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.
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
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