T.M.N.T.




"There are many other models of Reader Robots,
such as the mysterious T.M.N.T."

- Kolony: The Essential Survival Guide
Heavy Metal Sci-Fi Special
Spring 1998


An extremely rare model of Reader Robot found in Massimiliano Frezzato's The Keepers of The Maser graphic novels. Reader Robot types vary wildly in appearance and serve all sorts of helpful roles, including that of teacher, doctor, electrician, etc. Unfortunately, the exact function of the T.M.N.T. model is unclear and has become the subject of much speculation (a sampling of some of the professions hypothesized: self defense instructor, underground wastewater maintenance, and pizza pie nutritional analyzer). The cantankerous Dwarves of Kolony have been known to dismantle Reader Robots and use pieces of them as ornamentation/armor, indeed, a dwarf is seen wearing a T.M.N.T. head in Book 2, page 6, something C.I.R.O. immediately takes note of.

The T.M.N.T. represents an inside-joke/homage--Kevin Eastman, one of the two creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, owns Heavy Metal magazine, where Frezzato's The Keepers of The Maser series was published. Given that the robot's arm prongs resemble a pair of blades, and it sports straps across its chest, it's my belief that Frezzato's design is meant to suggest the original Mirage incarnation of Leonardo in particular.

Materials:
Newsprint, tissue paper, white paper, white glue, hot glue, wire twist ties, and acrylic paint.

Dimensions*:
(* The numbers given are approximations, as the dimensions of this figure can vary considerably depending on how the joints are positioned. Note that the value given for the highest point was measured from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head, not the tips of the arm prongs.)
4.0 cm/1.6 in. x 5.0 cm/2.0 in. (highest point x widest point)

Articulation:
Fourteen points total:  Neck (2), shoulders(2), elbows (2), prongs (2), hips (2), knees (2), and ankles (2).

Time:
Roughly five days:  August 13, 16-19, 2008.

For comparison purposes, below are some relevant artwork samples from The Keepers of The Maser series.

•   The Keepers of The Maser Book 2: The Isle of The Dwarves and Kolony: The Essential Survival Guide, both found in Heavy Metal Sci-Fi Special Spring 1998.

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