ALL SCI-FI

[Pow]

The Microbots was a one-issue comic book published in 1971. Written by Len Wein, with artwork by Jack Sparling & Jesse Santos.

"Come journey with us to the world of the distant future -- to the aftermath of man's ultimate Depredation - - A world mis-used and mistreated, that had swept the bulk of mankind off her face like so much Unwanted Dust - - and left the surviving few struggling desperately to find a New Beginning . . . This is the world of the Microbots. . . "

This is the Way the World Ends, Part One.

The brilliant scientist Dr. Norman Micron, creates a group of 'helper robots' as the Earth is dying in a pollution driven apocalypse. Micron and his son, Jeff, place themselves into advanced suspended animation devices. Their hope is that one day they will be revived into a better world.

A young boy named Vik accidentally discovers Dr. Micron and Jeff. He awakens them where they learn that they are now in the distant future, and where mankind has reverted to a caveman society. However, there is now tremendous hope for the planet.

"Nature - - the great Equalizer acts! with the swift passing years, Metamorphosis begins . . . and the polluted impurity that was civilization gradually vanishes back into obscurity, leaving the world clean again . . .

During a fierce battle with a mutated beast, Dr. Micron manages to reanimate his Microbots to defeat the creature but is killed saving the lives of the two boys.

Day of the Juggernaut, Part Two.

After burying his father, Jeff and the Microbots join Vik as they travel back to his village. Vik's people want nothing to do with them. They will not allow them to desecrate their soil after returning from the feared area known as The City. Vik's tribe is also frightened of the "Demon Devices" which is what they call the Microbots. It was just such machines and technology that ruined the Earth.

The boys flee the village. Jeff tells Vik that he made a promise to his late father to build a new and better world, and he is determined to do just that.

The two young boys discover the ancient military base of Fort Smith. Utilizing the materials they discover there, the boys with the help of the Microbots begin to construct a new city.

During their project a gigantic War Tank attacks them. The Microbots manage to defeat the tank, and Jeff &and Vik continue to make a new life for themselves and anyone else who wishes to join them in creating a world with hope and peace.

[Gord Green]

And here's what it looked like!





Decent enough story and art, but not very spectacular.
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There comes a time, thief, when gold loses its lustre, and the gems cease to sparkle, and the throne room becomes a prison; and all that is left is a father's love for his child.

[Bud Brewster]

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Gord, thanks for providing these wonderful images.
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

[Pow]

Thank you for the pictures, Gord.

The Microbots roster.

Krushor: "Powerful piledriver."

Liftor: "Elongated automaton."

Fliptor: "Mechanized catapult."

Klawbor: "Multi-handed robot."

Hooktor: "Dependable derrick."

Kranktor: "Mechanized cable-catcher."

Bullzor: "Powerful bulldozer."

Griptor: "Powerful grasp on objects."

The Microbots were operated via solar powered batteries; in addition, they all had built-in laser beams.

The Microbots were all part of a toy line. So if the names
are corny and their functions hardly seem astonishingly futuristic, that's the reason.

Obviously if there were a reboot of the comic, or if it was made into a feature film, or live action or animated television series, the producers would have to embark on having their artistic team create brand new versions of the Microbots that would impress an audience. Their individual functions would also have to be vastly upgraded.

Heck, even the name of Dr. Micron would have to be changed from being so cheesy sounding.

However, the premise for it is exciting and imaginative no matter what media that would bring it to life.

You have a dystopian future, but a hopeful one so as not to be too depressing. Add to that amazing robots, dangerous mutated creatures, ancient weapons of war, a society of cave people, and who knows what other possible unknown threats in this reborn world, you have the makings for an entertaining production.