In a press release for its Summer 2027 slate, Mattel Press has revealed Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots: We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Bot, a junior graphic novel based on the classic toy, by writer Dustin Brady (Trapped in a Video Game), and artist Dave Bardin (Secret Hero Society). Due out August 31, 2027, the book will reimagine the Blue Bomber and Red Rocker as the competing creations of rival inventors, each seeking control of a city called Downs Town. A second installment is already scheduled for Spring 2028.
The official synopsis elaborates, “When the villainous Doc Spudloc unleashes the Blue Bomber, Sock, to wreak havoc on Downs Town, aspiring superhero Blaze M. Downs — better known as Hot Man — responds by creating the Red Rocket, Rock to fight back. What follows is a hilarious clash of oversized personalities, outrageous inventions, and nonstop robot battles.”
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots was created by Marvin Glass and Associates for the toy company Louis Marx in 1964. Mattel inherited the rights by 2000, when they published a video game based on the property. A film version, written by and starring Vin Diesel, has been in development for Universal since 2021. Brady, 40, described the comic on Facebook as being “genuinely the most fun I’ve ever had on a project.”
We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Bot will retail at 208 pages in paperback for $12.99, and a preview is available at Barnes & Noble. For more of what Mattel Press has planned for Summer 2027, head here.
