NAME
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 4 - Just Routine!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 91
DATELINE
18 Nov 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1988, Cyber Crush 03, Extreme Edition 24, Ro-Busters Book 1 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Hammer-Stein's platoon save some civilians from Volgan troops.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First mention of Mega-City One in Ro-Busters.
INFORMATION
The Volgan forces include elite Vulture Sky Troopers with jet-packs, and Golems, lightweight recoilless guns which can fire 'Poltergeist' rockets.
US War Droids are programmed to never surrender.
HAMMER-STEIN
He doesn't want to end up in Ro-Busters after the war. He has two extra attachable arms for heavy duty work.
OTHER CHARACTERS
'BABY FACE' BRANNIGAN
He used to be a bricklayer. After the war he wants to help build Mega-City One.
SERGEANT 'COUNTRY' JOE FARMER
He is from Illinois. He has used a robo-crop-hopper.
'BOMBER' HARRISON
He borrows a Volgan jet-pack and saves Farmer, Brannigan and Hammer-Stein from a Golem.
DEATHS
Presumably more than one, but we only see Harrison's grenade kill the Golem gunner.
BEST LINES
Farmer: "You ever use them extra pair of arms, Hammer-Stein?"
Hammer-Stein: "They're only meant for special occasions -- Heavy duty work, sir!"
WORST LINES
Hammer-Stein: "C-H-A-R-G-E!"
CATCHPHRASES
"Aieee!"
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Brannigan wants to help build Mega-City One, the city of Judge Dredd.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Pan Am was an airline, short for Pan American World Airways, that flew from 1927 until 1991. Harrison thinks they still in operation, but then he is potentially barking mad.
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Letters: Dave Gibbons
REVIEW
This is nice, but this story would seem to be repeating itself now.
Next Prog: Robot V.C.!
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 3 - Wheels Of Terror!
NAME
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 3 - Wheels Of Terror!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 90
DATELINE
11 Nov 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1988, Cyber Crush 03, Ro-Busters Book 1, Extreme Edition 24 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Hammer-Stein describes the attack on the Volganaya.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First Ro-Busters not to feature Ro-Jaws and first to be set entirely in flashback.
INFORMATION
The Volganaya is a Behemoth class tank fortress deployed by Volgan forces. The Volgans use chemical bombs which can causes madness when inhaled.
HAMMER-STEIN
He has three belly-buttons, and if they flash then he has a mechanical fault.
He successfully gets news of the Volgan advance through the US Forces. He is assigned to a squadron and is under the command of Sergeant Joe Farmer. Hammer-Stein, Harrison and Brannigan are sent to attack the Volganaya. Hammer-Stein throws himself in front of Brannigan to protect him and a Volgan bayonet cuts some of his oil lines. They commandeer a Volgan fuel tanker and Hammer-Stein drove it at the Volganaya, jumping out moments before it crashed into the tank. The resulting inferno badly damaged the Volganaya.
OTHER CHARACTERS
SERGEANT 'COUNTRY' JOE FARMER
Hammer-Stein's superior officer.
'BOMBER' HARRISON
The gas from a Volgan chemical warfare bomber attack has sent him mad and he now believes himself to be an aeroplane.
'BABY FACE' BRANNIGAN
The youngest member of the outfit.
DEATHS
Three. We see Hammer-Stein's trio kill three Volgans.
BEST LINES
Volgan Kommander: "Forward! Any Volgan who takes prisoners - feeds them from his own rations!"
WORST LINES
Volgan Soldier: "Amerikaner pig! Good Volgan steel for you!"
CATCHPHRASES
None.
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Kevin O'Neill
Letters: Peter Knight
REVIEW
This is fantastic. The panels of the Volganaya's debut and the Inferno are great. Who needs Ro-Jaws?
Next Prog: Routine!
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 3 - Wheels Of Terror!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 90
DATELINE
11 Nov 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1988, Cyber Crush 03, Ro-Busters Book 1, Extreme Edition 24 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Hammer-Stein describes the attack on the Volganaya.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First Ro-Busters not to feature Ro-Jaws and first to be set entirely in flashback.
INFORMATION
The Volganaya is a Behemoth class tank fortress deployed by Volgan forces. The Volgans use chemical bombs which can causes madness when inhaled.
HAMMER-STEIN
He has three belly-buttons, and if they flash then he has a mechanical fault.
