The difference between first world and third word is astounding in today’s day and time. The fact that we still talk about how certain countries still using 19^th century technology and using primitive form of transportation. We also liv in a world where oligarchies still thrive and rules legions of countrymen by fear and disgust. When people live in countries that are about both third world and where an oligarchy rules by hate and violence, is the very reason people flee and becomes refugees elsewhere.

For those who are unable to escape, life becomes a prison, and every day is pure dread. Fiction usually champions those who flee, and rightfully so, as the courage to escape, is absolute bravery. It is those who stay behind, that fiction rarely ever gets to know, as the pain of living a life, like that may be too unbearable for someone to read. In The Goliath of Shenzhen, the readers gets to know a few heroes who have nothing left lose and want nothing more than, liberation.

In the opening pages, we are shown a a village on the outskirts of Shenzhen province in China, called HanX, which was once prosperous but now has become a den of sin and desire.  In this world, state ran police, constantly abuse their power for personal gain and the government decides to move in make this rural community into junkyard, which will wipe the homes of those villagers left behind. Five teenagers decided to ban together, with the help of a wise mentor, to fight the government and the police, by building robots out of old auto parts. By book’s end, our heroes are much stronger and smarter than they think they are, as they square off in a final battle with the military.

Overall, this was a gripping tale, which reminded of a fun and at time, grim crossover between Red Dawn and District 9. The story by Aritra Sarkar is an epic tale which combines the genres of mecha anime and dystopian fiction. The art by Ritwick Roy is gorgeous and vibrant. Altogether, if you enjoy your post-apocalyptic world fiction with one mean robot, then this book is right up your alley.

Story: Aritra Sarkar Art: Ritwick Roy
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy