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In these difficult times, it’s nice to remember the value of escapism in comic books — like, for example, this upcoming new DSTLRY series by Chip Zdarsky and Rachael Stott that’s set against the backdrop of increasing political tensions between the United States and Canada that raises the potential of impending war… No, wait! Unlike, you know, the real world, this one has lovestruck robots!

The wonderfully names White House Robot Romance is, as its name suggests, secretly a romance comic… albeit a very unusual one indeed. Just as two kitchen robots begin to transcend their programming and fall in love, one is scheduled to be decommissioned — raising the possibility that both could break with protocol and run away together to live their lives together in hiding in the wilds of Washington, DC. There’s just one problem: one of the robots has state secrets in their memory banks, making them a highly important asset in the political maneuvering between the US and Canada as things continue to get worse between the two countries.

“Yes, there’s science fiction and political intrigue here, but the heart is an old-fashioned romance,” Zdarsky, who’s written both Marvel’s Daredevil and DC’s Batman in recent years, said in a statement about the series. “Getting to write the love story between Service-1 and Chef-9 and see their love come to life thanks to Rachael and Tamra [Bonvillain, series colorist] has been an absolute delight. I hope everyone falls for these two the way I have!”

“I’m channeling my love of classic sci-fi, espionage thrillers, and of course, star-crossed romance,” added Stott, calling the series “an incredible challenge in the best way possible.” She added, “Bringing these characters to life and making them feel human has been an exciting experience.”

Each issue of the series will be released in DSTRLY’s preferred 48-page format with wraparound covers featuring spot gloss finish. The first issue features covers from Stott, Jill Thompson, Elsa Charretier, and Bengal; you can see the covers, along with interior art from the first issue by Stott and Bonvillain, in the gallery below.

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