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Ex Machina: The Deluxe Edition #1
Ex Machina: The Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1
Award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (PRIDE OF BAGHDAD, Y: THE LAST MAN) uniquely combines big city politics and superheroes in this criticially acclaimed series. Set in our modern-day world, EX MACHINA tells the story of civil engineer Mitchell Hundred, who becomes America's first living, breathing super-hero after a strange accident gives him the power to communicate with machines. Eventually Mitchell tires of risking his life merely to maintain the status quo, retires from masked crime fighting and runs for mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide after the events of 9/11.
Illustrated by Tony Harris, EX MACHINA BOOK ONE is the first chapter of one of the finest series ever from Vertigo.
Collects Ex Machina issues #1-11.
Illustrated by Tony Harris, EX MACHINA BOOK ONE is the first chapter of one of the finest series ever from Vertigo.
Collects Ex Machina issues #1-11.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2008
242 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Brian K. Vaughan
1,057 books14.1k followersBrian K. Vaughan is the writer and co-creator of comic-book series including SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, Y THE LAST MAN, RUNAWAYS, and most recently, BARRIER, a digital comic with artist Marcos Martin about immigration, available from their pay-what-you-want site www.PanelSyndicate.com
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
April 4, 2018
3.5 stars
A friend recommended this to me after I had lukewarm feelings toward Vaughan's Y, saying that it was (in his opinion) a better story. And I have to agree with him on that. I did like Mitchell far more than I did Yorrik, and I thought the actual plot was more my personal type of thing. Now, for those of you diehard Y: The Last Man fans out there, I'm not trying to shit on your favorite graphic novel. All I'm saying is that I prefer this one.
Even so, I'm not 100% sold on Ex Machina due to the somewhat slow pace and meandering plot(s).
The set up is that Mitchell is telling the reader how he got to this (supposedly and as yet unidentified) horrible place in his life in flashbacks, so you're watching multiple points of his life and the choices he made intersect with the 'present day' (<--only not really?) part of his story. And while that's pretty cool, it also lends itself to that sort of meandering feel that I mentioned.
Ok, so this is an alternate reality thing in which Mitchell gets the power to communicate with technology (due to stuff), ends up becoming a middle of the road superhero called The Great Machine (possibly the dumbest name ever), saves ONE of the Twin Towers from going down during 9/11, then decides that he can't do enough as a superhero and parlays that fame into becoming the mayor of New York. <--none of that is a spoiler, just the basic set up for everything else.
The real story is what he does while he's the mayor, and the lingering stuff that follows him because of his powers and the way he got them. <--that is still, as of yet, somewhat unexplained.
I think social commentary is something that Brian Vaughan does really well, and his observations are worth reading. However, I will say that sometimes anything resembling action gets lost with all the wah, wah, wah talky stuff. Overall, though? I liked it.
I'm looking forward to seeing how everything goes sideways for Mitchell and how he ended up...wherever he was when the book opens.
Recommended to me by The Chadster. - Thank you!
A friend recommended this to me after I had lukewarm feelings toward Vaughan's Y, saying that it was (in his opinion) a better story. And I have to agree with him on that. I did like Mitchell far more than I did Yorrik, and I thought the actual plot was more my personal type of thing. Now, for those of you diehard Y: The Last Man fans out there, I'm not trying to shit on your favorite graphic novel. All I'm saying is that I prefer this one.
Even so, I'm not 100% sold on Ex Machina due to the somewhat slow pace and meandering plot(s).
The set up is that Mitchell is telling the reader how he got to this (supposedly and as yet unidentified) horrible place in his life in flashbacks, so you're watching multiple points of his life and the choices he made intersect with the 'present day' (<--only not really?) part of his story. And while that's pretty cool, it also lends itself to that sort of meandering feel that I mentioned.
Ok, so this is an alternate reality thing in which Mitchell gets the power to communicate with technology (due to stuff), ends up becoming a middle of the road superhero called The Great Machine (possibly the dumbest name ever), saves ONE of the Twin Towers from going down during 9/11, then decides that he can't do enough as a superhero and parlays that fame into becoming the mayor of New York. <--none of that is a spoiler, just the basic set up for everything else.
The real story is what he does while he's the mayor, and the lingering stuff that follows him because of his powers and the way he got them. <--that is still, as of yet, somewhat unexplained.
I think social commentary is something that Brian Vaughan does really well, and his observations are worth reading. However, I will say that sometimes anything resembling action gets lost with all the wah, wah, wah talky stuff. Overall, though? I liked it.
I'm looking forward to seeing how everything goes sideways for Mitchell and how he ended up...wherever he was when the book opens.
Recommended to me by The Chadster. - Thank you!
December 8, 2018
This series is amazing. Brian Vaughan has a great ear for dialogue and creates such realistic characters. Ten years later this is just as enjoyable to read as when the issues originally appeared. Tony Harris doesn't get nearly enough credit either for being the top notch artist he is. His character designs and costumes are some of the best in the business.
September 11, 2022
What if someone were able to stop the fall of one of the Twin Towers... what if there were only one superhero in the world and he decided to give it up to become Mayor of NYC... what if a comic book discussed topics like school vouchers, gay marriage, underpaid seasonal utilities workers...
