Alex + Ada Volume 1 (Alex + ADA Tp) by Jonathan Luna

Alex + Ada #1

by Jonathan Luna

From JONATHAN LUNA (GIRLS, THE SWORD, Spider-Woman, ULTRA) and SARAH VAUGHN (Sparkshooter) comes ALEX + ADA, a sci-fi drama set in the near future. The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in realistic androids. But when Ada is dropped into his life, will Alex keep her?

This will be JONATHAN LUNA’s return to comics after three years off since the end of THE SWORD!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Romance, Comic Book

Unknown Binding

First published November 6, 2013

About the author

JONATHAN LUNA co-created and illustrated THE SWORD, GIRLS, and ULTRA (all Image Comics) with his brother, Joshua Luna. He co-created and illustrated ALEX + ADA with Sarah Vaughn. He wrote and illustrated STAR BRIGHT AND THE LOOKING GLASS (Image Comics). His work also includes the art for SPIDER-WOMAN: ORIGIN (Marvel Comics), written by Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed.

Jonathan was born in California and spent most of his childhood overseas, living on military bases in Iceland and Italy. He returned to the United States in his late teens.

Writing and drawing comics since he was a child, he graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Sequential Art.

He currently resides in Northern Virginia.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first ever graphic novel...not sure how I feel about it yet but I'm definitely intrigued. I will be continuing on with the rest of issues of Volume 1 at the very least.

[Caro the Helmet Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

First glimpse - not so fresh, not so original. It contains SO many recycled ideas that it hurts. Chobits is the first thing that comes to my mind, but not the last. Graphics? Neat but sort of boring. The very boring kind of boring. Some faces were basically identic and they all reminded me Kristen Stewart's emotional chart. Yet... I got hooked. I'm a sucker for robot/android stories, it can't be helped. So I guess I will wait for more?

[Kells Next Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this graphic novel so much. Will be continuing it for sure.

[Nicolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

SXSW 2014. South by Southwest is an interactive, music and film festival in Austin, Texas and since Comixology has a major presence there this weekend, it gave some free books accessible to its subscribers as it launched some major initiatives. This is one of those books.

It's kind of weird to see this book not billed as being done by The Luna Brothers. Jonathan Luna collaborates with Sarah Vaughn in this new Image Comics series set in a very plausible near futuristic setting where a tech conglomerate (think Google) has embedded itself and its products quite securely into human living. But that's not the story though. The story is about Alex and his robotic love surrogate Ada.

The future is actually now. In Japan, they've already started making lifelike dolls for such purposes. The reader won't know what Luna's version of this love doll is capable since the first issue ends with Alex activating Ada for the first time, and that is almost enough for me to pony up some electronic currency for issue two.

Luna and Vaughn crafts a realistic and emotional story. One can almost feel the loneliness Alex drip from the page. Our hero hasn't quite gotten over his recent breakkup and the it only became more apparent during his own surprise birthday party seeing all his friends hooking up. All, except for one who apparently likes him but our hero is just too emo right now.

I'm surprised why this new launch isn't getting the press most of the recent Image launches are getting, but this book is good and worth it to try out. At least until the second issue at least.

[Keyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget reality, can I live in this world?! The setting for this story is in the near future. This comic comes in monthly installments and leaves the reader wanting more. I especially loved the diversity of characters and the illustrations were great.

Possible **SPOILERS**
DIRECTIONS: READ IN YOUR "AS SEEN ON TV" COMMERCIAL VOICE

Is your alarm clock vintage-2013?! Did your favorite Starbucks mess up your coffee today? Ooohh NO! Is that morning shower to cold for you? Is your sex life a bore and your family & friends have noticed?

