Robocop: Dead or Alive Vol. 3

Robocop: Dead or Alive #3

by Joshua Williamson

Killian’s endgame is set into motion. As the people of Old Detroit rally behind Killian’s rebellion, RoboCop, Detective Anne Lewis, and the Police Department must prepare for the end of law and order. Three worlds will collide and all comes to an end in this final chapter. From the ashes of death, change will arise. Collects issues #9-12. “Concludes what is hands down the best RoboCop series ever written. 5/5” – Bloody Disgusting

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

** Review is for all three volumes read in a row

It hits all the beats of the film, but that mimicry is the extent of it's enjoyability. Nothing new is brought to the table, and RC talks way WAY to much.

[47Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume broaches more on the topic of manipulating the masses. It's maybe a bit too fast and difficult to believe, though there are some real-life manipulations that can boggle the mind. The artwork is handled by multiple artists, so it's not consistent. Ultimately, this comic fails to impress because everything happens too easily. There is little investment from the author, so the reader can't but skim over each event. Everything is brought to a close with all loose ends tied, so at least there is that.

Kaplan is Robocop's new partner. He is none too happy about babysitting a broken robot - Robocop's enhancements cost the department dearly, so they couln't afford to fix him after he defeated Killian's ED's. Lewis is paired with Jansen, a detective known for flying under the radar, something Lewis is unwilling to do no matter who gets upset about it. They are all looking for Killian who is in hiding. The Detroit citizens hold Killian in high esteem, so it's an easy job for him to manipulate the people via the media into seeing OCP as oppressors and Robocop as their 'tool of tyranny'.

The cops are doing their best to pacify the protesters, but tensions are too high. Killian kills the mayor and uses his codes to free all the inmates in the prison - can mayors do this with a code? Robocop is instrumental in pushing back the convicts and regaining the trust of the citizens of Detroit.

Killian is revealed to be the brother of the owner of OCP. He wants OCP destroyed and his brother dead, but ends up killed by his brother's hand. Killian is seen by some to be a martyr, but his threat is basically over. Using what she knows about his family, Lewis blackmails the owner of OCP into fixing Robocop and rebuilding the precinct house.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This review is for the whole Robocop: Dead or Alive series.

I would give the story a 2.5/5 rating. Parts of it didn’t quite make sense. Why would they bring Killian on as a spokesperson for their anti-gun movement without verifying that he would actually be on their side? The story also seemed strangely pro-gun and anti-gun at the same time. It would make sense if their were two distinct factions, but it was OCP that was just flip-flopping. I did add an extra star to the rating because I like the artwork. I also like how the spines of the three volumes create the OCP Detroit Police logo when lined up on the shelf.

[Clint the Cool Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story

I loved this series. It was true to the heart of the original movie, and fits in perfectly before Robocop 2. It took everything great about Robocop and kept it going. I wish this series had continued, but it makes for a great stand-alone miniseries on it's own. Highly recommended!

[Erik Dreiling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read.

Without giving spoilers, the conclusion to the Killian storyline was satisfying and tied together all the plot threads. OCP, as always, is the untouchable antagonist to RoboCop's dedicated protagonist. Great read with neat artwork.

[Sam Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

[Gabriel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I read the single issues. I found this one more engaging than the previous volumes. And of course they'd end with that line.

[Lars · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion of Dead or Alive is its most satisfying, not merely because it's the end but also because it adds story threads that make the narrative richer, character arcs that are nuanced, and the best action beats of the series. The ending here made for a satisfying read.