When I started writing my treatment for Robot Beach back in 2008 it went a little something like this: (SPOILERS for anyone who hasn’t read through Robot Beach yet)
Act 1: A Robot wakes on an island to discover he is alone in the world save for a friendly Seagull and a not so friendly Crab. After a brief adventure, The Robot learns of his origins and that his makers (humans) have all died off due to some world devastating calamity. Despondent upon learning that he has no true purpose in life, the Robot throws himself into the sea. However, before he drowns he discovers an unconscious girl floating on the wreckage of a ship. Instead of committing suicide, he saves her from drowning.
Act 2: The Robot, Crab, and Seagull learn from the Girl that the ship she was on with her parents had been attacked by a band of savage Robot Pirates and they were still out there and searching for the girl to finish her off. The group build a fort on the beach and prepare for the coming Robot Pirate attack.
Act 3: Robot Pirates attack, there is a big battle with the Pirate captain, More Robots emerge from the Island to defend our band of heroes in an epic battle to the death, bla, bla, bla. Fun for all. The End.
That was all well and good, however as I began writing Robot Beach strips, I realized that the whole Robot Pirate angle wasn’t really a good fit and so I dropped it.
But I never forgot about it.
And so, as I now find my inspiration for Robot Beach waining, I find that my excitement for Robot Pirates is growing. I’ve developed a fascinating group of characters and an engaging story that I am excited to explore. This means that yes, Robot Beach is ending. I feel I’ve said everything I really wanted to say with that story in the first 200 strips. Honestly, my heart isn’t in it anymore and I don’t feel that I could properly do the strip justice if I were to carry on with it at this point. I will take the many lessons I’ve learned along the way and apply them to many future projects. The first of which is Robot Pirates.
So what will Robot Pirates be exactly? Well, I’ve got some interesting ideas, but I’m not ready to announce anything yet. However, you can check back here soon for more details!
Finally I want to thank everyone who has read and enjoyed Robot Beach over the years. Your comments, emails and support have brought me many hours of joy. I hope all of you will join me as we set sail on a brand new adventure in 2013!
