The comic cover that inspired Real Steel.
Dodekain #1
Antarctic Press (November, 1994)
WRITER/ARTIST: Masayuki Fujiwara TRANSLATION: Kuni Kimura & Elin Winkler COVER COLORS: ARNie TOUCH-UP ART: Pat Kelley LETTERER: Shon Howell PUBLISHER: Ben Dunn
In the year 199X, the Zogelians invade Earth. The alien scientist Doctor G has been waiting for this to get revenge for his homeplanet being destroyed by them previously. Then he goes and gets injured when a bomb explodes near him. He’s saved from the rubble by Takuma Ippongi and his girlfriend, Koyori. Dr. G is in no condition to control a weapon he created to fight the invaders, the giant robot Dodekain. Takuma offers to operate it but the scientist turns him down just as one of the monsters approaches them.
What they got right: This is a parody of giant robot stories. Takuma is running at full power, actually hurting Koyori when he tries to pat down fires on her shirt and launching Dr. G into a wall when he pries him from the rubble he’s buried under. The comedy works and this is the first time the teen boy lead isn’t immediately handed a giant robot to save Japan.
What they got wrong: I don’t have any complaints other than it was a bit short. I got through my cereal but it didn’t last to the donuts.
Recommendation: I remember really liking this story (at least the first arc) and we’ll see the second issue later today. As it stands it’s worth a look.
BW Media Spotlight 