These are the high-concepts that launched this book into the public radar and onto many a year-end Best Fiction list. I don't remember when that was, but I remember reading this, liking it, sharing it with non-nerd friends, and them liking it too. It's still likeable the second time around. Tony Harris & Tom Feister's art has a faded realism that is appealing. Just as appealing as Vaughan's snappy, topical writing and his humanistic, non-partisan take on politics. Most enjoyable of all for me was seeing Mayor Mitchell Hundred's powers on display again. Being able to talk to and command any sort of machine, from a gun to a plane, may not make for many kinetic visualizations of such powers, but those powers still remain fascinating and unique to me.
These are the high-concepts that launched this book into the public radar and onto many a year-end Best Fiction list. I don't remember when that was, but I remember reading this, liking it, sharing it with non-nerd friends, and them liking it too. It's still likeable the second time around. Tony Harris & Tom Feister's art has a faded realism that is appealing. Just as appealing as Vaughan's snappy, topical writing and his humanistic, non-partisan take on politics. Most enjoyable of all for me was seeing Mayor Mitchell Hundred's powers on display again. Being able to talk to and command any sort of machine, from a gun to a plane, may not make for many kinetic visualizations of such powers, but those powers still remain fascinating and unique to me.
March 24, 2017
Deluxe Editions of Ex Machina cover around two paperback volumes of Brian Vaughan's post-9/11 series. It is about the story of Mitchell Hundred, NY's mayor and a man who mysteriously got the power to talk to machines, who for a time became The Big Apple's superhero. Volume number one is a good introduction to the protagonist yet it barely reveals what the series will about in its next installments.
Ex Machina, as far as the first book is concerned is definitely not Vaughan's best work. While I loved his Y: The Last Man and absolutely relished reading Saga, Ex Machina narrowly kept my interest alive (thanks to a handful gory illustrations, haha). All the characters, especially Hundred is boring as hell. Character development gets buried as Vaughan works more in building up the politics, intrigue and the "post-9/11 messiah depression disorder". I just hope that all these are just part of a slow-burn writing style that will eventually reach a satisfying conclusion.
By now it is safe to say that Brian Vaughan definitely loved Garth Ennis' Preacher. I am not saying that this is a complete rip-off, but Hundred's machine-speak ability has its uncanny similarities with Custer's Word of God, only this time with machines. (Going further, I also felt that Yorick Brown's interstate journey in Y: The Last Man certainly got its inspiration to Custer, Tulip and Cassidy's nomadic adventures while Marko and Alana's star-crossed love in Saga mirrors the forbidden love between the angel and the devil in Preacher.)
Hundred's superhero alter-ego screams to be free again in this rather depressing city of post-9/11 New York.
Speaking of Y: The Last Man and Saga, our man Mitchell Hundred definitely needs a strong woman (or gay) partner. Vaughan has the knack to create a inherently weak and jovial protagonist teamed up with a more pragmatic, stronger supporting partner. I definitely want to see that in Ex Machina.
Ex Machina, as far as the first book is concerned is definitely not Vaughan's best work. While I loved his Y: The Last Man and absolutely relished reading Saga, Ex Machina narrowly kept my interest alive (thanks to a handful gory illustrations, haha). All the characters, especially Hundred is boring as hell. Character development gets buried as Vaughan works more in building up the politics, intrigue and the "post-9/11 messiah depression disorder". I just hope that all these are just part of a slow-burn writing style that will eventually reach a satisfying conclusion.
By now it is safe to say that Brian Vaughan definitely loved Garth Ennis' Preacher. I am not saying that this is a complete rip-off, but Hundred's machine-speak ability has its uncanny similarities with Custer's Word of God, only this time with machines. (Going further, I also felt that Yorick Brown's interstate journey in Y: The Last Man certainly got its inspiration to Custer, Tulip and Cassidy's nomadic adventures while Marko and Alana's star-crossed love in Saga mirrors the forbidden love between the angel and the devil in Preacher.)
Hundred's superhero alter-ego screams to be free again in this rather depressing city of post-9/11 New York.
Speaking of Y: The Last Man and Saga, our man Mitchell Hundred definitely needs a strong woman (or gay) partner. Vaughan has the knack to create a inherently weak and jovial protagonist teamed up with a more pragmatic, stronger supporting partner. I definitely want to see that in Ex Machina.
October 28, 2017
I'm making it official. Brian K. Vaughan is the greatest comic writer ever!
I can't believe I never read Ex Machina. Actually, I'm kind of glad I didn't. I think when first read Brian's work (Runaways/Y the Last Man) I wouldn't have understood much about what is happening. This is a political drama, mystery, superhero story all combined into one little neat, interesting, different than anything I've read before, package.
Mitchell Hundred is the main character here, a guy who gains the power to control machines. He tells them what to do and how to act. It's pretty insane and wickly cool idea. For awhile he goes around saving people and being "The Machine" and helping the best way he could. However, he starts to see he's limited on who he can help and how that way so he wants to run for office. This is when it gets real interesting.
