Robot Dreams (2007) by Sara Varon is a wordless graphic novel about the bittersweet nature of friendship. The story follows a lonely Dog who builds a robot from a kit, forming a bond with his new creation. They share simple moments of joy, like watching movies and visiting the beach, until an accident leaves the Robot rusted and immobile. Despite Dog’s efforts to repair him, the Robot is abandoned and forgotten for a time. Through various adventures and dreams, Robot navigates loneliness, new encounters, and the passage of time. Eventually, Robot is transformed by a raccoon into a functional, music-playing robot, and while he is happy in this new form, he ultimately encounters Dog again, who has moved on to a new robot friend. The novel explores themes of friendship, abandonment, and resilience, all without the use of words.
0