Review - Alex + Ada, Vol. 1 TPReview by Paul Fiander
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Sample art from Alex and Ada #1 |
When it comes to storytelling there is something rather special about comics, with no limitations but the creator’s mind we get to see fantastic worlds like those of Black Science, Gothic Fairy Tales like Pretty Deadly and even go back in history to the time of the Spartans in Three. Alex & Ada however comes from a different end of the comic spectrum to most of the books we have reviewed to date. Set in a future where Androids are not just a phone platform the story revolves around a recently single (6 months not that recent but that’s just semantics) man and a rather unusual gift from his Grandmother, a high end sex toy named Ada.
At its core this is an exploration into the human condition in regards to relationships, Jonathon Luna and Sarah Vaughn paint the picture with expert hands in regards to narrative. You get the feeling that although high minded Alex is a person you can easily identify with and this is essential for a character piece like this. If the narrative felt forced you would lose any affection you have for Alex but thankfully that is not the case. Ada on the other hands at times feels a little cliché to say the least, her speech patterns and lack of thought processes feel like we have seen them on more than one occasion in the past. This is not a criticism in our female protagonist’s case, she is not sentient and so feels perfectly created in her clichés. However Alex has a desire to make more of Ada than her programming allows this is the biggest question of the book and in the 5 included issues you to will question; just because I can does it mean I should? Luna has gone for an understated artistic narrative; it helps make the story feel more real but can at times weaken the story as well. By this I mean with a slower paced story sometimes the art can help draw you in and make you want to read. The art is pure from start to finish and at times Luna and Vaughn have done a great job in slowly building your relationship to both Alex and Ada, now though they need to move the plot into a new realm or else risk losing all but the truly dedicated. You get the feeling they have the talent to fulfil the early promise. I will give one word of warning this is an enchanting story but it does have a slow pace and may not be for all. Rating; 4/5The Comic is available in print from Image comics. Follow this link for more details.
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Images courtesy of Image Comics
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Comic - Provided by Publisher
