Joshua's review

Joshua's review

Ex Machina Vol. 1: The First Hundred Days Ex Machina Vol. 1: The First Hundred Days
by Brian K. Vaughan

1130861 Joshua's review
rating: 3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars

I'm not usually a fan of "realistic" superhero comics. Too often, "gritty" and "realistic" means creating dislikable characters and putting them in grim situations in the mistaken idea that this makes the comic "deep," whereas I just find them boring (at best).

But Ex Machina is a fairly realistic story of a man given amazing powers who becomes a costumed crimefighter, only to quickly decide he's doing more harm than good as a superhero and could do more good in politics, as mayor of New York City. Although the characters and situations (excluding the costume and superpowers) are realistic, they aren't overwhelming gritty or dark. Mitch Hundred, the main character, is idealistic and enthusiastic (but also sarcastic and impulsive). His superhero sidekicks are equally idealistic in their own ways. But they also have to deal with real situations, complicated politics, and actions with consequences. Ex Machina is fun and fresh, a nice mix of sunli...more

Like this review?   yes    flag




comments (showing 1-1 of 1)

newest »
dateDown_arrow

message 1: by Gregg
05/09/2008 06:11AM

129091 Oddly enough, I read this recently as well and enjoyed much of it. I lost interest about three graphic novels in, but I really dug the fact that the hero... wait for it.... likes comic books. How very meta.

flag abuse *


all Joshua's books »