Medabots Part 1 – Viz Media – 2002 – Miniseries – #1–4

Medabots Part 1 (2002)

📘 Series Summary

Capitalizing on the popularity of the Fox Kids anime series, Viz Media released the original manga by Rin Horuma in a traditional Western comic book format. The series follows Ikki, a young Medafighter who unexpectedly acquires a rare Medal and a stubborn, outdated Metabee model. Together, they navigate the competitive world of Robattles, facing off against thieves, rival gangs, and mysterious figures.

⭐ Series Highlights

  • Authentic Manga Origins: This miniseries presents the original artwork and story by creator Rin Horuma (Horumarin), providing a slightly different tone and depth than the televised anime.
  • The "Metabee" Dynamic: Central to the plot is the friction between Ikki and Metabee, a robot who refuses to follow orders, adding a comedic and heartfelt layer to the action-packed Robattles.
  • Phantom Renegade Mystery: Issue #2 introduces the enigma of the Phantom Renegade, exploring a string of bizarre crimes and the theft of Rare Medals.
  • Legacy Lore: The finale (#4) takes a step back in time, revealing the backstory of Henry (the convenience store clerk) and his own championship days with a young Metabee ten years prior.
  • Comic Format Manga: Unlike modern tankōbon trade paperbacks, this was released in the "floppy" 40-page format common for manga translations in the early 2000s.
  • Rare Medal Conflict: The narrative drives home the stakes of the Medabot world, where "Rare Medals" provide specialized AI that every fighter—and criminal—covets.