Build a Robot! (Maker Comics)

In this DIY comic, fire engine red Toaster 2, the “most advanced robot ever created,” addresses readers directly, inviting them to help it take over (er, “save”) the world: “You are smart! You have opposable thumbs!” Beginning with facts about robotics’ history (“Robots! Totally Not Evil! A Timeline”), T2 next walks readers through eight increasingly difficult robot tutorials, showing readers how to avoid obstacles that may detract from T2’s plans—lantern-propelled markers assist with homework, electric toothbrush–powered brushbots scrub the bathroom clean, and a hamster ball noisybot attempts to distract a pestering younger sibling. Venable (Katie the Catsitter) presents each invention with clearly listed supplies and comprehensive step-by-step instructions, balancing technical nonfiction elements and safety advice with an entertaining fictional narrative. Relevant explanations (“A Lesson in Glues!”) and information about notable inventors, largely white men, appear occasionally. Hudson’s clear art facilitates the building process, though the panel layout is sometimes confusing, and the two East Asian characters are visually stereotyped. Accessible inventions and back matter instructions on starting a robotics club give readers tools to steep themselves in robotics in this Pinky and the Brain–flavored comic mash-up. Ages 9–13. (Mar.)■