy's complicated reverence for an older brother who finds him annoying (again, "poopy butts"). Those familiar with Cameron's previous work in Tamsin and the Deep will appreciate his continued efforts to gracefully balance mature themes with imaginative content in this UK import graphic novel. In action-packed, full-color panels—where detailed depictions of people of color are refreshingly as prominent as flashy technological advancements—the threat of the mysterious and menacing Robot 23 is atmospheric, but more salient is the truly touching story of adopted brothers. Even when the adventure ends, the two are noticeably stronger together, and the charming illustrations make it abundantly clear just how much they stand out from everyone else. WJ