He successfully gets news of the Volgan advance through the US Forces. He is assigned to a squadron and is under the command of Sergeant Joe Farmer. Hammer-Stein, Harrison and Brannigan are sent to attack the Volganaya. Hammer-Stein throws himself in front of Brannigan to protect him and a Volgan bayonet cuts some of his oil lines. They commandeer a Volgan fuel tanker and Hammer-Stein drove it at the Volganaya, jumping out moments before it crashed into the tank. The resulting inferno badly damaged the Volganaya.
OTHER CHARACTERS
SERGEANT 'COUNTRY' JOE FARMER
Hammer-Stein's superior officer.
'BOMBER' HARRISON
The gas from a Volgan chemical warfare bomber attack has sent him mad and he now believes himself to be an aeroplane.
'BABY FACE' BRANNIGAN
The youngest member of the outfit.
DEATHS
Three. We see Hammer-Stein's trio kill three Volgans.
BEST LINES
Volgan Kommander: "Forward! Any Volgan who takes prisoners - feeds them from his own rations!"
WORST LINES
Volgan Soldier: "Amerikaner pig! Good Volgan steel for you!"
CATCHPHRASES
None.
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Kevin O'Neill
Letters: Peter Knight
REVIEW
This is fantastic. The panels of the Volganaya's debut and the Inferno are great. Who needs Ro-Jaws?
Next Prog: Routine!
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 2 - Baptism Of Fire!
NAME
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 2 - Baptism Of Fire!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 89
DATELINE
4 Nov 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1988, Cyber Crush 02, Ro-Busters Book 1, Extreme Edition 24 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Hammer-Stein saves and then shoots his superior officer.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First Ro-Busters art by Mike Dorey
INFORMATION
A snow-demon is a land vehicle designed for travel on snow.
The Volgan infantry use Blitzkrieger tanks. The Chem-Korp (or K.K.W.) deploy poison gas.
Bionic eyes are expensive.
RO-JAWS
He still doesn't want to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs.
HAMMER-STEIN
It takes a special spanner to unscrew his head. Hammer-Stein records a huge Volgan offensive moving under cover of a blizzard. Kowalski orders Hammer-Stein to kill him and then pass the recorded information to US Generals. He complies.
OTHER CHARACTERS
MEK-QUAKE
He still wants to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs. He has read books about Japanese war tortures, he struggled with the words but enjoyed the pictures.
KOWALSKI
He's from the Bronx. He is a fan of the Harlem Heroes. Hammer-Stein saves him, but when he discovers his saviour is a robot he tries to attack him. When Hammer-Stein records the movements of Volgan troops and must get the information back to US forces. Kowalski orders the robot to kill him, he complies.
DEATHS
One. Hammer-Stein kills Kowalski under orders.
BEST LINES
Hammer-Stein: "Must have my brain checked for illogical action...wasted 25 minutes burying the Sarge."
WORST LINES
Kowalski: "Oh yeah? Well I still got me a gun...an' you ain't Superman. An armour-piercer will tear your trannies out!"
I beg your pardon?
CATCHPHRASES
A Volgan soldier gives us another "Aieeee!"
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Kowalski alludes to the Harlem Heroes.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.
MISTAKES
The Snow-Demon becomes a Snow-Devil.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: Jack Potter
Mike Dorey also provided artwork for Invasion, Tharg's Future Shocks, M.A.C.H.1, M.A.C.H.0, Rogue Trooper, Tharg The Mighty, Time Twisters, The Mind Of Wolfie Smith and a one-off called Psi-Testers, as well as covers for both 2000 A.D. and Tornado.
REVIEW
The story is still great, the change in the artwork jars slightly but it isn't bad in and of itself.
Next Prog: "Wheels Of Terror!"
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 2 - Baptism Of Fire!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 89
DATELINE
4 Nov 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1988, Cyber Crush 02, Ro-Busters Book 1, Extreme Edition 24 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Hammer-Stein saves and then shoots his superior officer.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First Ro-Busters art by Mike Dorey
INFORMATION
A snow-demon is a land vehicle designed for travel on snow.
The Volgan infantry use Blitzkrieger tanks. The Chem-Korp (or K.K.W.) deploy poison gas.
Bionic eyes are expensive.
RO-JAWS
He still doesn't want to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs.
HAMMER-STEIN
It takes a special spanner to unscrew his head. Hammer-Stein records a huge Volgan offensive moving under cover of a blizzard. Kowalski orders Hammer-Stein to kill him and then pass the recorded information to US Generals. He complies.
