Sam Slade Robo-Hunter #28

Sam Slade Robo-Hunter first appeared in the British science fiction anthology 2000 AD in 1978, created by writer John Wagner and artist Ian Gibson. The character was conceived as a satirical take on hard-boiled detective tropes, transposed into a future where robots have become ubiquitous members of society. Robo-Hunter gained an enduring following due to its blend of gritty, noir-inspired cynicism and inventive, slapstick humor, providing a distinct counterpoint to the more serious tones of other strips within the same publication.

Issue number 28 represents a mid-run segment of the series' original appearances during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The design and visual style of this era were heavily defined by Ian Gibson’s expressive, detailed line work, which excelled at conveying the frantic energy and absurd machinery of Slade’s world. While the character eventually moved into his own standalone titles, the original weekly appearances in 2000 AD established the definitive look and personality of the iconic bounty hunter, and these early issues remain highly regarded for their foundational role in British comics history.