Atomic Robo
An invincible robot created by Nikola Tesla in 1923 tackles paranormal threats and pulp adventure across a century of wild exploits with the Action Scientists of Tesladyne.
đź“– Red 5 Comics (2007-2014), IDW Publishing (2015-present), Webcomic (2015-present) • Started 2007
Atomic Robo is a self-aware robot created by Nikola Tesla in 1923, built to be “an invincible killing machine” but destined for something far more heroic: protecting the world from paranormal and scientific threats that conventional heroes can’t handle. Now over a century old, Robo has secretly worked with the U.S. government, NASA, and eventually founded Tesladyne Industries—a thinktank dedicated to exploring the fringes of scientific inquiry with a team of elite “Action Scientists.”
The series is built on five core principles that have earned it a devoted fanbase: no angst about being a robot, no cheesecake, no reboots, no filler, and plenty of robots punching other robots or monsters. Each volume functions as a standalone adventure, making Atomic Robo one of the most accessible ongoing series in comics.
Writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener launched the series as a six-issue miniseries through Red 5 Comics in October 2007. It was immediately nominated for Best Limited Series at the 2008 Eisner Awards (won by The Umbrella Academy), with colorist Ronda Pattison also nominated for Best Coloring. The series returned again in 2012 with Volume 6: The Ghost of Station X, earning a second Eisner nomination for Best Limited Series.
After their Red 5 contract expired in 2015, Clevinger and Wegener made all existing and new issues available free on atomic-robo.com, uploading half a page daily. Later that year, IDW Publishing acquired the rights for physical print editions. The series now spans over 10 volumes, each designed as a jumping-on point for new readers.
The adventures span Robo’s entire century of existence, from WWII dogfights to space exploration to present-day supernatural threats. Each volume features distinct villains and scenarios while maintaining the series’ signature blend of pulp adventure and sharp comedy. Standout storylines include The Dogs of War, The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific, The Ring of Fire, and the ongoing Dawn of a New Era.
The series has also expanded into a tabletop roleplaying game published by Evil Hat Productions using the Fate Core system, written by Mike Olson with contributions from both Clevinger and Wegener. There’s even been a Hollywood development deal that inspired one of the most popular Free Comic Book Day stories.
Reviewers consistently praise Atomic Robo’s tone. IGN called it “a breath of fresh air in a crowded indie market,” while PopMatters declared “this book is special” and “Atomic Robo is a very good comic book indeed.” The series manages to be smart while remaining “a hell of a lot of fun”—exactly what Clevinger set out to create.
Perfect for fans of Hellboy’s pulp action, Madman’s whimsical tone, or anyone who wants adventure comedy that never takes itself too seriously but delivers real excitement.