OTHER CHARACTERS
MEK-QUAKE
He still wants to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs. He has read books about Japanese war tortures, he struggled with the words but enjoyed the pictures.
KOWALSKI
He's from the Bronx. He is a fan of the Harlem Heroes. Hammer-Stein saves him, but when he discovers his saviour is a robot he tries to attack him. When Hammer-Stein records the movements of Volgan troops and must get the information back to US forces. Kowalski orders the robot to kill him, he complies.
DEATHS
One. Hammer-Stein kills Kowalski under orders.
BEST LINES
Hammer-Stein: "Must have my brain checked for illogical action...wasted 25 minutes burying the Sarge."
WORST LINES
Kowalski: "Oh yeah? Well I still got me a gun...an' you ain't Superman. An armour-piercer will tear your trannies out!"
I beg your pardon?
CATCHPHRASES
A Volgan soldier gives us another "Aieeee!"
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Kowalski alludes to the Harlem Heroes.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.
MISTAKES
The Snow-Demon becomes a Snow-Devil.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: Jack Potter
Mike Dorey also provided artwork for Invasion, Tharg's Future Shocks, M.A.C.H.1, M.A.C.H.0, Rogue Trooper, Tharg The Mighty, Time Twisters, The Mind Of Wolfie Smith and a one-off called Psi-Testers, as well as covers for both 2000 A.D. and Tornado.
REVIEW
The story is still great, the change in the artwork jars slightly but it isn't bad in and of itself.
Next Prog: "Wheels Of Terror!"
Monday, 4 November 2013
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 1 - Yesterday's Hero!
NAME
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 1 - Yesterday's Hero!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 88
DATELINE
28 Oct 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1988, Ro-Busters Book 1, Cyber Crush 02, Extreme Edition 24 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Hammer-Stein reminisces about the war.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First mention of Volgans and Bill Savage in Ro-Busters, first appearance of Hammer-Stein other head.
INFORMATION
In the twenty-first century, the United States went to war the Volgan Republic, a nation that invaded much of Europe. The US Army developed war robots. The first two models were considered failures. The Mark One attacked anything that moved or had body heat, while the Mark Two was susceptible to surrendering to the enemy. To rectify this, the Mark Three was given intelligence and feelings. The prototype was named Hammer-Stein.
The forces of the Volgan Republic, nicknamed Volgs by the Americans, use Kill-Copters armed with Poltergeist rockets.
Among the robots working for Ro-Busters are ex-Police Robots.
RO-JAWS
He doesn't want to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs.
PRIVATE HAMMER-STEIN 653872
He was the prototype for the Mark Three War Robot, constructed (at least in part) by Rover. He was enlisted in the US Army with the rank of Private. He briefly served in an infantry unit under the command of Sergeant Kowalski. Haammer-Stein was discriminated against and his unit abandoned him. It was attacked while he was catching up with them and everyone was killed except Kowalski who was blinded and required Hammer-Stein to look after him. Hammer-Stein carried the sergeant and fought alongside him without divulging his identity.
Hammer-Stein's top speed is sixty miles per hour, armour piercing ammunition would damage him and his favourite colour is chrome. He wears a different head now than he did during the war. Electronic feedback and memory tape overlord causes him to relive his time in the war against the Volgan Republic.
OTHER CHARACTERS
MEK-QUAKE
He wants to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs.
SERGEANT KOWALSKI
Private Hammer-Stein's commanding officer during the war. He had robo-phobia. His unit was attacked and he was the only survivor, but he was rendered blind. Hammer-Stein saved him.
DEATHS
At least twelve. Kowalski's unit are all killed, with himself and Hammer-Stein the only exceptions. Hammer-Stein destroys a Volg Kill-Copter pilot and all.
BEST LINES
Kowalski: "Sure could use some chow...can see it now juicy flapjacks with lashings of syrup! Ya like syrup, Hammer-Stein?"
Hammer-Stein: "No...But I like grease, Sarge!"
Kowalski: "Italian food, huh!"
WORST LINES
None.
CATCHPHRASES
Mek-Quake threatens "Big Jobs", a dying soldier lets out an "Aieeee!"
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
The Volgan Republic's march across Europe reached Great Britain in 1999 in Invasion and there is a reference to that strip's main character in some graffiti that reads 'Bill Savage Lives' .
