Uncle Zaxlor Catches Transform-itis Review - A Brilliant, Chaotic Cosmic Tale

How about a return to the capers of the Zekrusian robot repair, dynamic duo of varying talent brought to you by the dynamic duo whose talent never varies, as it always entertains on all fronts? No appointment needed, it's Uncle Zaxlor Catches Transform-itis by Leo Healy and Torgo Wells.

Leo Healy is a Yorkshire comic book writer and zine creator. Leo's most recent works include The Ace in Comics Creatures UK Anthology #3, Walter the Robot: Membership Wervoked in Zarjaz Sci-fi Special, and The Royal Oak in Beyond the Black Void vol 1. Also the very much enjoyed here So You've Been Conquered, and Uncle Zaxlor's Robot Repair Shop #1. Follow the links for reviews.

Torgo Wells is a Newcastle artist specialising in traditional comic creation with awesome style. Torgo is a Warhammer 40k hobbyist. Previous works include The Great Comic Tree Anthology, Dark Reckoning, Stardozer The Hunt and of course the collaborations with Leo on So You've been conquered and Uncle Zaxlor's Robot Repair Shop #1. Maven's mentioned, on to the review.

So, let's start with the art. Torgo's unmistakable, much-revered, and appreciated style returns in all its majesty. Their bold ink lines with that edge of graffiti/alt/underground comix beauty once again presents fantastically. When it comes to alien character design, Torgo is unrivalled in bringing the weirdness in the best possible way. A skill used to full effect with the added narrative push.

Nothing emphasises this skill more than the double-page splash in this book. It is exemplary art, chock full of fauna and flora of top-tier sci-fi imaginings. I really appreciate Torgo's work with screentone, which adds to this particular flavour of black and white comix art. Art like this, with its raw edges and punk ethos feel, and pure talent of character imagination, is a reminder of everything beautiful comics can offer. There's an unfolding complexity that develops under scrutiny in a marvellous way. Whether technical, like the first page panel layout. Or just smack you in the face pretty like that splash page or the sublimely silly of all the transformations.

This art also has a rare quality of making me thankful for its digital copy. It allows for zoom to really drink in the finer details and overall top-quality presentation available. You'll never fully convert me. Despite the inherent destruction, I do love the tactility of the true felled format. But art like this is a fine example of the benefit to be found. Beloved art, once more beloved, how about the story?

Leo Healy presents a super sequel that succeeds its first issue. It marks a return to hi-jinks humorousness with the further adventures of everybody's favourite Zekrusian robot repairman, Uncle Zaxlor, and robot whisperer nephew Zam. As the perpetual summer holiday continues, the try to do right duo embark on a kaleidoscopic collection of short tales. From sandwich thieves to the perils of self-employment. Circumventing rival sales tactics and titular illness that leads to off-world exploration.

It's very entertaining stuff that comes in heavy and fast like a Starbug through a Death Star viewing window. The humour is really solid throughout. Matched only by the level of high jinks that I have no doubt will delight old and new fans alike. I really dig the balance of silly with little sparks of deeper snapshots of backstory for the two main characters. It just keeps building the interest and investment, before getting straight back to entertaining.

Leo's ability as well to let stories go as evident by the montage of trope perils being only that, a "flashback/montage" that feels like a cheerful disregard for ideas that could have expanded the issue. The choice to present it this way, as well as to have focused on some of the sillier ideas, feels like seeing a writer focus on original thought. Or perhaps at least prioritising it, which is always refreshing and fun. As great as the fun adventures are, it would be nice to learn a bit more about these two characters' backgrounds and history to really cement this as a wonderful series. Hopefully, future tales will shine a light in this direction.

For fans of sci-fi, adventure, hi-jinks, fun, robots, taxes, the beyond understanding of relative time and its amending laws that is universally recognisable twilight of the summer holidays, creative alien design, giant slime monsters, Roarzer beasts, robots and repair advice pages in black & white art with amazing style, catch yourself a dose of Uncle Zaxlor Catches Transform-itis.

To get your copy, head here for print or here for digital. https://ell-aitch.itch.io/ is also a great place to find all things Leo. For more Torgo, check out https://torgowells.bigcartel.com/.

Review: 5/5