No worries we know what you need. PRIME! -The new and latest development in technology. We will wake you, bring you your coffee in bed, set the temp just right, and pleasure all your needs. No batteries required! Order your ROBOT today! AND, if you order in the next 5 minutes we will include a FREE subscription to your favorite channel in your vehicle. Playing all the best soap operas money can buy.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art style remains the same throughout the first three volumes. It’s meh. It’s like a more professional take on King of the Hill. For reasons I’ll just chalk up to subjective tastes, I loathe this style. It didn’t bother me as much. The art doesn’t enhance this product, except as a means to tell a shorter story and without a need to rely on one’s skill as a writer. That’s what I suspect.

Y’know what? I’m just gonna wrap up my review for all three volumes here.

Alex + Ada explores cool ideas. I grew up watching Cartoon Network in the 90s/2000s and there was no shortage of things android, robotic or AI. Hell, Dragon Ball Z even picked up on the trend. I think it’s especially relevant now; it’s only that we can’t be so imaginative with the reality staring at us…quite literally, perhaps.

There isn’t anything new for me to chew on. As a romance, maybe it’s a little more fresh, at least the western attempt at the trope. I wouldn’t go higher than three stars. Can’t. I did read three volumes so something’s here. Not bad by any means, I just wanted more.

[Ashley Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Interesting, but nothing special enough for me to buy the next volume.

[Hanne Govaerts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eerste issues van image comics staan gratis online! :)
Alex + Ada wou ik al een tijdje lezen, de eerste issue is verrassend goed! Dus ik kijk al uit om de volgende issues in het echt aan te kopen!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it was about the Grandma and her bot then would have another star :P

[hey maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE IT.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the (&T* $^%#@)( @&*()@ was that?! Honestly, I know it's a monthly. I know I will have to be patience but all that book did was make me feel even sadder and lonelier than I have on some of my worse days .. and it's Alex's BIRTHDAY!

That was cruel.

The book does it's job. Sets up beautiful future where everything can be automated and folks choose to either get on board on not... well not automated really, more like controlled by their every thought. He's going through the motions and we see his day unfold and the last page, wait, one could argue four pages introduces Ada.

There's clearly something fishy about Prime. And I am ok with learning what that may be but... all this did was make me sad for Alex and by extension myself. He's doing everything he's supposed to and things are just, ok... hell his life is technically better than mine (he does appear to be a person who can sustain himself and rent or own his own place...but his family gots some green - clearly enough of it but whateves) but he's still as, ok, as I am.

Anyway... I'm in it for the long haul there's no way I'm bailing the book looks to amazing to toss just cause it makes one feel lonely.

[Cécile · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’ai un peu découvert ce comic par hasard sur Goodreads. J’étais à la recherche de nouveaux comics à lire pour combler le manque que laissent mes comics qui prennent beaucoup trop de temps pour sortir un nouveau numéro. J’ai d’abord été attiré par le dessin et les couleurs, puis le titre qui laisse à penser la présence d’une romance entre Alex et Ada et ensuite par le résumé qui peut nous rappeler l’excellent film Her avec Joaquin Phoenix. Alex + Ada rassemble les deux genres que j’ai véritablement appris à aimer durant cette année : la science fiction et le roman graphique. De plus, le thème des intelligences artificielles me fascine car elles sont si réelles, si humaines. Elle nous pousse à nous interroger sur notre humanité, cette particularité qui est censée nous détacher de ces intelligences artificielles. Et pourtant, cette distinction évidente devient de plus en plus flou.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Chiwawa! What an incredible and hooking beginning. I just couldn't stop reading (read first 5 already, btw) and had those "whaaaaaa?" moments every time I reached the end of the issue.
Already got all 12 issues that are out and guys, GUYS!, I can tell you, this graphic novel deserves all the hype.
Art seems simplistic at first, but I'm in love with it after #2. Just like that. 30 pages in. It makes the whole image more realistic for some reason. Also, I agree with those, who loved all the repetitive panels. They sure make a story go smooooth and my eyes enjoy 'em a lot. So relaxing.

Basically..GO READ IT!!!
I'm so pumped to continue. Haven't been as excited for a while.

P.S. BTW, Alex's sister is totally Kate Winslet! Am I alone here?

