ALA Booklist (Fri Sep 16 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

"Welcome to the future! The future stinks." The latest graphic novel from bestselling author Rex is set far in the future in a barren wasteland devoid of humanity. A kooky robot named Fred must find Papa Mayhem and Lord Bonkers, two warlords, and convince them to become friends. But these warlords are ruthless and don't believe in sharing or helping people without expecting anything in return. Neither do any of the unusual characters Fred meets along the way, including two feuding brothers named Pug and Plug, a cynical thief named Wormy, and a creative artisan of garbage named Junkboy. Many start out annoyed by Fred's positivity, but his pluck is contagious. Rex combines a silly, adventurous romp with a message about love and kindness. 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. Perfect for fans of Judd Winick's Hilo series.

Kirkus Reviews (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

A toy robot from the past wages peace in a dystopian future.If ever an AI "programmed to spread kindness, friendship, and good vibes" faced a tough challenge it would be the Zones-a barren, Mad Max–style landscape dotted with rocks and ruins, where feuding overlords Lord Bonkers and Papa Mayhem are gearing up for war while scattered "dirt-folk" struggle for survival. But Fred turns out to be tougher than his generic child's body and blandly cheery expression would suggest. In fact, from the moment he crawls out of the rubble of a former toy store, he begins working changes on everyone he encounters: "Wow! I really like your helmet! It's super neat!" Teaching others how to do high-fives and rolling out upbeat stickers from a fingertip dispenser as he goes, Fred weathers scorn, slime, and worse to make friends, reunite long-separated siblings, and show even fierce rivals a way to peace and forgiveness ("Sorry I bonked you." "Eh, it happens") before, in the cartoon-style illustrations, literally striding off into the sunset in search of others who need to hear his message. For readers who do get it, Rex closes with a savvy six-step plan for making new friends. Beneath his dorky eyeglasses and tuft of blue hair, Fred's moon face is light skinned; the heavily armored supporting cast sports a variety of hues from light brown to bluish gray.A winning exhortation, earnest in its underpinnings at least, to be the change. (Graphic science fiction. 7-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

An AI with Ted Lasso spirit guilelessly approaches a dog-eat-dog world in Rex’s (Fangbone!) big-hearted comic. On the run in a postapocalyptic future, tan-skinned brothers Plug and Pug inadvertently activate an outdated toy, AI robot Your Pal Fred, who reads as white and is programmed to “spread kindness, friendship, and good vibes.” Fred, whose views are seen as outmoded by everyone he meets, quickly settles an argument between the siblings. But Plug and Pug are soon separated, abducted by roving caravans that conscript for two ruling warlords’ armies: that of Papa Mayhem and his Ultra-Unstoppable Cyclone of Chaos, and that of Lord Bonkers and his Mighty Arm of Superbad Destruction. With infectious optimism, Fred quests to reunite the brothers and make peace between Bonkers and Mayhem. Along the way, the bot assists many, using the tenets of his programming—and his handy sticker printer—to befriend them. In his signature art style, Rex renders a barren desert with thin line work and warm hues. While the war-torn landscape provides a backdrop of bombastic action, Fred’s gentleness proves healing for those traumatized by war in this humorous volume about the power of kindness. Back matter provides Fred’s six-step guide to making friends. Ages 7–10. Agent: Timothy Travaglini, Transatlantic Agency. (May)

School Library Journal (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Gr 2–5 —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