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
Kowalski's Flapjack obsession might seem odd to British readers, but is apparently what some Americans would call pancakes. There is plenty of room for confusion when they refer to their scones as biscuits and their biscuits as cookies.
CREDITS
Script: P. Mills
Artist: K. O'Neill
Letters: J. Aldrich
REVIEW
This is fantastic. The set-up is a little awkward, but during the flashback the story, artwork and dialogue are all phenomenal.
Next Prog: Baptism Of Fire!
Ro-Busters: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs, Part 1 - Yesterday's Hero!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 88
DATELINE
28 Oct 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1988, Ro-Busters Book 1, Cyber Crush 02, Extreme Edition 24 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Hammer-Stein reminisces about the war.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First mention of Volgans and Bill Savage in Ro-Busters, first appearance of Hammer-Stein other head.
INFORMATION
In the twenty-first century, the United States went to war the Volgan Republic, a nation that invaded much of Europe. The US Army developed war robots. The first two models were considered failures. The Mark One attacked anything that moved or had body heat, while the Mark Two was susceptible to surrendering to the enemy. To rectify this, the Mark Three was given intelligence and feelings. The prototype was named Hammer-Stein.
The forces of the Volgan Republic, nicknamed Volgs by the Americans, use Kill-Copters armed with Poltergeist rockets.
Among the robots working for Ro-Busters are ex-Police Robots.
RO-JAWS
He doesn't want to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs.
PRIVATE HAMMER-STEIN 653872
He was the prototype for the Mark Three War Robot, constructed (at least in part) by Rover. He was enlisted in the US Army with the rank of Private. He briefly served in an infantry unit under the command of Sergeant Kowalski. Haammer-Stein was discriminated against and his unit abandoned him. It was attacked while he was catching up with them and everyone was killed except Kowalski who was blinded and required Hammer-Stein to look after him. Hammer-Stein carried the sergeant and fought alongside him without divulging his identity.
Hammer-Stein's top speed is sixty miles per hour, armour piercing ammunition would damage him and his favourite colour is chrome. He wears a different head now than he did during the war. Electronic feedback and memory tape overlord causes him to relive his time in the war against the Volgan Republic.
OTHER CHARACTERS
MEK-QUAKE
He wants to hear Hammerstein's war memoirs.
SERGEANT KOWALSKI
Private Hammer-Stein's commanding officer during the war. He had robo-phobia. His unit was attacked and he was the only survivor, but he was rendered blind. Hammer-Stein saved him.
DEATHS
At least twelve. Kowalski's unit are all killed, with himself and Hammer-Stein the only exceptions. Hammer-Stein destroys a Volg Kill-Copter pilot and all.
BEST LINES
Kowalski: "Sure could use some chow...can see it now juicy flapjacks with lashings of syrup! Ya like syrup, Hammer-Stein?"
Hammer-Stein: "No...But I like grease, Sarge!"
Kowalski: "Italian food, huh!"
WORST LINES
None.
CATCHPHRASES
Mek-Quake threatens "Big Jobs", a dying soldier lets out an "Aieeee!"
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
The Volgan Republic's march across Europe reached Great Britain in 1999 in Invasion and there is a reference to that strip's main character in some graffiti that reads 'Bill Savage Lives' .
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
Kowalski's Flapjack obsession might seem odd to British readers, but is apparently what some Americans would call pancakes. There is plenty of room for confusion when they refer to their scones as biscuits and their biscuits as cookies.
CREDITS
Script: P. Mills
Artist: K. O'Neill
Letters: J. Aldrich
REVIEW
This is fantastic. The set-up is a little awkward, but during the flashback the story, artwork and dialogue are all phenomenal.
Next Prog: Baptism Of Fire!
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Judge Dredd: Punks Rule!
Judge Dredd: Punks Rule!
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 110
DATELINE
28 Apr 79
This prog also featured Dan Dare, Ro-Busters, Robo-Hunter and Strontium Dog, a Starlord pin-up
and a Dan Dare cover by Dave Gibbons.
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
Judge Death: Classic Judge Dredd, The Best Of 2000AD 50, Judge Dredd 1, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 1, Judge Death: Judge Dredd Featuring Judge Death, Judge Death: Dredd vs. Death, The Complete Judge Dredd 10, The Best Of Judge Dredd and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 02.
SYNOPSIS
Dredd goes into a lawless part of town on his own, but doesn't come out alone.
FIRSTS & LASTS
None.
