Get ready for an iconic moment, Detroit! The legendary RoboCop, our very own crime-fighting hero, has finally taken his place in the Motor City.
After years of anticipation and a journey filled with twists and turns, RoboCop's 11-foot-tall statue, weighing an impressive 3,500 pounds, now stands tall in Detroit. Jim Toscano, co-owner of FREE AGE, the film production company that proudly hosts this bronze masterpiece, shared his excitement: "It's incredible to see people's reactions. Even in the harshest weather, there was a steady flow of visitors eager to get a glimpse."
But here's where it gets controversial... The idea for this statue took root almost four decades ago, back when "RoboCop" hit the big screens in 1987. The film portrayed Detroit as a city plagued by crime, a place where a powerful cyborg, played by Peter Weller, became the city's unlikely savior. It sparked a cult following and even led to a tweet in 2010 suggesting RoboCop as Detroit's ambassador, which caught the attention of then-Mayor Dave Bing.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite initial rejections, a dedicated group of Detroiters took matters into their own hands. Through a successful Kickstarter campaign, they raised over $67,000, and sculptor Giorgio Gikas brought RoboCop to life in 2017. However, finding a permanent home for the statue proved challenging. It was offered to the Michigan Science Center, but they declined due to pandemic pressures. Stevens Point, Wisconsin, even considered it to honor Peter Weller, but the search for a suitable location continued.
Fast forward to three years ago when FREE AGE acquired their building in Eastern Market. Toscano recalls, "We were contacted by the statue's creator and Eastern Market officials, and we couldn't resist. It's just too awesome an opportunity to pass up."
Detroit's transformation is evident. Violent crime rates have been on a downward trend, and homicide numbers are at their lowest since the mid-1960s. Toscano believes this statue is a symbol of Detroit's progress and resilience: "It's a nod to our past, a reminder of how far we've come."
So, what's the iconic line that sums up this moment? According to Toscano, it's RoboCop's famous quote, "Thank you for your cooperation." A perfect sentiment for a city that's embracing its past while moving forward.
What do you think? Is RoboCop's statue a fitting tribute to Detroit's journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
