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HUXLEY
Built on the ashes of a nuclear holocaust, a once thriving world ruined by generations of planetary wars now lays in perpetual waste. To save humanity from itself, the remaining A.I. bred and cloned elite humans as workers, soldiers and enforcers – armoured warriors known as Ronin – to help keep order and give humanity a purpose in this new world. After a certain age, the clones start to think for themselves and are sent on increasingly dangerous missions until they are killed or ‘retired’, replaced by younger and more compliant clones until the cycle repeats itself again.
While humanity limps on in this new world, the lives of two soldiers, Max and Kai, become irreversibly intertwined on a routine mission upon discovering an ancient sentient robot known as Huxley in the wastelands of a desolate planet. These two post-apocalyptic scavengers suddenly find themselves thrust into a mystery of a galactic scale and as the saga unfolds, the reader begins to unravel Huxley's true purpose. Ben Mauro’s stunning debut adventure sets the stage for an exciting new sci-fi universe for readers and fans of the genre to enjoy and fall in love with.
While humanity limps on in this new world, the lives of two soldiers, Max and Kai, become irreversibly intertwined on a routine mission upon discovering an ancient sentient robot known as Huxley in the wastelands of a desolate planet. These two post-apocalyptic scavengers suddenly find themselves thrust into a mystery of a galactic scale and as the saga unfolds, the reader begins to unravel Huxley's true purpose. Ben Mauro’s stunning debut adventure sets the stage for an exciting new sci-fi universe for readers and fans of the genre to enjoy and fall in love with.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2025
3 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 30, 2025
It’s been a while since I delved into a graphic novel and when I came across Huxley, I figured it was time for me to start again. The artwork drew me in instantly!
Cons:
Bit too fast paced in the beginning; wish it had been 15 pages longer setting up the world and the characters.
Some of the dialogue is a bit clunky and unnecessary at times.
Pros:
The illustrations are fantastic! The pages are lush with well-crafted entities set in a vibrant sci-fi world. The design for the characters and robots is quite striking. The protagonists are homely and likable; the antagonist is terrifying and haunting. There is a nice little subtle shift when there is a flashback to the past (when things was a bit less dystopian) when all the illustrations are smoother and less gritty.
The story is well developed and engaging. Can’t wait for the next volume!
4 stars rounded up from 3.75 stars
I received a copy from the publishers for an honest review.
Cons:
Bit too fast paced in the beginning; wish it had been 15 pages longer setting up the world and the characters.
Some of the dialogue is a bit clunky and unnecessary at times.
Pros:
The illustrations are fantastic! The pages are lush with well-crafted entities set in a vibrant sci-fi world. The design for the characters and robots is quite striking. The protagonists are homely and likable; the antagonist is terrifying and haunting. There is a nice little subtle shift when there is a flashback to the past (when things was a bit less dystopian) when all the illustrations are smoother and less gritty.
The story is well developed and engaging. Can’t wait for the next volume!
4 stars rounded up from 3.75 stars
I received a copy from the publishers for an honest review.
July 23, 2025
Very interesting graphic novel. On a world left for dead, ravaged by deadly wars, where everyone is stranded on the surface without means of traveling to any neighboring planets or star systems, two scavengers find old machine, from times forgotten. Their find will definitely change not just their lives but life of everyone on the planet.
Art is excellent. It's been a while since I enjoyed post-apocalyptic Mad-Max style panoramas. Vehicles and technology are present but with that wonderful patina of they-have-seen-better-times. They work, they operate but for everyone it seems like that any accident, any firefight is just so terribly close to losing that precious technology. This reminds me so much of Star Wars and Alita.
Even cyborgs, from ordinary people trying to improve themselves to shady power dealers in the Atlas city with his deadly bodyguards, always on the path to grab that unique gift, immortality, they all have that feeling of used, proven and ridiculously deadly technology. This is world where technology is merged with living creatures to unfathomable levels. It is world where works of scientists past is seen now more as a magical and not mere technological. This is what made me truly enjoy Puzzler novels and original Sword of Shannara. Secrets of the past, not quite understood and thus extremely dangerous.