INFORMATION
Mega-City One's Southside Sector 41 is lawless and the Cosmic Punk have declared it a no-go area. One of the tunnels into the Cursed Earth is called the South Mutieland Tunnel. Access in one-way.
City Garbage uses trucks that can follow vocal instructions.
Judges can revoke citizenship and exile lawbreakers.
JUDGE DREDD
He goes into Southside Sector 41 alone, arrests several Cosmic Punks, has their citizenship removed and exiles them to the Cursed Earth for ten years.
OTHER CHARACTERS
GESTAPO BOB HARRIS
Leader of the Cosmic Punks gang and self-appointed Chief Judge in Southside Sector 41. Dredd humiliates him, arrests him, removes his citizenship and exiles them to the Cursed Earth for ten years.
JUDGE FILETOOTH
Member of the Cosmic Punks gang and self-appointed Judge in Southside Sector 41. Dredd arrests him, removes his citizenship and exiles them to the Cursed Earth for ten years.
ARRESTS
At least twenty-six. Dredd arrests at least twenty-six Cosmic Punks, removes their citizenship and exiles them to the Cursed Earth for ten years.
DEATHS
One. Dredd kills a shooter with a hotshot.
BEST LINES
Dredd: "The street gangs have lost their fear of us. It's time we gave it back to them...Let's show them one Judge is worth a hundred Punks - Cosmic or otherwise!"
WORST LINES
File-Tooth: "The dumb crumbo tried ta come inna district widout payin' his toll. We're tkin' him ta the Hall of Justus fer trial"
CATCHPHRASES
A Cosmic Punks lets out an Aiiee! as he dies.
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Their are references to Cal's reign and the events of 'The Day The Law Died'.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: B. Bolland
Letters: T. Frame
REVIEW
It's good to see Dredd getting back to what does best, but it's also reassuring that the strip is acknowledging Cal's legacy as it gets back to normal. Bolland's art is as fantastic as ever.
Saturday, 2 November 2013
Ro-Busters: Death On The Orient Express!, Part Two
NAME
Ro-Busters: Death On The Orient Express!, Part Two
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 87
DATELINE
21 Oct 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
Ro-Busters Book 1, The Best Of 2000AD 17, Cyber Crush 01, Halo Jones 09, Sam Slade Robo-Hunter (Volume 2) 02, Judge Dredd Megazine 4.01, 2000AD Yearbook 1994 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Ro-Jaws deliberates over which human will die and has the decision made for him.
FIRSTS & LASTS
None.
INFORMATION
The First Law of Robotics is that robots are programmed to only tell the truth. The Second Law is that a robot must protect its owners.
RO-JAWS
He presides over a trial to decides who will die so that the other nine may live. When Harold kills Mike Morgan it spares Ro-Jaws the decision.
HAMMER-STEIN
He convinces Harold to look after Tim Morgan.
OTHER CHARACTERS
LORD PETER WYNDIE
According to hid robot, he is in debt, gambles and wastes money.
JAMES
His bodywork is by R.R. Royce, his voice by Bong And Olafsen, his electronics by Hetochi. Lord Peter Wyndie's robot, bought on hire purchase. He testifies against his master.
REVEREND STRANGEWAYS
Not his real name, in actual fact he is Max the Cat Burglar.
HAROLD
He wears clothing to cover up damage to his chassis caused by his master, Mike Morgan. He kills Mike Morgan, in the defence of Tim.
MIKE MORGAN
Stepfather to Tim. He has committed acts of cruelty against Harold. When Tim testifies against he threatens his stepson. Harold defends the boy and kills Mike.
TIM MORGAN
Stepson to Mike. He testifies against his stepfather.
DEATHS
One. Harold kills Mike Morgan.
BEST LINES
Harold (disrobing to show damage): "I refuse to say anything on the grounds that it will incriminate Big Master"
WORST LINES
Survivors: "We're saved!"
CATCHPHRASES
None.
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
James' various manufacturers R.R. Royce, Bong And Olafsen and Hetochi obviously allude to Rolls Royce, Bang & Olufsen and Hitachi. The three law of robotics were introduced by Isaac Asimov in his 1942 short story Runaround (although see MISTAKES below).
MISTAKES
Ro-Jaws states that the First Law of Robotics is that robots are programmed to only tell the truth and Mike Morgan says that the Second Law is that a robot must protect its owners, but those aren't the First and Second Laws at all (see the MISTAKES section of Judge Dredd: 'Robot Wars', Part 1)
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Letters: Dave Gibbons
REVIEW
The child abuse is very shocking, the happily ever after ending is odd and both of the main characters are sidelined in favour of those giving testimony during Ro-Jaws' trial. Despite this Death On The Orient Express! is great.
