Comics
Review: “Alex + Ada” #7
“Alex + Ada” has tread mostly familiar ground so far; writers Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn introduce us to a familiar conception of an electronically integrated future complete with communicator implants and robot butlers. Recently, a federal law has been passed banning sentient A.I. due to a recent robot-on-human massacre (pre-comic unfortunately). Enter Alex: a introverted late bloomer á la Theodore in “Her” who has been gifted a Tanaka X5, the most realistic android on the market. Unfortunately for Alex his new companion is not realistic enough and he options to have her embedded personality illegally unlocked, putting both himself and Ada in mortal danger. With issue #7, this book really starts to come into its own and reveal itself as the truly unique narrative it surely intends to be.
WRITTEN BY: Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn
ART BY: Jonathan Luna
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: June 18, 2014
Reviewed by Epic Switzer
It’s been a slow boil over the last six issues of Alex + Ada but things are finally starting to heat up for Alex and his android companion. After a close call with a nosey neighbor, Alex and Ada visit Katherine and her “sleeping” android, Daniel and realize how difficult keeping Ada’s secret is going to be. “Awake” Ada is truly a delight and continues to endear with her quickness and childlike sense of wonder.
I won’t spoil the reveal at the end of this issue, but I think it’s safe to say this title has started down the road into an intriguing sci/fi-thriller that I can’t wait to follow. I didn’t think much of Alex and his first-world problems initially, but now I see him more as an everyman positioned to react to his ensuing adventure with the adorable-yet-capable Ada. Although we’ve seen her type of character before, Ada’s refreshing curiosity and “every day is a new discovery” attitude is a formula that really works. It is easy to relate to Alex and his struggle to protect her while simultaneously wanting to let her experience life for the first time. It is a joy to see the world through her eyes.
If you aren’t reading this book, I recommend picking up the trade when it drops July 16th. The first few issues feel like a bit of a drag, and don’t go out of the way to introduce many fresh ideas, but it is evident by this issue that there is a real threat and things will progress in unexpected directions. If you’re looking for a departure typical action titles, I highly recommend this series.
Epic Switzer AKA Eric is an aspiring filmmaker and screenplay writer living in Los Angeles. His work tends to focus on the lighter side of entropy, dystopic futures, and man’s innate struggle with his own mortality. He can be found on twitter @epicswitzer or reached via email at ericswitzerfilm@gmail.com.
The supernatural world of Korean folk horror movie Exhuma grows larger with the arrival of prequel spinoff webtoon Maengjong this weekend, Variety reports today.
Naver Webtoon debuts Maengjong on May 30.
The series hails from Haemuri (Olgami) and will trace the high school origins of how shaman duo Hwarim and Bonggil, played by Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun in the 2024 film, came together to face occultish threats.
The story is set to begin when “Hwarim, who has been concealing her identity following a childhood encounter with a snake spirit called Jin, crosses paths with Bonggil at their school.”
Variety notes that Exhuma director Jang Jae-hyun participated in the project’s early concept stage.
“We are presenting ‘Maengjong,’ a new series capturing the appeal of the horror-occult genre, ahead of the full summer season,” said Lee Jeong-geun, Naver Webtoon’s Korea webtoon content leader. “With the high school story of Hwarim and Bonggil, who left a strong impression in the film ‘Exhuma,’ enhanced by Haemuri’s characteristic tense direction, we expect it will be a welcome work for genre fans.”
“It is meaningful that the spin-off story of ‘Exhuma,’ loved by many audiences, expands by meeting the new grammar of webtoon,” said Lee Hyeon-jeong, managing director of the film business division at Showbox, which distributed the film. “We hope it will be a fresh experience for both film fans and webtoon readers.”
Exhuma was a breakout hit in 2024, becoming the first Korean occult film to surpass 10 million ticket buyers and the country’s highest-grossing film of the year. I wrote in my review that “the intricately woven Exhuma delivers one of the year’s biggest surprises in horror so far.”
The bond between Hwarim and Bonggil was one of the film’s highlights, making this prequel webtoon a must for fans.
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