This is a scene setup for the story. Not all players are known, but they all made sure their presence is more than felt. There is sequel coming and I cannot wait until it is out :)
For fans of epic SF stories, highly recommended.
Art is excellent. It's been a while since I enjoyed post-apocalyptic Mad-Max style panoramas. Vehicles and technology are present but with that wonderful patina of they-have-seen-better-times. They work, they operate but for everyone it seems like that any accident, any firefight is just so terribly close to losing that precious technology. This reminds me so much of Star Wars and Alita.
Even cyborgs, from ordinary people trying to improve themselves to shady power dealers in the Atlas city with his deadly bodyguards, always on the path to grab that unique gift, immortality, they all have that feeling of used, proven and ridiculously deadly technology. This is world where technology is merged with living creatures to unfathomable levels. It is world where works of scientists past is seen now more as a magical and not mere technological. This is what made me truly enjoy Puzzler novels and original Sword of Shannara. Secrets of the past, not quite understood and thus extremely dangerous.
This is a scene setup for the story. Not all players are known, but they all made sure their presence is more than felt. There is sequel coming and I cannot wait until it is out :)
For fans of epic SF stories, highly recommended.
July 14, 2025
Love the art style and the whole vibe. Looking forward to Oracle
September 26, 2025
Visually impressive but falls flat.
I randomly saw this in a book store, took one look at the art and was instantly sold. the art is some of the best I've seen in any comic book and I do truly mean that. however that, for the most part, is where my compliments end.
the first part of the book is easily the best, dropping us right into this world, we are introduced to two ronin, the story takes its time with these characters so when they meet huxley and soon after perish, I am saddened by their deaths.
however, the story is not nearly long enough. I was, very immersed in the world of Huxley. but as a first time reader, the story wrapped up way, way too soon for a story of this magnitude. John being freed from his robot tomb was not nearly as satisfying as it should have been because he did basically 3 things before becoming a planet shaping god. the god particle was not very interesting because it was shoe horned in right at the end, if a very brief story.
the mystery of the robot repairing itself through centuries is very cool, but again, the story was not long enough to rile up feelings of dread. the mystery of the robot was interesting, but all interest is removed once we quickly get rushed through the explanation.
I also didn't love Huxley's apparent, non issue being trapped inside a robot, with potentially no prospect of freeing himself. these sorts of aspects are missed with a story this short.
the world was cool, the locations were epic, but the story was simply not long enough to satisfy the scope of this story.
noting that the story is so short, it makes the writing choice of repeating that the characters only motivation was to fight back against corporate greed to save the planet, that much more of a sin. repeating info in a story this short is a big killer
I wish Ben good luck with his future endeavours but what seemed like an "insta cop" for the second book, might have unfortunately been bumped down to a "if it's on sale book"
art: 4.5/5
story: 3/5
characters: 2/5
dialog:3/5
pacing: 2/5
final result: 2.9.
final thoughts: had all the potential in the world but ultimately fell short of the scope it tried to set. I understand budgets are not infinite and deadlines must be met but unfortunately it seems the scope of a new starwars or dune, just wasn't possible with the resources allocated for Huxley.
I randomly saw this in a book store, took one look at the art and was instantly sold. the art is some of the best I've seen in any comic book and I do truly mean that. however that, for the most part, is where my compliments end.
the first part of the book is easily the best, dropping us right into this world, we are introduced to two ronin, the story takes its time with these characters so when they meet huxley and soon after perish, I am saddened by their deaths.
however, the story is not nearly long enough. I was, very immersed in the world of Huxley. but as a first time reader, the story wrapped up way, way too soon for a story of this magnitude. John being freed from his robot tomb was not nearly as satisfying as it should have been because he did basically 3 things before becoming a planet shaping god. the god particle was not very interesting because it was shoe horned in right at the end, if a very brief story.
the mystery of the robot repairing itself through centuries is very cool, but again, the story was not long enough to rile up feelings of dread. the mystery of the robot was interesting, but all interest is removed once we quickly get rushed through the explanation.
