Artificial #1

by Maria Llovet

MINISERIES PREMIERE

Clara, a fashion stylist disillusioned with love, turns to a futuristic dating service that offers lifelike android partners. But when her dream lover glitches into a possessive stalker, she finds herself trapped in a game of desire, control, and survival.

9 1/2 Weeks meets The Terminator in ARTIFICIAL, the new erotic thriller by acclaimed creator MARIA LLOVET

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2025

About the author

Maria Llovet is a graphic novel author and illustrator from Barcelona.
Her work explores themes of desire, intensity, and aesthetics, blending emotional depth with striking visual storytelling.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Maria Llovett and I love a good android romance (thanks, Tanith Lee!). This is a love letter to romance girlies and I'm here for it! Gorgeous art, gorgeous story.

[quietpageturner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and sweet romantic thriller that asks the question of society’s future with AI and dating

A quick read that ended on a bit of a cliff hanger. I enjoyed the pace and graphics but felt continuity was lacking between a few pages. Overall, I’d recommend this as a good palette cleanser 💕

[Mattie Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short and a super interesting concept! I've always been a sucker for comic type romances, and this one had a great modern AI twist to it! I want moreeeee!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, not my favorite. I didn’t expect the way it went. I liked the art stye too, the artist is very talented.

[Kay ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked: I am bias because I see Maria Llovet and I buy. I love everything my baby touches.
Art & Coloring: Yes
Writing: Yes
What I didn't like: BLASPHEMY I LOVE IT ALL
Final thoughts: GETTING THE TRADE. BUYING IT ALL!
Continuing?: OBVIOUSLY

[sam banach · Rating 3 out of 5]

guys no judgement please

[Cwellere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel highlights an important discourse on AI and the future of human relationships. The thoughts behind the decision taken by the main character were realistic and relatable, and the drawing style made it easy to follow the story and get invested in her story.
The pace made this a fast read and left me a bit wanting at the end. Although it started on a really strong note, taking its time to set the scene and introduce the characters and their motivations, the last part felt too glossed over and the ending resolved too abruptly. I would have like this book to be longer, to see more of the reasons why Clara starts disentangling her complicated feelings for her ex, and the after-climax of the story.
It still was a very entertaining read coupled with the thrill of the erotic side of it. If you’ve ever wondered what being with your favorite book boyfriend would be like, this is the comic book for you.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

[Viola Hartung · Rating 4 out of 5]

english:
A dystopian future in which the body, desire, and technology converge. The graphic novel plays with eroticism, questions of identity, and artificial intelligence without drawing clear boundaries. The images are provocative and atmospheric, the story more a feeling than a plot. Those who embrace the sensual and surreal will find a work that disturbs, fascinates, and leaves a lasting impact.

german:
Eine dystopische Zukunft, in der Körper, Begehren und Technologie ineinanderfließen. Die Graphic Novel spielt mit Erotik, Identitätsfragen und künstlicher Intelligenz, ohne klare Grenzen zu ziehen. Die Bilder sind provokant und atmosphärisch, die Handlung eher ein Gefühl als ein Plot. Wer sich auf das Sinnliche und Surreale einlässt, findet ein Werk, das verstört, fasziniert und lange nachwirkt.

[whereevershedwells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, those involved with publishing this graphic novel, and Net Galley for the opportunity to review this graphic novel!

While this was a short read, I still found it enthralling. I will say, I wish there had been maybe a trigger warning (maybe I missed it) for things verging on sexual violence, but I was able to push through those couple of pages. It's interesting how topical this piece felt, especially with the big stories around AI and worrisome relationships people are forming with AI chatbots.

Overall, it was well written and illustrated, and presents a possible future we may encounter along with an intense side effect of AI reliance. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more of Llovet's works in the future. :)

[Síle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Maria Llovet and Image Comics for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Artificial is fast-paced, steamy, and kinda absurd. The art style is striking, surreal, and provocative, perfectly matching a story that thrives on erotic tension, chaos, and consequences.

It’s wild how everything spirals from something as simple (and devastating) as forgetting a safe word. That premise sets the tone for a messy, violent, and strangely funny exploration of desire, boundaries, and the fallout of passion.

Not for the faint of heart, but if you love Llovet’s blend of erotic art, bizarre plotting, and emotional intensity, you’ll find this both entertaining and something you won't forget any time soon.

[Mei · Rating 3 out of 5]

AI is slowing taking over the world so why not dating?

Clara recently ended her relationship with Mateo and has arranged a date with an android she connected with through a dating app. She decides to pay for her membership and continue "dating" Saul.. Needless to say, something malfunctions with Saul and he becomes her stalker. It goes down just the way you think it will.

This was a quick read, and I honestly thought one character had died more than once, only for them to suddenly get back up. It might’ve been the artwork, but the scenes weren’t always clear, which made those moments a bit confusing.

[Katie Rufo Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Llovet shows us a reality where Artificial Intelligence goes beyond and becomes a romance companion in a realistic human form. Llovet does a fantastic job of showing how the despite the best intentions, technology will follow what it is coded to do. We see the pleasures as well as the frustrations/dangers to dealing with technology. Clara runs into complications with automated message systems, AI bots, and androids. When we take the human out of romance it can have dire consequences. What a fascinating story! I wish it was a tad longer!!

[RSC_Collecting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God! This is a fantastic start. I love Maria Llovet so much! This new series is about a girl who wants the perfect man. She ends up trying a new thing called Date-X. An android subscription service that lets you customize your perfect partner. Everything from their appearance, to their genitals, to their personality and sexual preferences. This has the possibility to go anywhere from here. It could get dark. It could get extremely sexy. It could be both. Who knows? But I seriously cannot wait to get the trade when it comes out. If I can wait that long!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. The artwork was really nice too. Clara decides to try something new for excitement. It goes horribly wrong. I’m not sure what I was expecting but the story became intense and exciting. The art really lent itself to the story giving details visually. I think it was really well done and had a nice balance to it. This is definitely worth the read! Enjoy!

[AJ Easterday · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Why can't guys be like they are in novels?"

The question every woman keeps asking!

I loved this first issue. It feels really refreshing finding a comic by a woman that is so clearly for women. This story feels so realistic and relatable. Can't wait to continue!

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am intrigued. will definitely read the next issue.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really excited for more of this! I loved it

[shania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see my future and it’s bright….and potentially scary? We’ll see in the next issue! I really like this first issue.

[Gabs♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concept of these graphic novels!! The last few scenes were scary are really makes you think about AI😭

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

slightly less confusing story line than the vampire series and still stunnin artwork! will read the whole series.