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molokov's review
2.0
Still finding this series rather middling in quality. This is a vast improvement over vol 7 but doesn't really get the overall plot moving that much.
_sb0000's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
chaotic_cowboy's review
4.0
Wow this series keeps surprising me. The back story, the intertwining of 9/11, and the art, it is something not to be missed.
kate_in_a_book's review
3.0
I love the story lines and a lot of the ideas being discussed, but there is some worrying sexism here, especially in the artwork. And for a series about politics, it treads a bit too carefully for my liking when it comes to actual real-life politics.
bowienerd_82's review
3.0
Man, I had such a hard time deciding between 3 and 4 stars for this one. I actually really did not appreciate the Monica storyline- it was problematic in a number of ways. However, the final section at the end about Mitchell's origin as the Great Machine was excellent.
theartolater's review
5.0
Finally getting around to catching up on this series, only to find out it's ending in 2 more trades. Alas, it's still good right now and I'm really curious to see where it ends up.
jakekilroy's review
4.0
I dug this one not just for that cover (which rules and attracted my interest), but it gives a personal quality to why The Great Machine mattered. This series does a good job of using 9/11 as a theme to only barely support the character when need be without exploiting it. It lends itself well, and it makes a different because it's rooted in hope and cause and the impossible struggle of Americans (all within the realm of this sly take on superheroes).
cemeterygates's review
3.0
I've been a big Ex Machina fan, but I feel like we're at the point where the wheels are spinning a little too hard. I'm hoping there will be a satisfactory conclusion coming up, but I'm worried. Vaughn is still an expert at plot pacing, but the sum of this volume's parts doesn't add up.
cjordahl's review
4.0
The central arc of this volume is driven by a 'villain' who looks like Harley Quinn crossed with The Great Machine. It explores the question of whether masked heroes inspire and attract criminals. She is a fun and attractive character, but a bit shallow in her motivations. I'm still really liking this book. The art, story, and dialog are all quite good.
just_fighting_censorship's review
2.0
Three stories in this volume, none of them particularly fantastic.
First Hundred sees a ghost because people are part in the machine that is the city...
Yeah so that's a stretch.
This weird Poltergeist Roots mashup made no sense and I still don't know what the point was exactly.
Next we get what the cover so expertly tantalized us with, the Great Machine's version of Catwoman, except not really since the chick is annoying stupid and crazy and has no real relationship with Hundred. Plus if you are going to be satirical I think it is more effective if you don't explicitly reference the character you are parodying. It's a bit too on the nose.
Lastly, we have a single issue juxtaposing what seems to be The Great Machine's first act of vigilante justice with a KKK rally. Something about mask and anonymity...it was actually probably my favorite issue.
Overall, this was average. Are we still building up to an overall story arc? Or are we just starting a bunch of stories and then dropping them once Vaughan feels bored?
First Hundred sees a ghost because people are part in the machine that is the city...
Yeah so that's a stretch.
This weird Poltergeist Roots mashup made no sense and I still don't know what the point was exactly.
Next we get what the cover so expertly tantalized us with, the Great Machine's version of Catwoman, except not really since the chick is annoying stupid and crazy and has no real relationship with Hundred. Plus if you are going to be satirical I think it is more effective if you don't explicitly reference the character you are parodying. It's a bit too on the nose.
Lastly, we have a single issue juxtaposing what seems to be The Great Machine's first act of vigilante justice with a KKK rally. Something about mask and anonymity...it was actually probably my favorite issue.
Overall, this was average. Are we still building up to an overall story arc? Or are we just starting a bunch of stories and then dropping them once Vaughan feels bored?