Reviewed By Eric Switzer. Coming off of a chilling cliff-hanger, “Alex + Ada” #12 is probably the most eventful issue in the series. This is a slow burn series, but if you’ve stuck with it you will certainly be rewarded with everything that is happening here. Luna and Vaughn have done such a fantastic job of building out this world, establishing the conflicts and social issues within it, and developing a growing cast of interesting and uniquely motivated characters. It is quietly one of the best series going right now, and issue 12 is a high point.
WRITTEN BY: Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn
ART BY: Jonathan Luna
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: January 28, 2015
Brutal violence, unexpected death, new sentients, and purple blood characterize this issue filled to the brim with drama and intrigue. I’ve stayed current with “Alex + Ada” despite the fact that it traveled beyond my wheelhouse because of how much I’ve appreciated the thought and concern put into the sociopolitical ramification of sentient A.I. It has meandered somewhat over these 12 issues, and has for the most part fit into what I would call the “relationship drama” genre, but as Alex and Ada have learned to love each other I have grown to really appreciate the intricacies of a human-robot relationship. Call me a softie, but a monthly break from the blood and guts isn’t the worst thing. I find this book to be uniquely sweet, even if it isn’t as pulse pounding as my typical faire.
This issue stands out from the rest, though, for the level of anxiety and foreboding brought into Alex and Ada’s life. The threat has been swelling gradually since the incident at the mall and the new government mandate that awakened androids would not be tolerated. The threat of exposure is present every time Ada has to interact with the outside world, and it was inevitable that she would be discovered eventually. Here we are, and just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, something unexpectedly tragic happens, causing Alex to make another difficult decision.
I wonder how bad things can get for Alex and Ada. I don’t know what this book will become, if they will forever be on the run and in hiding, or if they will stand up with an army of A.I. and win this battle to be recognized in court, or on the steps of the white house. I worry that things will end tragically. I think about this book a lot, as I’m sure Luna and Vaughn have thought a great deal about the future and the challenges we will likely face. The themes aren’t especially deep, but every once in a while I get a new perspective from this book, or a new angle to approach the issue of consciousness with. This is a book I wish got more attention.
You should read it.
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Eric Switzer 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.