When a killer is on the loose you begin to question what the fuck is happening. Who is bad? Who's good? The political nature in itself becomes enthralling and by the end you want answers, and you get some, but many more open up.
Good: I admire the way this story is told. Hopping back and forth can hurt a story big time. However, the way this is laid out is super simple and easy to go with but keeps you intrigued. The chapters before 9/11 events give you chills, the ones after give you a dreadful feel, and it all works so well. The art is great and fits the overall themes and message the comic is trying to tell.
The characters interactions kept me reading every single line. I love good debates and political fights and to me, I listen to all sides, and make my own view on that particular subject. I love that Hundred is basically in the middle on most things, keeps it highly entertaining.
Bad: None
I really think this is one of the best series to ever be created based on the first volume. I can only hope it keeps up. However, after this, y the last man, Runaways, and of course Saga Brian K Vaughan is hands down my favorite author in comics (and maybe all time) because he continues to make some of the best stuff around. Thank you! 5/5
I can't believe I never read Ex Machina. Actually, I'm kind of glad I didn't. I think when first read Brian's work (Runaways/Y the Last Man) I wouldn't have understood much about what is happening. This is a political drama, mystery, superhero story all combined into one little neat, interesting, different than anything I've read before, package.
Mitchell Hundred is the main character here, a guy who gains the power to control machines. He tells them what to do and how to act. It's pretty insane and wickly cool idea. For awhile he goes around saving people and being "The Machine" and helping the best way he could. However, he starts to see he's limited on who he can help and how that way so he wants to run for office. This is when it gets real interesting.
When a killer is on the loose you begin to question what the fuck is happening. Who is bad? Who's good? The political nature in itself becomes enthralling and by the end you want answers, and you get some, but many more open up.
Good: I admire the way this story is told. Hopping back and forth can hurt a story big time. However, the way this is laid out is super simple and easy to go with but keeps you intrigued. The chapters before 9/11 events give you chills, the ones after give you a dreadful feel, and it all works so well. The art is great and fits the overall themes and message the comic is trying to tell.
The characters interactions kept me reading every single line. I love good debates and political fights and to me, I listen to all sides, and make my own view on that particular subject. I love that Hundred is basically in the middle on most things, keeps it highly entertaining.
Bad: None
I really think this is one of the best series to ever be created based on the first volume. I can only hope it keeps up. However, after this, y the last man, Runaways, and of course Saga Brian K Vaughan is hands down my favorite author in comics (and maybe all time) because he continues to make some of the best stuff around. Thank you! 5/5
April 29, 2015
Bullet Review:
At the end of the day, my thoughts are jumbled. This is better than "Y: The Last Man", but nowhere near as good as Runaways or Pride of Baghdad and, duh, Saga. (Seriously, NOTHING is as good as Saga.) Mitchell was annoying but nothing like what's-his-name from aforementioned Y; the story is intriguing but lacks the punch of "Pride". And there is action but not as gripping as Runaways.
So for that: 3 stars. Not bad, but not the best.
At the end of the day, my thoughts are jumbled. This is better than "Y: The Last Man", but nowhere near as good as Runaways or Pride of Baghdad and, duh, Saga. (Seriously, NOTHING is as good as Saga.) Mitchell was annoying but nothing like what's-his-name from aforementioned Y; the story is intriguing but lacks the punch of "Pride". And there is action but not as gripping as Runaways.
So for that: 3 stars. Not bad, but not the best.
May 1, 2025
Years ago, I’d read Ex Machina up until the seventh volume (Ex Machina, Vol. 7: Ex Cathedra) and then, because of shipping delays and some impatience on my part, and despite the fact that I really liked this series,I’d sold off the books. In late December of 2012, due to the fact that I really wanted to read this series again (and also because my LCS was having a 40% off sale), I got all 5 Deluxe Editions and re-read the whole thing in something like six days.
The story structure of Ex Machina is ‘present-day’ events with related flashbacks, the former being chronological, the latter not. Some of the arcs are stronger than others, but it’s really when taken as a whole that Ex Machina is a 5-star affair. The sum is greater than the parts, in other words. The individual multi-issue arcs each involve a mystery of sorts while drip-feeding us more clues as to what’s going on in the Grand Picture. The few stand-alone issues each focus on a different cast member and provide more background info on them, in a sort-of ‘origin’-type fashion. It must be noted, as well, that the different arcs’ titles have a double-meaning : they apply to the overall story of the arc itself, but also relate to Mitchell Hundred in some way. Very clever, Mr. Vaughan.
Brian K. Vaughan rose to fame with his superlative Vertigo series ‘Y : The Last Man’ and many wondered if he could deliver the goods again with a new series. The answer is a resounding YES. The art is supplied by industry veteran Tony Harris (Starman and JSA: The Liberty Files) for all 50 regular issues, Chris Sprouse for the first 2 Special issues, John Paul Leon taking care of the art duties for Specials 3 & 4. Jim Lee penciled a 2-page sequence and one alternate cover. It really is too bad that Harris could not pencil all 4 specials, for uniformity’s sake, but it must be said that Sprouse & Leon’s output was good as well. I guess deadlines and shipping schedules are to blame in this case.
