Attaboy is an action-adventure comic disguised as an illustrated instructional booklet for a video game. The “byte”-sized hero is forced to avenge the destruction of his father and creator, Dr. Atta, by the sinister rebellious mechazoid Motherboard. However, the turn of each page unravels a much deeper story of pixelated thoughts, real world references, and heartbreaking truths. Attaboy is a unique comic experience that feels part trippy spiral and part cathartic release.

Written by and art by Tony McMillen, Attaboy is an intriguing graphic novel. It’s a rabbit hole of a read, starting off as a story about a video game that no one remembers and then ending as something completely else.

What begins as a mystery about an existence of a video game morphs into a mystery about life and family. The end result is a read that feels more like a cathartic journal where the creator is exploring their own home life. This is addressed a bit in an afterword but overall, it’s a read that will leave you wanting to discuss it with others.

The world McMillen creates feels mined from nostalgia, which makes sense considering the underling teases of what the story is truly about. With an inspiration from Mega Man, McMillen’s art is interesting, dynamic, kinetic, and angry at times, with doses of humor. It’s a unique style and look that I’d fully expect to be on display at Small Press Expo, a look that’d suck me in to want to find out more.

Attaboy is an interesting read with art that’ll leave you lingering on the pages. You’ll ponder the deeper meaning as the story progresses and reveals new levels and bosses to battle.

Story: Tony McMillen Art: Tony McMillen
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Kindle