I also didn't love Huxley's apparent, non issue being trapped inside a robot, with potentially no prospect of freeing himself. these sorts of aspects are missed with a story this short.
the world was cool, the locations were epic, but the story was simply not long enough to satisfy the scope of this story.
noting that the story is so short, it makes the writing choice of repeating that the characters only motivation was to fight back against corporate greed to save the planet, that much more of a sin. repeating info in a story this short is a big killer
I wish Ben good luck with his future endeavours but what seemed like an "insta cop" for the second book, might have unfortunately been bumped down to a "if it's on sale book"
art: 4.5/5
story: 3/5
characters: 2/5
dialog:3/5
pacing: 2/5
final result: 2.9.
final thoughts: had all the potential in the world but ultimately fell short of the scope it tried to set. I understand budgets are not infinite and deadlines must be met but unfortunately it seems the scope of a new starwars or dune, just wasn't possible with the resources allocated for Huxley.
September 14, 2025
I’m jealous. I consider myself a decent artist but there are times when I come across another artist’s work (specifically a graphic novel artist) that is far superior than my own work.
Pencils, inks, colors and page layouts by stellar story artist and writer Ben Mauro who produced an incredible piece of work with his post-apocalyptic saga: Huxley.
Thames & Hudson has compiled Volume One of the Huxley Saga in an oversize softbound book.
When two soldiers: Max and Kai, came across an ancient sentient robot named Huxley they had no inkling as to the epic adventure and mystery that they were about to take part in.
On a planet devastated by nuclear war a special breed of clones was created to enforce law and order. Aided by A.I. the soldiers performed their duties.
But, like all biological beings they aged and were replaced. New, younger clones continued the programmed procedures in the wastelands.
Eventually robots, clones and A.I. formed different city-states. It is within one such city-that the Huxley Saga begins.
Wow! I am impressed! what a beautifully illustrated epic with an amazing color palette, powerful story and stunning visual effects.
Adding more spice the mix the book also contains the original pencil scans of the epic demonstrating just how talented the writer/artist is. I can only to hope to obtain the level of illustrative and color mastery as Ben Mauro has one day.
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Pencils, inks, colors and page layouts by stellar story artist and writer Ben Mauro who produced an incredible piece of work with his post-apocalyptic saga: Huxley.
Thames & Hudson has compiled Volume One of the Huxley Saga in an oversize softbound book.
When two soldiers: Max and Kai, came across an ancient sentient robot named Huxley they had no inkling as to the epic adventure and mystery that they were about to take part in.
On a planet devastated by nuclear war a special breed of clones was created to enforce law and order. Aided by A.I. the soldiers performed their duties.
But, like all biological beings they aged and were replaced. New, younger clones continued the programmed procedures in the wastelands.
Eventually robots, clones and A.I. formed different city-states. It is within one such city-that the Huxley Saga begins.
Wow! I am impressed! what a beautifully illustrated epic with an amazing color palette, powerful story and stunning visual effects.
Adding more spice the mix the book also contains the original pencil scans of the epic demonstrating just how talented the writer/artist is. I can only to hope to obtain the level of illustrative and color mastery as Ben Mauro has one day.
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
August 1, 2025
Huxley was a visually stunning and entertaining experience!
While some of the dialogue felt flat and occasionally unnecessary, and the plot seemed to unfold without much real effort from the characters, the sheer aesthetic and style more than made up for it. It looked so incredible that I found myself not minding the flaws at all.
While some of the dialogue felt flat and occasionally unnecessary, and the plot seemed to unfold without much real effort from the characters, the sheer aesthetic and style more than made up for it. It looked so incredible that I found myself not minding the flaws at all.
July 14, 2025
The illustration Huxley is outstanding. I'm excited to know what else Mauro has in store with the upcoming installment of the series.
July 30, 2025
Beautiful, dynamic art. The world felt lived in and the characters real. I was just looking for a little more in the dialogue department.
August 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. The story was interesting, perhaps not totally original, but beautifully crafted, the artwork is amazing. Ben Mauro is a very talented artist.
October 3, 2025
This was a masterpiece, the art was incredible and the story made for good reading and a lot to think about.
October 6, 2025
Amazing read and awesome art!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews