Monkey vs. Robot - New Edition

James Kohalka's, "Monkey vs. Robot," is a snazzy little gem of a read. You'll probablly be able to finish this book in 10-15 minutes the first time you go through it but will certainly find great enjoyment flipping through it several times again enjoying the wonderfully minimalistic style of this graphic novel. Makes a great gift item for friends/family who don't really like to read but act like they do - in that they'll actually be able to finish a book for once with enough hip-factor to display on their shelf/coffee table for future conversational highlight.

This is some of the finest work Kochalka has ever done, and it's a frequent companion on trips despite its brevity. You can read it in a minute or lovingly ponder clever artwork panel by panel.Honestly, "Mv.R" fills me with a kind of reveried ecstacy every time I read it: I don't know if it's the plot, the emotional subtext or just some mesmerism woven cleverly into the artwork, but I can't forget it.The few lines of dialogue are a real kick in the pants, too: thanks, Ma Computer (and James Kochalka), for the most quotable line in my personal comix experience. And thanks again for some of the most memorable images as well...

Though I love the [junk] out of this book, I can not say that it is James' best work. Check out his Sketchbook Diaries (published by Top Shelf) for a real taste of what Kochalka can do.

Monkey vs. Robot may initially appear simple: it has a minimal art style, barely any words, and an essentially straightforward plot. But James Kolchalka is a master of the deceptively simple, and even a quick glance through makes it clear that his use of minimalism ultimately enriches this book, rather than impoverishing it. Plotwise, you can read it as a straightforward tale about monkeys and robots duking it out in a jungle. Or you can read it as a metaphor for the way we each are torn by the struggle of oppositional forces within ourselves, or as an allegory about human evolution, or a critique of progress... The book doesn't rule any of these readings out, because the conflict has been stripped down to a kind of primal essence. The story, able to engage readers on many different levels ends up becoming tremendously engrossing.Artwise, it is worth mentioning that minimalism is harder to do than it looks, and everything here works magnificently: each brushstroke is perfect, the placement and size of each panel contributes to a pacing that absolutely fits. With this book, Kolchalka comes close to establishing himself indisputably as a master of the vocabulary of comics. A book that is dramatic but not flashy, surprising but not showy, complex but not pointlessly elaborate, simple but not facile.

Kochalka's drawings are the cutest (see also "Kissers" or "Magic Boy") but don't let that fool you. "Monkey vs. Robot" addresses the age old clash between technology and nature with and loads of charm and an eye for detail. When the monkeys notice robots hauling away parts of the jungle, they take action. And as in any war, the outcome ain't pretty. Kids and grown up kids alike can enjoy this timeless fable. Be sure to check out the catchy punk rock song of the same name by James Kochalka Superstar - Kochalka's musical side.