Your Pal Fred (Your Pal Fred #1)

The illustrations capture the story’s energy; the action-packed spreads and jagged panels make for quick transitions during action sequences, and the cartoonish visual style turns mean characters into harmless goofballs. 

What does the world need most when resources are thin and tensions are high? Well, a pal! After awakening in a post-apocalyptic desert, Fred—a robot made for children—immediately sets out to fix fractured relationships using both empathy and logic. His mediation between brothers Plug and Pug proves super effective, but with two warlords who are causing widespread friction, the task isn't quite as simple. Good deeds go a long way, though, and by the end, help comes from all corners. Just like travel companion Wormy, older readers will likely see Fred's naive plan as overly optimistic or ridiculous, but those cynical thoughts do not deter the robot; they just make him thoughtful. Even with all the ragged clothes and rust-bucket architecture, the buoyant protagonist, goofy character designs, and slapstick comedy offset the seriousness behind the idea of the Wrecked World. This graphic novel may give an overly simplified version of conflict resolution, but it does demonstrate the techniques and mindset needed. Furthermore, it opens up a discussion about principles and friendship. The author even includes a guide to making friends in the back matter. VERDICT A graphic novel with heart about mediation and good relations that will appeal to those who enjoy kooky characters.—Rachel Forbes

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Michael Rex mixes Spielberg's AI with George Miller's Mad Max and translates it through the lens of a Sunday comic strip. Your Pal Fred is a fun spectacle that's worth the journey. It's impossible not to smile as we follow a naively sweet robot armed only with his relentless optimism." —Rich Moyer, creator of Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter

"Action, adventure, a beautifully illustrated post-apocalyptic wasteland, and a cute little robot named Fred who just wants you to "be kind." This story has EVERYTHING! Michael Rex has a knack for balancing heart-pounding danger with a deep sentimentality, and with Your Pal Fred he does it again!" —Michael Sweater, creator of The Wizerd

"Exciting, funny, and well-told . . . Your Pal Fred is just a joy to read." —Forces of Geek