In a future dominated by robots, the human outpost Pirate Town is under threat. But when cantankerous robot designer Max arrives in town and meets young mechanical prodigy Davy and a martial arts master who cannot believe humanity will fall to the robots – anything could happen.

In a not-so-distant future, robots are replacing humans and leaving them out of work. For the destitute and homeless, there is only one place to go: Pirate Town. A chaotic settlement of traders in counterfeit goods, criminals and murderers, where tourists from the big city gawk at the chaos while wearing masks to avoid choking on the toxic air.

Davy, 13 and a talented mechanic, is a Pirate Town native who dreams of competing in the hugely popular Robot Tournament. But his grandfather, dependent on the boy, will not allow it, and Davy continues to help his grandfather and other old folk by smuggling in medicines: a single kind act in this evil place. Meanwhile, robot designer Max arrives in Pirate Town to meet his old friend, Cheng Chuan, a martial arts master who believes humanity will overcome the robots. But until that day, he sits in his empty dojo awaiting students.

Max and Davy’s stories become intertwined when Max rescues Davy from street thugs. The thugs seek revenge, armed with a battlebot, forcing Cheng Chuang to step in. Robot or human – who will emerge victorious?

Adapted from a developing movie of the same name, Iron Boy: Pirate Town features unique characters and the conflicts they face: from robot advocates and opponents, to robots with personalities of their own, to greedy cartel bosses – in bold yet detailed strokes, Richard Metson takes us on along on Davy and Max’s thrilling adventure through the shadows of… Pirate Town!