Here, then, is my review of the individual stories…
(1) The Pilot
We’re introduced to Mitchell Hundred, a civil engineer who was caught in the blast from the explosion of a mysterious device under the Brooklyn Bridge. This left him temporarily disfigured but also permanently with some powers over machinery : he can communicate with them (they speak to him and he to them). With the help of two friends, Bradbury and Kremlin, he becomes The Great Machine, the world’s first superhero, complete with jet-pack. Oh, it should be noted that in this series’ reality, Hundred managed to save the second World Trade Center tower before the plane hit it, so New York City’s skyline is that much different than um, ‘our’ reality. Our protagonist then parlays his fame into a bid (and subsequent victory) in the NYC mayoral elections. A representative of the state governor visits him with incriminating ‘evidence’ as to some wrongdoing on Hundred’s part. It is only later in the series that we found out what all that is about (and it’s a doozy).
This issue kicks off the series with a bang, does a great job of introducing the main (and some secondary) players. One inconsistency that I picked up was that the commissioner (in this issue) is an African-American woman, and all through the rest of the series she is a white/caucasian woman. I don’t know if this is intentional on Vaughan’s or Harris’ part; sometimes in TV series some elements of the pilot are changed when the series gets picked up by the network (Star Trek comes to mind).
(2) State Of Emergency
A controversial painting at the Brooklyn Museum of Art is causing a stir : A painting of Abe Lincoln with the N-Word prominently overlayed.
Also, in the grips of a major snowstorm, someone is killing off snow-removal employees, leading to the rest of them refusing to work, leaving NYC paralysed. We learn that Kremlin, Hundred’s former friend and associate, is really committed to seeing The Great Machine fly again, even though Mitchell has formerly retired from vigilantism. Mitchell suspects Kremlin is responsible for the killings. Their friendship is even more strained when it is revealed that Kremlin had been listening in on Mitchell through a cleverly hidden transmitter.
(3) Tag
Some weird symbols are sighted in the subway tunnels and causing some people to behave strangely, while at the mayor’s office a debate is going on about gays having the right (or not) to legally marry their partner. Mitchell’s NSA ‘handler’ goes missing after his family is killed and all the evidence points to him (the handler, not Mitchell) as the prime suspect.
Some more information is provided in regards to Mitchell's powers and the plot twist at the tail end of the arc really caught me by surprise. Excellent arc overall. Vaughan's mix of drama & comedy are reminiscent of his "Y: The Last Man" run but the reality he's created for this series is all its own.
(4) Fortune Favors
In this stand-alone issue, Mitchell visits a fortune teller and... nothing much happens.
In spite of this being the first volume of a series, where we could expect the creative team to take the time to establish the players & their motives (and Vaughan & Harris do this), this book is an absolute blast to read. Real dialogue and interaction between the cast & real-life situations (or as close as you get with comic books) make for quite a reading experience with minimal "exposition".
After reading the whole series, it occurs to me that there are a couple of story threads that Vaughan did not tie up. Case in point: in this volume, 2 German-speaking agents break into Mitchell's residence and ask him to give them the shrapnel [from the Brooklyn Bridge incident]. The "German government agents" angle never really gets fully explained or much explored in the subsequent volumes. Why include this plot thread if you're not going to see it through?
Click here for a review of Ex Machina: The Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2
The story structure of Ex Machina is ‘present-day’ events with related flashbacks, the former being chronological, the latter not. Some of the arcs are stronger than others, but it’s really when taken as a whole that Ex Machina is a 5-star affair. The sum is greater than the parts, in other words. The individual multi-issue arcs each involve a mystery of sorts while drip-feeding us more clues as to what’s going on in the Grand Picture. The few stand-alone issues each focus on a different cast member and provide more background info on them, in a sort-of ‘origin’-type fashion. It must be noted, as well, that the different arcs’ titles have a double-meaning : they apply to the overall story of the arc itself, but also relate to Mitchell Hundred in some way. Very clever, Mr. Vaughan.
Brian K. Vaughan rose to fame with his superlative Vertigo series ‘Y : The Last Man’ and many wondered if he could deliver the goods again with a new series. The answer is a resounding YES. The art is supplied by industry veteran Tony Harris (Starman and JSA: The Liberty Files) for all 50 regular issues, Chris Sprouse for the first 2 Special issues, John Paul Leon taking care of the art duties for Specials 3 & 4. Jim Lee penciled a 2-page sequence and one alternate cover. It really is too bad that Harris could not pencil all 4 specials, for uniformity’s sake, but it must be said that Sprouse & Leon’s output was good as well. I guess deadlines and shipping schedules are to blame in this case.
Here, then, is my review of the individual stories…
(1) The Pilot
We’re introduced to Mitchell Hundred, a civil engineer who was caught in the blast from the explosion of a mysterious device under the Brooklyn Bridge. This left him temporarily disfigured but also permanently with some powers over machinery : he can communicate with them (they speak to him and he to them). With the help of two friends, Bradbury and Kremlin, he becomes The Great Machine, the world’s first superhero, complete with jet-pack. Oh, it should be noted that in this series’ reality, Hundred managed to save the second World Trade Center tower before the plane hit it, so New York City’s skyline is that much different than um, ‘our’ reality. Our protagonist then parlays his fame into a bid (and subsequent victory) in the NYC mayoral elections. A representative of the state governor visits him with incriminating ‘evidence’ as to some wrongdoing on Hundred’s part. It is only later in the series that we found out what all that is about (and it’s a doozy).
