As our new AI overlords expand their influence and prepare their weak, fleshy subjects for harvest, we thought it would be fun to take a look at the Top 5 Robots in Comics, to get a glimpse into our own potential futures as this technology evolves.
Vision: The Synthezoid Avenger
When it comes to robots in comic books, it’s hard to overlook The Vision. Created by Ultron to destroy the Avengers, Vision first appeared in The Avengers #57 in 1968. Vision’s journey from a cold, emotionless machine to a beloved hero is one of the most compelling arcs in comics. But it’s his quest for humanity, love, and family that truly sets him apart, making him not just a robotic hero but a symbol of what it means to strive to be more.
Ultron: The Malevolent Machine
On the flip side of Vision, we have his “father,” Ultron. If there’s a robot that embodies the classic sci-fi fear of artificial intelligence gone rogue, it’s Ultron, and with good reason. Created by Hank Pym (Ant-Man) in The Avengers #54 in 1968, Ultron is a relentless foe who believes it his right to rule the world, and crush anyone who gets in the way.
Cyborg Superman: Hybrid Imposter
Appropriating the emblem and costume of the Man of Steel, Hank Henshaw masqueraded as Kal-El just long enough to convince many ‘90s readers, that of the four ‘Reign of Supermen’ choices, he had to be the real deal. Henshaw appears earlier in the post-Crisis Superman titles as an astronaut exposed to deadly radiation, but his first appearance as Cyborg Superman is Adventures of Superman #500, where he exhibits most of Superman’s traditional powers, and illustrates the idea that our destroyer could appear wearing our face, seemingly benevolent until some technological Rubicon is crossed.
The Sentinels: Mutant-Hunting Machines
No list of comic book robots would be complete without mentioning the Sentinels, the towering mutant-hunting machines from the X-Men series. Introduced in X-Men #14 in 1965, these giant robots are iconic for their relentless pursuit of mutants and their stark reflection of humanity’s inherent fear and prejudice towards those who are different. Over the years, the Sentinels have evolved into ever more deadly forms and have been a persistent thorn in the side of the X-Men.
Brainiac: The Alien Android
To close out our list, we turn to one of Superman’s most formidable foes—Brainiac. First appearing in Action Comics #242 in 1958, Brainiac is an alien android with a penchant for collecting the knowledge of entire civilizations… before annihilating them. Brainiac’s chilling intellect and ruthlessness make him a perennial threat to the Man of Steel, and what makes him truly compelling is his complex relationship with Superman; Brainiac views organic life as inferior, yet he is constantly thwarted by a being who embodies the best of humanity’s spirit. This dynamic creates a fascinating clash of ideologies: cold logic versus classic heroism, and Brainiac’s storylines frequently explore themes of knowledge versus wisdom and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.