joshgauthier's review against another edition
4.0
(Series overview review - 6/14/16) Here is a brief review of the entire series now that I've completed reading it. My original review of Vol. 1 is below.
So, "Ex Machina" begins with a wonderful premise that I enjoyed all the way through the series. In addition to the political-superhero dynamics, I loved seeing an everyday guy attempt (often badly) to be a superhero in the modern day. The central storyline of the series is interesting and kept me wanting to know more. The ending of the story, whatever else I felt about it, is emotionally powerful and ties things up in force. My respect of Vaughan and company for an undertaking like this.
Negatives: the art has a strange appearance at times, particularly in terms of people's expressions. Vaughan adds some dialogue and plot points that are mature, might put off some readers, and don't always feel necessary other than to provide mature content for its own sake. For much of the series, the different plotlines of each volume feel disconnected from each other, leaving the reading experience a bit lacking. Finally, there are some bold creative choices in the later volumes that take the story in new directions - and whether or not you like those directions will probably depend greatly on personal taste.
In all, I can appreciate the experience of reading this series. Vaughan is a powerful storyteller. I certainly have my issues with his work, and with this series, but it is hard to deny the merits of both.
If this all sounds like something you might be interested in, give it a try. It takes a few volumes for the series to find its footing, but there are definite strengths here, from the beginning all the way to the end.
(Original review of Vol. 1 - 3/30/16) This turned out to be an interesting read. It reminded me vaguely of [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442239711s/472331.jpg|4358649] in regards to the way each story combines superheroes with social commentary and a politically driven story. With "Ex Machina" the blend works well, as does the handling of multiple storylines and time periods. It felt a little too blunt in a couple places for my taste and there was some needless profanity that simply didn't seem to fit. But overall, this is the start of a pleasantly complex story with flawed yet engaging characters and real-world context. And an insecure and only moderately competent hero makes for an interesting change of pace. Volume 2 isn't at the top of my to-read list, but I will certainly be continuing the series at some point.
So, "Ex Machina" begins with a wonderful premise that I enjoyed all the way through the series. In addition to the political-superhero dynamics, I loved seeing an everyday guy attempt (often badly) to be a superhero in the modern day. The central storyline of the series is interesting and kept me wanting to know more. The ending of the story, whatever else I felt about it, is emotionally powerful and ties things up in force. My respect of Vaughan and company for an undertaking like this.
Negatives: the art has a strange appearance at times, particularly in terms of people's expressions. Vaughan adds some dialogue and plot points that are mature, might put off some readers, and don't always feel necessary other than to provide mature content for its own sake. For much of the series, the different plotlines of each volume feel disconnected from each other, leaving the reading experience a bit lacking. Finally, there are some bold creative choices in the later volumes that take the story in new directions - and whether or not you like those directions will probably depend greatly on personal taste.
In all, I can appreciate the experience of reading this series. Vaughan is a powerful storyteller. I certainly have my issues with his work, and with this series, but it is hard to deny the merits of both.
If this all sounds like something you might be interested in, give it a try. It takes a few volumes for the series to find its footing, but there are definite strengths here, from the beginning all the way to the end.
(Original review of Vol. 1 - 3/30/16) This turned out to be an interesting read. It reminded me vaguely of [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442239711s/472331.jpg|4358649] in regards to the way each story combines superheroes with social commentary and a politically driven story. With "Ex Machina" the blend works well, as does the handling of multiple storylines and time periods. It felt a little too blunt in a couple places for my taste and there was some needless profanity that simply didn't seem to fit. But overall, this is the start of a pleasantly complex story with flawed yet engaging characters and real-world context. And an insecure and only moderately competent hero makes for an interesting change of pace. Volume 2 isn't at the top of my to-read list, but I will certainly be continuing the series at some point.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
good and interesting with decent art but not incredible. But worth putting the next volume on hold at the library. 3.5 of 5.
sling's review against another edition
2.0
Unconventional superhero story and not necessarily in a good way. Perhaps because I have no emotional attachment to New York, or maybe it's because I have little to no interest in daily political life, or maybe because this is set in 2002 or so, but two stars from me.
darylnash's review against another edition
4.0
The West Wing meets Watchmen.
Before finishing off the series with the last couple books, I thought I'd give it another read from the start. The flashbacks are a little jarring and there really doesn't seem to be enough time between the onset of Hundred's powers and the start of his term as mayor, but those are pretty minor. The political/super-hero mash-up is interesting, and as usual Vaughan's dialogue and characters are great. Not to mention his skill at providing those epiphany moments like the end of the first issue.
Before finishing off the series with the last couple books, I thought I'd give it another read from the start. The flashbacks are a little jarring and there really doesn't seem to be enough time between the onset of Hundred's powers and the start of his term as mayor, but those are pretty minor. The political/super-hero mash-up is interesting, and as usual Vaughan's dialogue and characters are great. Not to mention his skill at providing those epiphany moments like the end of the first issue.
tristealegre's review against another edition
3.0
Bastante bien pero esperaba una obra maestra por ciertas críticas y de momento no lo es
em_harring's review against another edition
3.0
The First Hundred Days is a good start to the series. It introduced the characters and situation well. The artwork fits the story well. Overall, I'm excited to see how the series unfolds.
stilldirty's review against another edition
4.0
★★★½
A really clever idea, like a slightly more sci-fi "Rocketeer." The drama I enjoy is all there, but I'm not in love with the realistic artwork. It detracts sometimes from the flow because it often seems a little too staged. No matter. Cool read.
A really clever idea, like a slightly more sci-fi "Rocketeer." The drama I enjoy is all there, but I'm not in love with the realistic artwork. It detracts sometimes from the flow because it often seems a little too staged. No matter. Cool read.
sortabadass's review against another edition
3.0
Grey is my favorite color for morality tales, and comic books might just be my favorite medium for them.
This volume seems like it is building pretty nicely into a world where lines are blurred. Our hero believes he can do more good as a politician, and right and wrong don't fit into neat little boxes. It is a story that is becoming more common in recent years, but it is told well. There is enough realism and outlandishness to keep me hooked.
And I have to say that Tony Harris is a fantastic artist. He draws people that actually look like humans instead of cartoons. He has a wonderful style.
This volume seems like it is building pretty nicely into a world where lines are blurred. Our hero believes he can do more good as a politician, and right and wrong don't fit into neat little boxes. It is a story that is becoming more common in recent years, but it is told well. There is enough realism and outlandishness to keep me hooked.
And I have to say that Tony Harris is a fantastic artist. He draws people that actually look like humans instead of cartoons. He has a wonderful style.