P.P.S. Granny knows what a grandson needs.=P

[Alaa A · Rating 3 out of 5]

its was a good introduction , its not fair to review a series like this I might say my thoughts along the way and give you a full review at the end.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I snagged a copy of this issue during Free Comic Book Saturday this past weekend. I liked it. Something about the simplicity of it is alluring to me. The art is amateurish and I don't think emotions are conveyed well on the characters faces. The main character practically has one look on his face the entire issue. I was able to overlook that though.

Alex is still reeling from the loss of his ex-girlfriend when his grandmother gifts him an android for his 27th birthday. The issue ends with him opening the package that contains Ada.

I look forward to getting my hands on the Volume 1!

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might check this out more on Comixology Unlimited or the library but I wasn't too impressed with the first issue. I thought the writing was uninspired and the art was ugly. It looks almost like The Sims only with worse graphics. The only reason I gave this a 2 instead of a 1 is because I think it has promise if the relationship between Alex and Ada is amazing. Still, I won't be paying money to read any further in this series, and I am happy I gave it a try with the $1 issue.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...that was really short but that's to be expected.
This first issue sets up a bit of the world as well as the main character. This reminded me of iRobot. I really enjoyed it and am excited to continue reading, however I'm going to wait until it comes out as a volume or something rather than the little issues.

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sci-fi comic takes place in the not too distant future, it isn't some dystopian society with hover cars and jet packs though, instead the author has built a future that is very believable and doesn't feel too far off.

The main character Alex is immediately likable and relatable.

[Aarthika · Rating 3 out of 5]

im not a fan of the art style so far, but the story is pretty interesting.

[Kadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh I'm very intrigued, reminds me of Her but more advanced.

[Evelyn Blackwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff.
After watching movies like Her and Ex Machina, it can kinda feel like there isn't much left to be said about falling in love with people who have artificial intelligence, and while that can certainly feel true here, I didn't mind the re-traveled territory.
I didn't mind the artwork either. It can look a bit stiff at time, but I suppose that's the point. Colors are all pleasing to the eyes and I think it was when kinky grandma was talking that I started to realize how engaged I was. It all felt very modern and real; like something we'll have to deal with more in time rather then speculate over.
These stories feel like cautionary tales- though I estimate with passing years these will feel more like casual romances stories instead of kinky taboo robot love stories.
With movies like Her in particular I get the impression the intention is to give the impression that this kinda stuff is weird only to pull an emotional muscle to get an audience to care and subvert their own expectations- when, really; I simply don't find these types of stories all that "weird" anymore. People love lots of shit. Doesn't seem all that bizarre to me a human would fall in love with a thinking machine.
Granted, the story hints at some potential violence to come; and I'm personally hoping it doesn't go that route. I think a simple romance is what this story should be.
Place your bets! Does this go the Westworld route or the Her route?

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALEX + ADA. Volume 1

Chapter 1:
This first chapter issue sets up the futuristic context for us understanding Alexander and his lonely life. He’s a genuine and reasonable person with a considerate personality.
Refreshingly crisp illustrations and colours, and easy to read soft font-text make this an enjoyable read.
This story feels like a sincerely romantic and realistic world in which humans and androids co-exist, whilst the phobia of “them vs us” lingers like a cloudy shadow. I even like the title, using + instead of ‘and/&’ suggesting something mathematical-formulaic-robotic!
The question posed (ever since Philip K. Dick so brilliantly explored in his ‘DADOES’ novel [‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep’], and in many of his stories) is ‘What makes somebody human?’ If the ancients believed that us humans are made in the image of God (‘imago dei’) what are androids if they are made in the image of humans? And does a ‘person’ becoming sentient mean that they too have become human?

