The classic science fiction trope of humans versus robots gets a unique twist in Metal Society, a new miniseries from Top Cow and Image Comics. Conflicts between humans and robots have played out in numerous books and movies, and Metal Society flips the script on every single one of them, infusing the genre with elements of Rocky and mixed martial arts. The first issue goes on sale in print and digital May 5.
Mechanical and artificial life forms have been part of mythologies and cultures for millennia, but the term “robot” itself did not enter usage until the 1920s thanks to writer Karel Capek. Science fiction latched onto the concept, particularly author Isaac Asimov, who authored a whole series of books following a robot detective. Other creators took a dimmer view, treating audiences to visions of robots rising up against and killing their human creators—with films such as Terminator and The Matrix. While robots, in reality, perform mundane tasks, they still exert a powerful hold on the imagination and a new series from Image Comics and Top Cow gives fans a new look at the relationship between humans and robots in Metal Society. The series will be written by Zack Kaplan, illustrated by Guilherme Balbi, colored by Marco Lesko and lettered by Troy Peteri.
A press release on Image’s website revealed more details about the forthcoming series, including preview artwork shared below. Set in the future where humans are extinct, and robots dominate, Metal Society sees the robots revive humans, using them for manual labor. Humans do not take this lying down, leading to clashes between the two sides. These hostilities reach a head when a human fighter takes on a robotic malcontent in a fight the press release described as having “epic stakes.” Writer Zack Kaplan drew inspiration for Metal Society from the reak world, pointing to the rise in tribalism and aggression despite major advancements in technology; inspired by classic robot stories, he saw the genre as the perfect vehicle to tell the story.
Robots have been a staple of science fiction for over a century, as creators use them to explore aspects of the human condition—much like Metal Society. The trick becomes finding a new angle, one that readers have never seen before, and Metal Society delivers. Works where robots enslave humans are nothing new but Metal Society gives it a shot in the arm, mixing in mixed martial arts style fighting. However, it never forgets that it is a science fiction story first and foremost, keeping the social commentary firmly grounded in the midst of the carnage. Balbi’s vibrant artwork captures the reader’s attention, transporting them to the distant future of Metal Society.
Billed as “Blade Runner meets Rocky” in the press release, Image Comics and Top Cow’s Metal Society presents a new vision of the struggle between humans and robots, one infused with bare knuckles fighting action.
Source: Image Comics