This issue kicks off the series with a bang, does a great job of introducing the main (and some secondary) players. One inconsistency that I picked up was that the commissioner (in this issue) is an African-American woman, and all through the rest of the series she is a white/caucasian woman. I don’t know if this is intentional on Vaughan’s or Harris’ part; sometimes in TV series some elements of the pilot are changed when the series gets picked up by the network (Star Trek comes to mind).
(2) State Of Emergency
A controversial painting at the Brooklyn Museum of Art is causing a stir : A painting of Abe Lincoln with the N-Word prominently overlayed.
Also, in the grips of a major snowstorm, someone is killing off snow-removal employees, leading to the rest of them refusing to work, leaving NYC paralysed. We learn that Kremlin, Hundred’s former friend and associate, is really committed to seeing The Great Machine fly again, even though Mitchell has formerly retired from vigilantism. Mitchell suspects Kremlin is responsible for the killings. Their friendship is even more strained when it is revealed that Kremlin had been listening in on Mitchell through a cleverly hidden transmitter.
(3) Tag
Some weird symbols are sighted in the subway tunnels and causing some people to behave strangely, while at the mayor’s office a debate is going on about gays having the right (or not) to legally marry their partner. Mitchell’s NSA ‘handler’ goes missing after his family is killed and all the evidence points to him (the handler, not Mitchell) as the prime suspect.
Some more information is provided in regards to Mitchell's powers and the plot twist at the tail end of the arc really caught me by surprise. Excellent arc overall. Vaughan's mix of drama & comedy are reminiscent of his "Y: The Last Man" run but the reality he's created for this series is all its own.
(4) Fortune Favors
In this stand-alone issue, Mitchell visits a fortune teller and... nothing much happens.
In spite of this being the first volume of a series, where we could expect the creative team to take the time to establish the players & their motives (and Vaughan & Harris do this), this book is an absolute blast to read. Real dialogue and interaction between the cast & real-life situations (or as close as you get with comic books) make for quite a reading experience with minimal "exposition".
After reading the whole series, it occurs to me that there are a couple of story threads that Vaughan did not tie up. Case in point: in this volume, 2 German-speaking agents break into Mitchell's residence and ask him to give them the shrapnel [from the Brooklyn Bridge incident]. The "German government agents" angle never really gets fully explained or much explored in the subsequent volumes. Why include this plot thread if you're not going to see it through?
Click here for a review of Ex Machina: The Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2
September 7, 2023
Politically incorrect
This is a great book. It is an awesome mix of sci-fi, superheroes, spies, cops, idealists, and politics. The books and stories are layered and detailed with great characters and character depths.
New mayor Hundred is a former civil engineer who, because of an accident, can "talk/control" and complex machines. First, trying his hand as a superhero, he decides he can do even more good as a politician. However, this might be an even more dangerous vocation. No longer just saving lives but livelihoods, and every decision has huge ramifications. What is a man just trying to do the right thing to do, and what is the right thing anyway?
Great political intrege, on the backdrop of one of the biggest tragedies on the modern age. It is unusual to have such a depth of characters. Points and counter points. I really like how the book covers both sides of issues. The artwork fits the story perfectly. I sm really look forward to seeing what is to come.
This is a great book. It is an awesome mix of sci-fi, superheroes, spies, cops, idealists, and politics. The books and stories are layered and detailed with great characters and character depths.
New mayor Hundred is a former civil engineer who, because of an accident, can "talk/control" and complex machines. First, trying his hand as a superhero, he decides he can do even more good as a politician. However, this might be an even more dangerous vocation. No longer just saving lives but livelihoods, and every decision has huge ramifications. What is a man just trying to do the right thing to do, and what is the right thing anyway?
Great political intrege, on the backdrop of one of the biggest tragedies on the modern age. It is unusual to have such a depth of characters. Points and counter points. I really like how the book covers both sides of issues. The artwork fits the story perfectly. I sm really look forward to seeing what is to come.
March 30, 2018
Puntos positivos:
-La historia, aunque no es original, si te engancha. Ver a un humano obtener poderes y poder contralar cualquier tipo de máquina, sin duda suena atractivo de ver.
-Los Gráficos son geniales, una paleta de color mas obscuros que de costumbre, el disfraz del protagonista a pesar de que no me gusto porque esta muy sobresaturado, sin duda es muy original.
Puntos negativos:
-La sobresaturación de diálogos, algunas páginas tenían demasiadas viñetas con muchos diálogos, que tapaban mucho los gráficos y no me gusto para nada.
-El constante salto de tiempo, entre el pasado y presente del protagonista. Revuelve mas la tan sobrecargada historia.
En conclusión:
Al final la verdad es que no disfrute esta novela, hasta aquí me quedo, no creo continuar con la serie.
-La historia, aunque no es original, si te engancha. Ver a un humano obtener poderes y poder contralar cualquier tipo de máquina, sin duda suena atractivo de ver.
-Los Gráficos son geniales, una paleta de color mas obscuros que de costumbre, el disfraz del protagonista a pesar de que no me gusto porque esta muy sobresaturado, sin duda es muy original.
Puntos negativos:
-La sobresaturación de diálogos, algunas páginas tenían demasiadas viñetas con muchos diálogos, que tapaban mucho los gráficos y no me gusto para nada.
-El constante salto de tiempo, entre el pasado y presente del protagonista. Revuelve mas la tan sobrecargada historia.
En conclusión:
Al final la verdad es que no disfrute esta novela, hasta aquí me quedo, no creo continuar con la serie.
September 7, 2017
Ex Machina is the story of NY’s mayor, Mitchell Hundred (yes, that’s his real name); a man with the power to talk to machines. Mitch mysteriously gains his powers after a mysterious explosion and because New York’s first superhero during the events of 9/11. Not long before that he was a masked vigilante deemed “The Great Machine” and had put up his cape to run for mayor, but 9/11 forced him out of retirement and, as a result, put him in office.
Now, book one does a good job of introducing your key characters but it lacks character development. Personally, I think the constant shift between pre-9/11 and post 9/11 is to blame. Vaughan spent a good chunk of time building the politics and government conspiracy to build intrigue, which works, but the downside is that the characters became a bit bland for my taste.
It’s a solid series but not his best work, in my opinion.
Now, book one does a good job of introducing your key characters but it lacks character development. Personally, I think the constant shift between pre-9/11 and post 9/11 is to blame. Vaughan spent a good chunk of time building the politics and government conspiracy to build intrigue, which works, but the downside is that the characters became a bit bland for my taste.
It’s a solid series but not his best work, in my opinion.
May 29, 2012
I'm just going to review the entire series here under volume 1.
This book is absolutely amazing....until it's not.
Here's how it goes:
Vol. 1-Amazing!
Vol. 2-Amazing!
Vol. 3-Amazing!
Vol. 4-How is Vaughan going to wrap up all these plot threads with only one volume left to go?!
Vol. 5-He's not.
Remember how you felt at the end of the last season of Lost? Well, get ready to feel that way all over again. As great as this book is in the beginning, I couldn't help but feel betrayed at the end. A lot of the mysteries of the series are not addressed at all, and the plot threads that do get "resolved" are done in such a way as to make you want to wrap your lips around an exhaust pipe. The non-climax is understandable. It's just that kind of book. It just drove me insane that Vaughan spent so much time building all these really intriguing sub-plots only to completely abandon them.
If you're not the cynical type who immediately calls "bullshit" when somebody tells you a story was "about the journey" this might not bother you. However, if you're not a cynic and you read this entire series, you very well may become one by the end.
This book is absolutely amazing....until it's not.
Here's how it goes:
Vol. 1-Amazing!
Vol. 2-Amazing!
Vol. 3-Amazing!
Vol. 4-How is Vaughan going to wrap up all these plot threads with only one volume left to go?!
Vol. 5-He's not.
Remember how you felt at the end of the last season of Lost? Well, get ready to feel that way all over again. As great as this book is in the beginning, I couldn't help but feel betrayed at the end. A lot of the mysteries of the series are not addressed at all, and the plot threads that do get "resolved" are done in such a way as to make you want to wrap your lips around an exhaust pipe. The non-climax is understandable. It's just that kind of book. It just drove me insane that Vaughan spent so much time building all these really intriguing sub-plots only to completely abandon them.
If you're not the cynical type who immediately calls "bullshit" when somebody tells you a story was "about the journey" this might not bother you. However, if you're not a cynic and you read this entire series, you very well may become one by the end.
June 5, 2020
Brian K Vaughan is a really good writer. His characters have depth and personality, and he tackles real life issues without making them seam forced.
If you're not into politics, this would be a skip, but if you don't mid some, go for it!
If you're not into politics, this would be a skip, but if you don't mid some, go for it!
November 22, 2020
Totalni gubitak vremena, ne znam zašto ću uopće staviti 2 zvjezdice koliko je ovo dosadno. Crtež? Zato što je to Vaughan? Ili jer tamo negdje ima nešto još lošije, napornije i dosadnije.
Read
October 6, 2024DNF @ 52%
December 11, 2023
Nisam do sada čitao ništa od radova Brian K Vaughana i nekako je ispalo tako da se kroz Ex Machinu upoznajem sa ovim autorom koji je iznedrio mnoge naslove koji su dosta poznati i uspešni, a za koga su uglavnom podeljenja mišljena, bar po onome što sam ja video po netu.
Ova prva knjiga Ex Machine mi se poprilično dopala. Radnja je kombinacije "House of cards" mada manje ima tih nekih intriga koliko političkih zavrzlama koje naš glavni junak treba nekako da razreši i nekog recimo Dosijea X jer glavni junak je dobio natprirodne moći da može da komunicira sa mašinama i očigledno ima neka SF priča iza toga koju ćemo kroz epizode da otkrivamo.
Dve stvari koje su mi se najviše dopale su crtež i dijalozi. Mislim da je Tony Harris uradio sjajan posao, ali ne samo na onom nivou da je crtež sjajan nego i na nivou da crtež zaista upotpunjuje priču i narativni tok koji nije jednostavan, ali Harris jednostavnim grafičkim rešenjima uspeva da prati vrlo intenzivnu dinamiku radnju. A Brian je napisao sjajne dijaloge. Možda nisu poput dijaloga u Successionu ali su blizu. Što možda daje i najuzbudjiviji deo u čitanju i stvaranju atmosfere i likova.
Tok radnje je interesantan jer prva knjiga počinje doslovno sa krajem celog serijala a onda radnja ide napred nazad gradeći priču i skačući kroz vreme, ali na pametan i konstruktivan način gradeći priču i likove. Likovi su isto sjajno započeti, barem taj prvi krug oko glavnog junaka za koji se nadam da će se još produbljivati i širiti.
Prva knjiga za sada odlična.
Ova prva knjiga Ex Machine mi se poprilično dopala. Radnja je kombinacije "House of cards" mada manje ima tih nekih intriga koliko političkih zavrzlama koje naš glavni junak treba nekako da razreši i nekog recimo Dosijea X jer glavni junak je dobio natprirodne moći da može da komunicira sa mašinama i očigledno ima neka SF priča iza toga koju ćemo kroz epizode da otkrivamo.
Dve stvari koje su mi se najviše dopale su crtež i dijalozi. Mislim da je Tony Harris uradio sjajan posao, ali ne samo na onom nivou da je crtež sjajan nego i na nivou da crtež zaista upotpunjuje priču i narativni tok koji nije jednostavan, ali Harris jednostavnim grafičkim rešenjima uspeva da prati vrlo intenzivnu dinamiku radnju. A Brian je napisao sjajne dijaloge. Možda nisu poput dijaloga u Successionu ali su blizu. Što možda daje i najuzbudjiviji deo u čitanju i stvaranju atmosfere i likova.
Tok radnje je interesantan jer prva knjiga počinje doslovno sa krajem celog serijala a onda radnja ide napred nazad gradeći priču i skačući kroz vreme, ali na pametan i konstruktivan način gradeći priču i likove. Likovi su isto sjajno započeti, barem taj prvi krug oko glavnog junaka za koji se nadam da će se još produbljivati i širiti.
Prva knjiga za sada odlična.
April 16, 2020
This is only the second title I’ve read from Brian K. Vaughan and I already know he’s one of my favourite writers of all time.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this series but I knew it was going to be BKV’s take on a political superhero story. So, having read saga, I was very interested to see what this was all about.
I can say I wasn’t disappointed at all, and after the dreary last couple of days I’ve spent reading some Snyder stuff, this was a welcome change of pace.
There’s writers out there who make you feel inspired because you can see yourself being able to create what they’ve created, and then there’s writers who make you absolutely lament reading it because you can never hope to recreate the work they’ve done.
Brian K. Vaughan is the latter of these two, anything he does it seems to boggle my mind and make me wish I was good enough to think of it.
He’s like the Radiohead of the comic world!
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this series but I knew it was going to be BKV’s take on a political superhero story. So, having read saga, I was very interested to see what this was all about.
I can say I wasn’t disappointed at all, and after the dreary last couple of days I’ve spent reading some Snyder stuff, this was a welcome change of pace.
There’s writers out there who make you feel inspired because you can see yourself being able to create what they’ve created, and then there’s writers who make you absolutely lament reading it because you can never hope to recreate the work they’ve done.
Brian K. Vaughan is the latter of these two, anything he does it seems to boggle my mind and make me wish I was good enough to think of it.
He’s like the Radiohead of the comic world!
August 31, 2021
I thought this was great. It's a very original story that's mostly a political thriller with some superhero action thrown in. Even though the plot is still forming, it looks like the premise is a man is given the power to "talk to machines" by a chance encounter with alien hardware. (This hasn't actually been determined yet in the story, but that's what it looks like.) He uses his celebrity to make it all way to Mayor of NYC. There's a twist regarding the 9/11 attacks that I think he also may have used to bolster his election chances.
There's too many subplots to get into in a review, but let's see it never got boring whether he was flying around in his Rocketeer style jetpack get-up or debating political issues from the Mayor's office.
The art is top notch as well, great synergy between the art and writing.
If you like superhero action but are looking for something a little different (part sci fi, part political) this is worth a read.
There's too many subplots to get into in a review, but let's see it never got boring whether he was flying around in his Rocketeer style jetpack get-up or debating political issues from the Mayor's office.
The art is top notch as well, great synergy between the art and writing.
If you like superhero action but are looking for something a little different (part sci fi, part political) this is worth a read.
August 26, 2021
While I can't say I've always enjoyed Brian K. Vaughan's work, I admire its diversity, in both genre and theme. What rarely changes, though, is his dedication to inclusivity and tackling the political topics of the day.