Next Prog: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs!
Ro-Busters: Death On The Orient Express!, Part Two
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 87
DATELINE
21 Oct 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
Ro-Busters Book 1, The Best Of 2000AD 17, Cyber Crush 01, Halo Jones 09, Sam Slade Robo-Hunter (Volume 2) 02, Judge Dredd Megazine 4.01, 2000AD Yearbook 1994 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Ro-Jaws deliberates over which human will die and has the decision made for him.
FIRSTS & LASTS
None.
INFORMATION
The First Law of Robotics is that robots are programmed to only tell the truth. The Second Law is that a robot must protect its owners.
RO-JAWS
He presides over a trial to decides who will die so that the other nine may live. When Harold kills Mike Morgan it spares Ro-Jaws the decision.
HAMMER-STEIN
He convinces Harold to look after Tim Morgan.
OTHER CHARACTERS
LORD PETER WYNDIE
According to hid robot, he is in debt, gambles and wastes money.
JAMES
His bodywork is by R.R. Royce, his voice by Bong And Olafsen, his electronics by Hetochi. Lord Peter Wyndie's robot, bought on hire purchase. He testifies against his master.
REVEREND STRANGEWAYS
Not his real name, in actual fact he is Max the Cat Burglar.
HAROLD
He wears clothing to cover up damage to his chassis caused by his master, Mike Morgan. He kills Mike Morgan, in the defence of Tim.
MIKE MORGAN
Stepfather to Tim. He has committed acts of cruelty against Harold. When Tim testifies against he threatens his stepson. Harold defends the boy and kills Mike.
TIM MORGAN
Stepson to Mike. He testifies against his stepfather.
DEATHS
One. Harold kills Mike Morgan.
BEST LINES
Harold (disrobing to show damage): "I refuse to say anything on the grounds that it will incriminate Big Master"
WORST LINES
Survivors: "We're saved!"
CATCHPHRASES
None.
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
James' various manufacturers R.R. Royce, Bong And Olafsen and Hetochi obviously allude to Rolls Royce, Bang & Olufsen and Hitachi. The three law of robotics were introduced by Isaac Asimov in his 1942 short story Runaround (although see MISTAKES below).
MISTAKES
Ro-Jaws states that the First Law of Robotics is that robots are programmed to only tell the truth and Mike Morgan says that the Second Law is that a robot must protect its owners, but those aren't the First and Second Laws at all (see the MISTAKES section of Judge Dredd: 'Robot Wars', Part 1)
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Letters: Dave Gibbons
REVIEW
The child abuse is very shocking, the happily ever after ending is odd and both of the main characters are sidelined in favour of those giving testimony during Ro-Jaws' trial. Despite this Death On The Orient Express! is great.
Next Prog: Hammer-Stein's War Memoirs!
Friday, 1 November 2013
Ro-Busters: Death On The Orient Express!, Part One
NAME
Ro-Busters: Death On The Orient Express!, Part One
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 86
DATELINE
14 Oct 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
Ro-Busters Book 1, The Best Of 2000AD 17, Cyber Crush 01, Halo Jones 09, Sam Slade Robo-Hunter (Volume 2) 01, Judge Dredd Megazine 4.01, 2000AD Yearbook 1994 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Ro-Jaws and Hammer-Stein attempt to rescue ten trapped train passengers, but there's only enough air for nine of them.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First Ro-Busters in 2000 A.D., first Ro-Busters work by Dave Gibbons and first appearance of invoice logo.
INFORMATION
(This strip takes place in 2080 A.D.)
A new super monorail line has been built between Istanbul and Paris. An avalanche traps survivors beneath tonnes of rock.
RO-JAWS
He is programmed for cleaning sewers, unblocking drains and garbage disposal. He met Hammer-Stein at Flash Harry's Robo-Mart. He and Hammer-Stein attempt a rescue of train passengers trapped by an avalanche. He is appointed judge of which of the humans should die.
HAMMER-STEIN
He has a very distinguished war record and rose to the rank of sergeant. After the war he was discharged as army surplus. He met Ro-Jaws at Flash Harry's Robo-Mart. He and Ro-Jaws attempt a rescue of train passengers trapped by an avalanche.