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was super weird, and I'm really not sure how I should feel about this 8'D

Basically, this is set in a futuristic world with super advanced tech (and one where there has been a near-Skynet incident potentially?) where you can get cybernetic enhancements to allow yourself to control your technology with a thought... which really just makes me think that everyone is going to be converted to Cybermen because that's just what happens, right? 8'D

Definitely very odd, and the fact that apparently the MC's grandma got him an android to be a uh.... sex doll? Is fucking weird. But honestly, what's weirder is that she a) has one of her own, and b) discusses that openly with her grandchild.

Honestly... this whole thing is just very wtf. Not bad (but I feel it could easily get to that 8'D) but so far just... not good.

Side note: What kind of grandma tells their grandchild to "Go out and get your pee-pee wet"? (exact words). It makes this seem both juvenile and adult simultaneously ._.

[Joel Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dream come true. This graphic novel is like if I'd commissioned a writer and illustrator with my idea of a perfect story and they went and wrote it. Not only is the plot and the near-future world super cool, the illustrations just do it for me, what ever 'it' is. I connected with Alex and Ada straight away. Half way through, I had to stop what I was doing and buy the whole collection. I haven't been this excited about a book series in a long time and I've never been this excited about a graphic novel (except for maybe locke & Key)

The crazy thing is AI actually recommended it. I asked it for something along these lines and it delivered. Thank you, Perplexity!

[Ashe Catlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The set up is a bit like terminator, where the computers are self aware and started attacking people. That isn’t the focus of this plot however, we follow an office worker, who’s hung up on his ex.

Yeah apart from being a miserable git, not much happens. The things it’s mentioning happening throughout the world are far more interesting than the actual focus of the story. There are some mentions of having sex with robots, judging by the ending I’m guess that’s where the romantic angle is.

If you like the show Humans, you might enjoy this but personally it wasn’t for me.

[Dayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Ada Volume by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Kuhn (2015)
5 stars
** This is a very short volume so this review may contain minor spoilers**
In the not so distant future, Alex finds himself living a stale life. Work is going well and he has great friends, but when his grandmother points out his loneliness, he begins to see more and more flaws in his everyday life. While the world grapples with the complex nature of future technology, with increasingly independent AI, Alex's grandmother suggests it's time he introduces a perfect house companion into his life. Ada.

This was a super quick read and a tantalizing introduction into this familiar future world. With how much fantasy I read, I sometimes forget how much I love the complex questions asked by sci-fi authors. We get just a taste for what is coming as this world approaches the apex of a robotic rights revolution. Laced with both love and fear of AI tech we get so many little glimpses of several perspectives in this world.

I was expecting to read this and get another "pseudo dystopian" love story between a boring guy and a pretty robot girl who is more than meets the eye. And the pacing and world-building, hesitation Alex brings to the relationship, left me knowing this was going to be much more than that formula. By the end of the story, I was drawn into a very new relationship between Alex and Ada. I am eager to read further volumes ASAP, as so much of this volume was the buildup to a new beginning.

[Terry Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jonathan Luna continues to pump out stories with illusions of importance but read as though they were crafted by a team of 14-year-olds in their rec room.

While the story aspires to be about...what...the evils of technology run amok?...it feels hollow and spiritless at the best moments and juvenile the rest of time.

Not something I care to continue digging into.

[Siti Faridah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading this comic in 2025 on a new iPad Mini 7!

The headline itself is enough, isn’t it? But I guess rereading this again is untimely because the main premise of this comic is the essentiality of Artificial Intelligence in our modern lives. This comic has made me thought a lot about the possibilities in the future.

[Silas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a decent setup with a lot of already used ideas, like brain implants to control devices, and android assistants. Apart from the brain implants, this is reminiscent of Chobits, which I loved, but isn't quite as engaging. Alex's grandmother is particularly creepy, and there isn't quite enough of this book that isn't creepy for me to make the effort to read further.

[Priscila Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

2

Muita gente incomodada com o traço (não achei feio), mas o que me incomodou foi talvez eu querer uma ambientação mais legal e abrangente nessas primeiras páginas. Não sei se lerei os outros capítulos. Vamos ver.