So it only makes sense that he'd one day write a comic about real-world politics, but still find an interesting spin by wedding it to the superhero genre, making for a heady political procedural that never seems to stop moving. Being nearly ten years old, it's fascinating how some of the talking points manage to feel both dated and still timely (gay marriage, the education system), while others are an argument we'll seemingly never stop having (race relations). It occasionally gets bogged down in speechifying, as is Vaughan's tendency (along with his penchant for utterly bizarre character names - what kind of sadist names their kid Journal?). But possibly the biggest sin this commits is being so hard to get hold of nowadays.
Content warning: graphic violence, racially-charged language, dead animals, self-harm, implied child murder, suicide
So it only makes sense that he'd one day write a comic about real-world politics, but still find an interesting spin by wedding it to the superhero genre, making for a heady political procedural that never seems to stop moving. Being nearly ten years old, it's fascinating how some of the talking points manage to feel both dated and still timely (gay marriage, the education system), while others are an argument we'll seemingly never stop having (race relations). It occasionally gets bogged down in speechifying, as is Vaughan's tendency (along with his penchant for utterly bizarre character names - what kind of sadist names their kid Journal?). But possibly the biggest sin this commits is being so hard to get hold of nowadays.
Content warning: graphic violence, racially-charged language, dead animals, self-harm, implied child murder, suicide
February 8, 2021
Brian Vaughn is one of the best comic writers around...the combination of politics, social commentary & the super hero makes this a must read. 9-11 and gay marriage are just some of the topics tackled in this edition.
Read
August 18, 2019me: is hundred, you know... like tyler the creator
bkv: ?
me: gay and homophobic
bkv: ?
me: gay and homophobic
July 12, 2020
Fantastic. I have been missing Brian K. Vaughan mature storytelling comics. So glad I still have this series and Y : The Last Man to look forward to.
January 11, 2025
A guy gets superpowers and can talk to machines...but unfortunately Vaughan chooses to drown all of that in a remarkably boring political drama which I couldn't give a shit about.
Tried to care.
Never did.
Skip it.
Tried to care.
Never did.
Skip it.
October 27, 2020
this was...fine. i liked it, but not enough to continue with the rest of the series. the story was good, but the storytelling was choppy and hard to follow at times. also if i can be so bold as to say...the female characters in this are kinda wack. all of them were mostly unbearable, and even the way they were drawn in comparison to the male characters angered me a bit. women should be more than objects/plot devices!! don’t be shy, give them some purpose. ok those are all my thoughts.
September 1, 2024
Set in a soon after 9/11 world, Brian K. Vaughan takes a fairly standard superhero premise and combines it with a West Wing flavoured approach to politics to provide a commentary on a range of social issues - many still as prevalent today as when the series originally ran. Must say though that some of the dialogue, in particular some of the asides, make for a jarring read given more current sensibilities.
Tony Harris’ artwork however, is beautiful throughout, capturing character movement and facial expressions brilliantly. He particularly shines in the more super heroic moments, of which I wish there had been more in these first two volumes maki b Jo this book.
Tony Harris’ artwork however, is beautiful throughout, capturing character movement and facial expressions brilliantly. He particularly shines in the more super heroic moments, of which I wish there had been more in these first two volumes maki b Jo this book.
June 23, 2020
I knew nothing about Ex Machina going into this other than it was written by Brian K Vaughan and that he has never once disappointed me yet, so I bought this blind and am so glad that I did. I'm fully intrigued, have completely bought into the story and this world, and I wish I wasn't at work right now so that I could get to Volume 2 immediately. Vaughan is a masterful story-teller in his pacing, humour, foreshadowing, and pitch-perfect dialogue. And of course, the best review you can give to the first volume of a series, I can't wait to see what happens next!
January 11, 2011
I was absolutely blown away by this book. What a refreshing explosion of magnificent writing (Brian K Vaughn) and stunning artwork (Tony Harris). If you want a non-superhero in tights, adult-oriented comic series, Ex Machina is definitely for you.
Think of Batman retiring but then becoming mayor of Gotham. However, it's less about the superhero days and more political thriller. Can't wait to read volume 2!
Think of Batman retiring but then becoming mayor of Gotham. However, it's less about the superhero days and more political thriller. Can't wait to read volume 2!
April 28, 2014
BKV has done a great job, once again, in this tale of a super hero who retires and runs (and wins) for election as NYC mayor after 9/11. Lots of action, intrigue, good, solid characters, and a writing style that is lively.
Tony Harris, mostly known for his work on Starman, does a great job here with the art. With Tom Feister on inks, the art is clear and tells the story as much as the words do.
Tony Harris, mostly known for his work on Starman, does a great job here with the art. With Tom Feister on inks, the art is clear and tells the story as much as the words do.
April 6, 2016
Took me a few times of trying to get through this and putting up with it. This wasn't really my kind of read, I never fancy reading politics related and there were times when I didn't understand some terms and what was going on. Had to reread though the summaries did help. Nonetheless, it was a good read if you stick with it and if you're into this kind of stuff.
July 28, 2014
"My first book by Brian Vaughan and I was awed! I was awed by the story and the art! Characterization is rich and the book is just too human to ignore. This is a fine example of graphic novel with a purpose. I'm gonna complete this whole series and add to my growing collection!"
July 2, 2018
I’m so happy I finally started this series. Brian K. Vaughan is my favorite comic writer and this story does not disappoint on any level!
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