4 out of 5

So this series either ends up being a game changer or just another Robo joke; we won’t find out until the next story arc… or the next one… or whichever one eventually chronologically follows this one.  You’d think a full arc dedicated to that character we all freaking love – Dr. Dinosaur – would be nothing but a score, but I had to admit, it edges on being too much of a good thing.  Clevinger undoubtedly has a certain predictable sense of pacing by this point, but he keeps us and Robo distracted with, eh, distractions coming often enough – and of a consistent enough WTF quality – that you keep chuckling every time Robo utters a swear.  However, ‘Savage Sword’ is remarkably linear for an AR tale, generally sticking with the next issue directly following a cliffhanger from the previous, and that in itself is a strange enough quality, since we’ve grown used to being shuttled between different timeframes or locals in a snap.  This occurs to a certain extent with part of the action taking place with Robo and Dr. D and the other part at Tesladyne during a raid by Majestic 12, but the latter soon feels like a minor note as soon as the detail that ties the two stories together – some missing nukes – comes to light.  So the main story – Robo’s investigating some weird cryptid claims finds an underground cavern and in turn finds Dr. Dinosaur, ruling a race of hollow Earth stone people – actually sticks as a main story this time.  Again, game changer in writing style, fan service for Dr.Dinosaur, or just how things shook out this one time…?

Either way, Clev blows our minds pretty early with the Hollow Earth reveal and then we somewhat stall there.  There’s no further science-ing to be done, just trying to get away from Dino’s insanity, as he’s using a crystal helmet to control this “race” into assisting with the construction / deployment of his “time” bomb, which will destroy time itself…  And don’t get me wrong, the constant lunacy that slips from the Doc’s mouth and Robo’s immediate forehead-slapping refutation of it is a source of immense joy, and the way Wegener draws Dinosaur is hilarious, panel in, panel out – like every moment of slapstick and Chuck Jones animation mashed into each captured frame of Dino’s crazy eyes or squashed features.  …It just… that’s all that ends up being here.  It’s a five issue joke, something we only had for precious issues at a time before.  And best / worst of all, the ending puts us in a spot of questioning Robo, questioning Dr. Dinosaur, and while this might also just end up being part of the gag, it’s strange to have to start viewing Atomic Robo as “building” toward something instead of these generally fully encapsulated series with linking elements for those who care.  I enjoyed this arc, but there was a feeling of restraint to the writing that kept it from feeling bonkers (which is somewhat amazing, as the story IS freaking bonkers), and if it is or isn’t a harbinger for changes in the structure of Robo to come, I hope Weg keeps the quality as high as it has been.

And yes, the title and general theme referencing Conan was cute.

To the art, Wegener still hasn’t gotten back to the sweet balance of a couple volumes ago of manic energy and restrained characterizations; Robo looks great, and powerful, but many of the page layouts feel static, and this prevents motion from flowing in the action sequences.  Some half-page panels absolutely break this, and make you love life, but some great chase scenes later on just need a further push to be more involving.  …And I get that we’re surrounded by rocks, but an especially notable lack of backgrounds this time didn’t help that static look.

Lastly, I believe I’ve mentioned this about colorist Nick Filardi, but while his more detailed shadowing style works great for “art” pieces like the covers, the interiors get a bit of their cool “comic” elasticity robbed by this same style.  So I’m just fulla complaints.  Except for giving it four stars, because, come on.  “Time” bomb, Dr. Dinosaur.  It could be drawn by a spastic frog and I’d still want to read this.