In the 29th century, a lonely robot roams earth, now a post-apocalyptic wasteland after humanity devastates the environment to extinction. While collecting garbage, Wall-E finds a seedling. Later, EVE, a more advanced model selected to survey the remnants of earth for forms of life. Wall-E, enamoured by EVE, shows her the seedling. This simple act of sharing sparks a whirlwind space adventure to save the remaining humans and bring them back to earth.
The case for Wall-E’ s appeal lies entirely on the film’ s intentional 180-degree depiction of the typical robot film. There is a sense of humanity and innocence in Wall-E that isn’ t typically found in media characterisations. It’ s not every day we’ re captured by the pure love and good intentions of a robot.
Furthermore, instead of idealising an alltech utopia, the film paints a picture of overconsumption and the threats of ecocide. On a ship where humans barely move, robots serve their every whim. Instead of co-existence, robots are in complete servitude with barely any sentience. While humans no longer have to lift a finger aboard their ship, quality of life is decreased tenfold.
WALL-E represents hope in an unlikely form and uncertain future. Even with a beating heart absent, Disney’ s little garbage robot holds a soft spot for life and love. With his little beeps and expressive eyes, little WALL-E remains a positive role model for all of us earthlings.
H. E. R. B. I. E.- Fantastic Four
Comic book fans know that this list would be amiss if we didn’ t include the Fantastic Four’ s H. E. R. B. I. E. Short for Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-Type, Integrated Electronics, Mr. Fantastic created super squad’ s little companion to help them track down Galactus.
You wouldn’ t know it, but this little crime fighter is packed with cool features to aid the Fantastic Four and other Marvel superheroes in their fights against evildoers. Herbie can hack and connect to any computer and is equipped with various tools for housekeeping too. Not only can he provide the Fantastic Four with intel and help repair various gadgets and vehicles, but he babysits too! Both Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman’ s children Franklin and Valeria are kept under the watchful eye of Herbie.
Herbie’ s survived many fights, attacks, and even intergalactic skirmishes. Depending on the writer, he’ s received many an upgrade and transformation, but remains the same lovable bot. No matter the story or the medium, he’ s always by the Fantastic Four’ s side.
Don’ t know Herbie? Check out this intro clip by Marvel!
Poll Question: Who is the cuter robot? Ο
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WALL-E – That little guy really pulled at my heartstrings!
H. E. R. B. I. E.- It has to be the Fantastic Four’ s most loyal pal!
C-3PO vs. Bender – Who’ s funnier?
Who knew bots could be funny? In this category, we’ re pitting the Star Wars franchise’ s C-3PO with Futurama’ s Bender. Both characters have longstanding careers as funny companions to their respective series’ protagonists. Whether it’ s a sassy comeback or comical fumble, our contenders for the last category have never failed to put a smile on audiences’ faces.
C-3PO – Star Wars franchise
A droid designed for translation and interpretation, C-3PO is a recurring character is George Lucas’ Star Wars films. He is played by actor Anthony Daniels, who lends his native English accent to his portrayal. This accent is a key characteristic of C-3PO that lends to a“ neurotic English butler” character.
His neurotic personality is what makes C-3PO such a great comic relief! The Star Wars films are chockful of tense and dangerous moments where characters are too focused on saving the day.
32 ISSUE 55 OCTOBER 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU