The best mecha and giant robot comics are, at the top,Transformers(IDW),Atomic Robo,The Big Guy and RustyetGo down. This tier list ranks stories about giant robots and controlled machines according to their quality and inventiveness. Facts (authors, publishers, dates) verified, no invented ratings; each entry refers to a record when it exists.
The mecha – giant robot, often piloted – has inspired numerous Western comics, between Japanese licenses and original creations. This tier list brings together the stories that best exploit the spectacle of giant metal. Criterion: the success of the robot story.
Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Tier S: the peaks of the mecha
Transformers(IDW) offered the best continuity to transformable robots.Atomic Robomixes pulp action and awesome robot.The Big Guy and Rustyby Frank Miller and Geof Darrow pits a giant robot against a kaiju, andGo downby Jeff Lemire tells the story of a child robot in a hostile galaxy.
Tier A: major robotic series
Mech Cadet Yu(youth),Voltron,RobotechetROM: Spaceknight(Marvel's Space Knight) are landmark mecha series.
Tier B: the richness of the genre
Micronauts,Shogun Warriors(Marvel's giant robots),The Metabaronsby Jodorowsky andFighting Boyby Paul Pope enrich the selection.
Tier C: mecha curiosities
Ascend(the sequel to Descender),Gigantor,ProphetetTransformers vs G.I. Joeby Tom Scioli complete the genre.
Tier D: for amateurs
Machine Man,Robo Hunter(2000 AD) andBattletechclose this tier list: more confidential but real robot stories.
To remember
- Transformers (IDW) and Atomic Robodominate the genre on the Western side.
- Marvel exploited Japanese licenses(ROM, Shogun Warriors, Micronauts).
- Go downshows that the robot can carry a moving story.
- Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Frequently asked questions
Transformers(IDW) for continuity,Atomic Robofor adventure andGo downfor emotion are among the best of the genre.
The concept comes from Japan, but the West has produced great stories: Transformers, Atomic Robo, Descender. Marvel has also adapted licenses like ROM and Shogun Warriors.
ROM #1 (Marvel, 1979) is sought after by collectors, especially as the character's complex rights make its reissues rare. Always check condition before purchasing.
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