Robocop: Last Stand is an eight issue story arc that follows the original movie script for Robocop 3 written by Frank Miller that was ruthlessly reworked making the movie look nothing like the original scripted vision. The folks at Boom Studios felt this to be wrong and they utilized the writing talents of Steven Grant to adapt Miller’s version adding Korkut Oztekin to put art the script. We are now at Issue #5 and things are starting to get serious. The corporate tyrants at OCP are making their play in taking over everything and they are not going to let anything get in their way, especially the likes of the residents of the Cadillac Heights community. OCP will utilize all their resources to eliminate this threat, to include the unleashing of some heavy death and destruction to those who do not yield. Our beloved Robocop, Officer Murphy, in following his directives has become a liberator of the community battling OCP and those wishing to do the community harm. These actions of course have brought upon the wraith of OCP unto Murphy and the community in a more intensified scale.
Labeled as a “protector gone bad”, Murphy is hiding out from all sorts of enemies that may even be right under his robotically enhanced nose. He has to make a move, but it seems like the walls are closing in fast and he is running out of options. What can he do?
This issue is packed with everything you would want in a Robocop comic… action… suspense… quirky dialogue… and violence… lots and lots of bloody, gory violence. This issue is not for the timid. But, if you can handle it, it is well worth the read.
Steven Grant does a wonderful job capturing the essence of Miller’s script, who has been known to write some pretty good stuff. Oztekin’s art is gritty, raw, and did I mention violent? The art serves the story well however as this is not a simple story of politics and greed. This is a war; a war between community and corporation with the utilization of technology being liberally used. You sense the plight of Cadillac Heights which isn’t exactly a pristine neighborhood, but it still is a place where people live and they don’t want to be forced out due to corporate greed and need.
As for Murphy… there are some really big story bombs dropped in this issue that do not need to be spoiled here. When you start through this issue, you will burn through it real fast because of the breakneck action within the pages. Things are moving fast and you will experience each and every turn as you read it. Still, if you have read the previous four issues or if this is your first look into the story, issue five will shock, shake, and satisfy your senses. The final three issues are looking to be pretty intense once the events here in five get sorted out. But don’t take my word for it. Give it a go for yourself. You will be glad that you did.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Steven Grant Artist: Korkut Oztekin Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 12/4/13