Heroman Vol. 1 (manga)

Orphaned American teen Joseph Carter Jones, aka Joey, lives with his grandmother in Central City, Los Angeles. When he's not in class you can generally find him working diligently at a diner to help make ends meet at home. Joey's a bit scrawny for his age. He's not athletic or much of a bookworm - in fact, he doesn't fit in anywhere, but he's got a set of friends and a few hobbies that help him cope when not busy at work.

Upon hearing of a new toy robot called the Heybo, Joey becomes set on the idea that acquiring one will change his for the better. Like many impressionable teens, Joey thinks material goods can bring him good fortune, and given his life situation he could really use some luck. Unfortunately, he cannot afford to buy the machine on his meager salary.

His luck changes when he picks up a broken-down Heybo abandoned by a school bully. Said bully is a member of the football team and was picking on Joey because the runt was hanging out with his friend and lead cheerleader Lina. In Joey's eyes this used bot could be a source of strength. It could turn him into a hero for Lina and his school... if he can make it work. He tries to fix the toy, and eventually names it Heroman. Initially his effort seems to go to waste as the bot refuses to function, but when Heroman gets struck by a bolt of lightning, it transforms into a giant robot... just in time to save Lina from impending danger.