Writer:
Jonathan Luna
Sarah Vaughn
Art:
Jonathan Luna
What did I think?
It has been too long since my last review, but in truth I have not been motivated by any particular comic book published in the last few weeks to see fit to put pen to paper. To be fair there have been a few comic books worthy of comment and The Memory Collectors is a great book that immediately comes to mind. I might perhaps review book two of that series in time to come.
Then issue #2 of Alex and Ada hit shelves last week and I knew that I would want to say a few words about this title. I am thoroughly enjoying the calm and considered pace of this story. We were left at the end of #1 with Alex and his new Tanaka X5 android who Alex names 'Ada' in this most recent issue. Alex is completely uncomfortable with the situation he finds himself in. He craves human interaction in a world that no longer desires it, just not with an android. He is without a partner and not entirely satisfied with being alone. But he now has Ada!
Alex can't bring himself to interact with a robot in the way he would with a human female. What makes this story interesting is that Ada on the outside is as human as human gets. She has the capability to learn from Alex and develop her artificial intelligence in a way to support Alex in his everyday life. Isn't that what we want from a human partner? So then, what's wrong with Ada? Its this simple, Alex can't overcome Ada's true form and that behind any potentially real sentiment expressed by Ada, she is still a robot underneath. Therefore does what she says or does have actual meaning? Good question. One for the reader to solve! This issue forces the reader to question whether it is important for us to truly know people on the inside if their intentions toward us are always going to be good, and ultimately does it really matter? The reader can see that Alex is burdened by this and this influences his feelings toward Ada.
This is one of the more thought provoking comic books I've read in a while and I have enjoyed some of the challenging propositions it puts. As I have stated in previous reviews, this story is not about robots, it about the personal value each of us places on human interaction. Its about how as a society we may learn to one day accept that our friends may one day be robots that are outwardly human in character. I hear you laughing! Just give it time!Particular care has been taken my Luna and Vaughn to capture and isolate (without distraction) the interaction between Alex and Ada in a way that gives the story real meaning. As a reader you feel Alex's awkwardness and you want him to like Ada, and not treat her like a robot, but like a real person. You are taken on Alex's journey and this is what great story-telling is about.
Ada is wonderful from my own viewpoint. A nurturer, a protector, a companion. However, how do you escape from the mind-set that deep down Ada on the inside is just one hell of a computer. I think its fair to say that I know some people who have a stronger relationship with their iPhone than any other human in their family. So how is Ada any different? Surely Ada is an improvement on that. Why not I say!
The only questions is...how do I order an Ada?
What did I give this issue?
Grade: A
Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn have created a thought-provoking comic book that needs to be read to truly appreciate. This is one series to collect.
Favourite Cover of the Week:
Coffin Hill #3
Artist: Dave Johnson
I would like to find time to review Coffin Hill #3 because I have really been enjoying it. In the meantime I will share with you the cover of issue #3 in all its awesomeness...
