Throughout the years, killer robots have dominated the silver screen AND other mediums such as comics, video games, novels, and even album covers. From Mechagodzilla and GUNDAM to more niche names like Cyrax and Fulgore, and pleasant androids like C-3PO and the URKEL BOT! Robots have entertained us, frightened us, and given us some of the best friggin’ action us human counterparts could ask for. But there is no doubt that the two most prolific robots that hardwired our imaginations are the unstoppable T-800 from the TERMINATOR franchise portrayed by the greatest action hero of all, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the cybernetically-enhanced police officer ROBOCOP played by the fantastic Peter Weller.
In 1984, director James Cameron became a household name with The Terminator, launching Schwarzenegger’s film career into the stratosphere. James Cameron claims the idea came to him from a dream of a metal skeleton emerging from fire while he was sick with a fever. The movie would go on to spawn an ever-expanding franchise, but obviously, the first two films stand on their own. In 1987, Dutch director Paul Verhoeven brought us the ultimate science-fiction satire film with Robocop, which not only made us think but thrilled us… and grossed us out. The movie would generate two sequels, a cartoon, a toy line, and a remake that… eh… let’s just stick with Peter Weller, thank you very much.
Sadly, we never received the ultimate big-screen crossover between these two metallic creations that killer robot fans craved, yet these two definitely have some history. In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released Robocop Versus Terminator #1. Written and created by the legendary Frank Miller, this kick-ass printed crossover saw Alex Murphy taking on Skynet due to the fact that Skynet technology was used to build him. Murphy, still human inside, was aware of Skynet’s sinister plans and basically goes to war against the Machines.
Over the years, a movie starring these two badass bots was on and off in development since the early 90s, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, it just didn’t happen. However, there was a great video game while the two were playable characters in Mortal Kombat 11. However, we will turn that frown upside down, set our sights to FACE-OFF mode, and break down these two cyborg warriors to see who will come out on top. So bust out your Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and put on your heavy metal armor because it’s time for… FACE OFF!
This episode of Face Off is written by Jay Saint G, narrated by Shawn Knippelberg, and edited by Jay Saint G. Let us know in the comments which machine you’d rather roll with? The Terminator or Robocop?