Monkey vs. Robot and the Crystal of Power
By James Kochalka
Published by Top Shelf Productions
The primal delight in the original Monkey vs. Robot was its sui generis ingenuity -- it was an idea that just seemed like somebody should have -- must have? -- thought of before. But Kochalka's unique and wide-eyed study of the battle between primate and metal automaton was a first, and the graphic novel (and song by James Kochalka Superstar, James's irresistible alt-pop band) infected the arts-comics community with its goofy-yet-thought-provoking meme:
Monkey play, in the jungle; robot work, in the factory, they will have a giant rumble...monkey vs. robot!
My kids memorized the lyrics instantly. It's just that powerful a concept.
This sequel finds the robots in the jungle in desperate need of a power crystal to sustain their systems, which brings them into conflict with the monkeys who are aware of their destructive impact on their environment and want to stop them at any cost.
I'm not entirely certain this second trip back to the well was needed -- no real theme is developed that trumps the subtle, humanistic message that emerged from the first graphic novel, and while Kochalka revels in his depictions of the jungle setting, he displays no growth or innovation artistically or thematically. The ending is somewhat vague and the most disappointing element of the book after quite some time is spent building tension that evaporates in a shower of twinkling, sparky...something-or-other.
It's not a bad book in and of itself, and a new Kochalka graphic novel is always welcome. Perhaps Kochalka's career will see him continue to chart parallel paths with his high-concept (read: marketable) works like Monkey vs. Robot and Pinky and Stinky alternating with his more insightful and contemplative (and often outrageously funny) autobiographical works like Fantastic Butterflies and the Sketchbook Diaries. That's fine with me. Grade: 3.5/5