The Boy in the Bot: Tom on Sitcoms, Family, and His Journey from Marvel & Hasbro
- A to Geekz
- Jul 14, 2025
- 3 min read
In this in-depth conversation, Tom takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel The Boy in the Bot. From heartfelt family dynamics to quirky robot personalities, Tom unpacks the inspiration and creative process that bring this story to life.
A Unique Entry Point into Robot Stories
Robots have been staples of science fiction for decades, but Tom wanted his story to stand out. Instead of following the well-worn tropes of cold, mechanical beings or sleek, futuristic AI, he gave the bot in his book a relatable human voice.
This bot isn’t programmed with perfect speech or encyclopedic knowledge—it speaks in catchphrases and quirky homages to classic sitcoms. The decision adds warmth and humour, but also ties into deeper themes of family and identity.
Why Sitcoms?
So why does the bot talk like a walking 90s sitcom rerun? The backstory reveals a clever twist:
The Father’s Role: Before the boy was born, his father—a brilliant inventor—had been tinkering in the basement, building the bot. Late-night work sessions often included background noise: Nickelodeon reruns, Nick at Nite, and beloved sitcoms from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
The Bot as a Sponge: Sitting in its charging station, the bot absorbed these shows as its gateway to human interaction. Family banter, comedic misunderstandings, and heartfelt resolutions all shaped the bot’s developing personality.
A Relatable Quirk: The result? A giant machine that blurts out catchphrases when nervous, a character whose innocence and humour make him instantly relatable. As Tom described, it’s a bit like Bumblebee from Transformers, but instead of radio snippets, this bot’s voice is sitcom culture.
Family at the Heart of the Story
At its core, The Boy in the Bot is a story about family, loss, and connection:
The Boy’s Origin: When we meet him, the boy has never known his mother—she tragically died during childbirth. His understanding of family is fragmented, shaped only by his father’s stories.
The Bot as Witness: Because the bot was present in the basement before the boy was born, it observed the parents’ relationship. Later, it becomes a bridge for the boy, helping him piece together an image of the family he never fully knew.
Shared Growth: While the bot plays the role of an older brother figure, it also carries a childlike innocence. The boy learns about family history and companionship from the bot, while the bot learns about human emotions and the world through their bond.
The Power of Relatability
One of the standout aspects of Tom’s approach is how he grounds extraordinary characters in ordinary, familiar experiences. Viewers recognize the sitcom catchphrases, the themes of hidden family secrets, and the universal struggle of piecing together one’s identity.
The robot, despite being a “big brooding machine,” is imbued with wonder, humour, and humanity. It’s these qualities that make the relationship between the boy and the bot resonate deeply with readers.
Looking Ahead
Tom hints that Book Two dives deeper into the family’s history, the challenges of conception, and the emotional gaps left by the mother’s absence. Without spoiling too much, he teases a richer exploration of the boy and bot’s connection, as well as new revelations that will continue to shape their journey.
For fans eager to continue the adventure, the Kickstarter campaign for The Boy in the Bot: Book Two offers a chance to not only support the project but also pick up the first volume if you missed it.
Closing Thoughts from Tom
“As a writer, creator, that’s all you could ask for—to see someone else reading it, engaging with it, and finding something in it.”
Tom expresses gratitude for the platforms and readers that make his work possible. For him, the joy comes not only from telling the story but also from seeing how it resonates with others.
Final Word
The Boy in the Bot is more than just a sci-fi tale—it’s a heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the strange ways we find connection. With its mix of humour, heart, and humanity, it promises to leave a lasting impact on readers of all ages.
👉 Support the Kickstarter campaign to join the journey and secure your copy of Book Two (and Book One if you’re just starting).
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