Ex Machina

Wisconsin Bookwatch, May, 2005

Ex Machina

Brian K. Vaughan, et al.

DC Comics

1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

www.dccomics.com

1401206123 $9.95 1-800-759-0190

The combined effort of Brian K. Vaughan (writer), Tony Harris (pencils), J.D. Mettler (colors), Jared K. Fletcher (letters), and Larry Berry (design), Ex Machina: Book 1--The First Hundred Days is a graphic novel that offers a very different take on being a superhero. When a strange accident gives ordinary civil engineer Mitchell Hundred incredible powers, he becomes America's first known superhero; yet as the days go by he tires of endlessly struggling for the status quo, and runs for Mayor of New York City in hope of bringing about lasting changes for the better. Yet his landslide election is only the start of an intricate and sometimes lethal adventure, one which will make it painfully clear that absolute power corrupts absolutely. A gritty texture to the art and narration bring the all-too-close-to-home story come alive, and a bonus section at the end allows the reader to compare reference photographs to finished comic pages, as well as offering a handful of original sketches. Ex Machina is recommended for mature readers due to its themes and some cursing (not excessive, but simply reflecting how some people talk foul). A highly recommended and thought provoking look at the city and an accidental hero. Fans will be looking forward to Book 2 of this original concept series.