When faced with a robot army determined to kill all the humans they find in an effort to turn California into a synthetic paradise in the late 1890’s Preston Struck, train robber and card cheat, runs away as fast as he can. Events conspire to keep bring him back to the town Twain Harte and the battle with the robots.
Doug TenNapel has created a most unexpected adventure, brimming with great jokes, vivid characters and a very clever plot that skillfully takes the stereotypes of the Western and the science fiction B films and makes something fresh and new.
Preston Struck is a great character, a complete coward, willing to desert anyone in his efforts to survive who finds himself forced into a corner and action.
The supporting cast is equally lively and interesting, the robots are not dull mechanical creatures, they are vibrant personalities, happily dedicated to the destruction of humans. The population of Twain Harte are swiftly introduced and equally swiftly dispatched in true western style, the sheriff is a reluctant hero who faces his duty, Preston’s lover, Ms Sharon is faithful and not stupid or blind to his faults.
With the addition of a Indian Shaman who has an army of Indian Robots, the assistance of the Sasquatch (Bigfoot) and the unexpected appearance of the Loch Ness Monster and a plot that weaves everything into a coherent whole, this is a book to cherish.