OTHER CHARACTERS
REVEREND STRANGEWAYS
Train crash survivor.
ROLF & PRU FOSTER
Husband and wife. They own ten thousand head of cattle in Australia. Train crash survivors.
LORD PETER WYNDIE
Aristocrat and train crash survivor.
MIKE MORGAN
Father to Tim and train crash survivor.
TIM MORGAN
Mike Morgan's son injured in the crash. Raised by Harold the family robot after his mother died.
HAROLD
The Morgan's family robot and train crash survivor. He wears clothes.
CALL-ME-BRUCE
Australian robot and train crash survivor.
DEATHS
None.
BEST LINES
Rolf: "Too true, Pru!"
WORST LINES
Ro-Jaws: "Funnneee--the way Harold wears clothes!"
CATCHPHRASES
None.
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Hammer-Stein mentions Ro-Jaws dressing up drag in Ro-Busters: The Ritz Space Hotel, Part 3 .
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Lord Peter Wyndie sounds not unlike Lord Peter Wimsey, a fictional character in detective stories by Dorothy L. Sayers beginning with Whose Body? (1923). One of the robots reads Tatler, a British fashion and lifestyle magazine aimed at the wealthy, founded in 1901
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Letters: Dave Gibbons
REVIEW
The art is gorgeous throughout, the interaction between Ro-Jaws and Hammer-Stein is brilliant and with this strip Ro-Busters seems to grow up.
Next Prog: Trial By Robot!
Ro-Busters: Death On The Orient Express!, Part One
FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 86
DATELINE
14 Oct 78
PAGE COUNT
6
REPRINTS
Ro-Busters Book 1, The Best Of 2000AD 17, Cyber Crush 01, Halo Jones 09, Sam Slade Robo-Hunter (Volume 2) 01, Judge Dredd Megazine 4.01, 2000AD Yearbook 1994 and The Complete Ro-Busters.
SYNOPSIS
Ro-Jaws and Hammer-Stein attempt to rescue ten trapped train passengers, but there's only enough air for nine of them.
FIRSTS & LASTS
First Ro-Busters in 2000 A.D., first Ro-Busters work by Dave Gibbons and first appearance of invoice logo.
INFORMATION
(This strip takes place in 2080 A.D.)
A new super monorail line has been built between Istanbul and Paris. An avalanche traps survivors beneath tonnes of rock.
RO-JAWS
He is programmed for cleaning sewers, unblocking drains and garbage disposal. He met Hammer-Stein at Flash Harry's Robo-Mart. He and Hammer-Stein attempt a rescue of train passengers trapped by an avalanche. He is appointed judge of which of the humans should die.
HAMMER-STEIN
He has a very distinguished war record and rose to the rank of sergeant. After the war he was discharged as army surplus. He met Ro-Jaws at Flash Harry's Robo-Mart. He and Ro-Jaws attempt a rescue of train passengers trapped by an avalanche.
OTHER CHARACTERS
REVEREND STRANGEWAYS
Train crash survivor.
ROLF & PRU FOSTER
Husband and wife. They own ten thousand head of cattle in Australia. Train crash survivors.
LORD PETER WYNDIE
Aristocrat and train crash survivor.
MIKE MORGAN
Father to Tim and train crash survivor.
TIM MORGAN
Mike Morgan's son injured in the crash. Raised by Harold the family robot after his mother died.
HAROLD
The Morgan's family robot and train crash survivor. He wears clothes.
CALL-ME-BRUCE
Australian robot and train crash survivor.
DEATHS
None.
BEST LINES
Rolf: "Too true, Pru!"
WORST LINES
Ro-Jaws: "Funnneee--the way Harold wears clothes!"
CATCHPHRASES
None.
CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Hammer-Stein mentions Ro-Jaws dressing up drag in Ro-Busters: The Ritz Space Hotel, Part 3 .
INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Lord Peter Wyndie sounds not unlike Lord Peter Wimsey, a fictional character in detective stories by Dorothy L. Sayers beginning with Whose Body? (1923). One of the robots reads Tatler, a British fashion and lifestyle magazine aimed at the wealthy, founded in 1901
MISTAKES
None.
RETROSPECT
None.
NOTES
None.
CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Letters: Dave Gibbons
REVIEW
The art is gorgeous throughout, the interaction between Ro-Jaws and Hammer-Stein is brilliant and with this strip Ro-Busters seems to grow up.
Next Prog: Trial By Robot!
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