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Ex Machina #1
Ex Machina, Vol. 1: The First Hundred Days
Set in our modern-day real world, Ex Machina tells the story of civil engineer Mitchell Hundred, who becomes America's first living, breathing superhero after a strange accident gives him amazing powers. Eventually tiring of risking his life merely to help maintain the status quo, Mitchell retires from masked crime-fighting and runs for Mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide! But Mayor Hundred has to worry about more than just budget problems and an antagonistic governor, especially when a mysterious hooded figure begins assassinating plow drivers during the worst snowstorm in the city's history! Suggested For Mature Readers. Collects Ex Machina issue #1-5
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
53 people are currently reading
6730 people want to read
About the author
Brian K. Vaughan
1,056 books14k followersBrian K. Vaughan is the writer and co-creator of comic-book series including SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, Y THE LAST MAN, RUNAWAYS, and most recently, BARRIER, a digital comic with artist Marcos Martin about immigration, available from their pay-what-you-want site www.PanelSyndicate.com
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
December 30, 2014
A really interesting mix of political drama and superhero comic.
Short version: I liked it. It's well done. Good narrative. Good story. Smart comic.
The longer version.... Well.... Through no fault of the book itself, I'm afraid this comic is starting to show its age a bit.
The comic was written between 2005 and 2010, and set between 1999 and 2008.
That's not a long time ago historically, or even technologically. But since this book deals with pressing social issues of the day, 7 years is a *ton* of time politically.
For example, they tackle gay marriage in the book. And some of what's done must have seemed like an outrageously radical progressive stance. But now, 7 years later, everyone can see what way the wind is blowing on the issue. In another 5-10 years, kids who read this might (hopefully) shrug in confusion at this, thinking, "What's the big deal about two guys getting married?"
For me the big difficulty was my perception of the police. The comics are set in New York City, and as I write is now in late 2014, the NYPD.... well.... they're embroiled in their own complicated and emotionally charged politics. This series deals so much with issues of race and civil rights, having nobody bring up the issue of racism in the police felt really, really odd to me.
Which is a good thing, really. It shows that the series is believable and well-written. But again, the downside of that verisimilitude is that it feels very much out of time now, 7 years later.
That aside, the series is really well written. Amazingly well written, in all honesty. Not that you'd expect anything less from Vaughan.
He deals with complex issues carefully, showing many sides. Showing the valid disagreements. Playing out the arguments. Taking great care not to come off as liberal or progressive, republican or democrat. As a result, I didn't feel like I was being preached at or pandered to. That has to have been a nightmarish balancing act... but he pulled it off.
Good series. Good writing. Good art.
Good comic.
Short version: I liked it. It's well done. Good narrative. Good story. Smart comic.
The longer version.... Well.... Through no fault of the book itself, I'm afraid this comic is starting to show its age a bit.
The comic was written between 2005 and 2010, and set between 1999 and 2008.
That's not a long time ago historically, or even technologically. But since this book deals with pressing social issues of the day, 7 years is a *ton* of time politically.
For example, they tackle gay marriage in the book. And some of what's done must have seemed like an outrageously radical progressive stance. But now, 7 years later, everyone can see what way the wind is blowing on the issue. In another 5-10 years, kids who read this might (hopefully) shrug in confusion at this, thinking, "What's the big deal about two guys getting married?"
For me the big difficulty was my perception of the police. The comics are set in New York City, and as I write is now in late 2014, the NYPD.... well.... they're embroiled in their own complicated and emotionally charged politics. This series deals so much with issues of race and civil rights, having nobody bring up the issue of racism in the police felt really, really odd to me.
Which is a good thing, really. It shows that the series is believable and well-written. But again, the downside of that verisimilitude is that it feels very much out of time now, 7 years later.
That aside, the series is really well written. Amazingly well written, in all honesty. Not that you'd expect anything less from Vaughan.
He deals with complex issues carefully, showing many sides. Showing the valid disagreements. Playing out the arguments. Taking great care not to come off as liberal or progressive, republican or democrat. As a result, I didn't feel like I was being preached at or pandered to. That has to have been a nightmarish balancing act... but he pulled it off.
Good series. Good writing. Good art.
Good comic.
December 6, 2015
Read a graphic novel.
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this first volume (I think it contained the first 5 serials) about a politician who has developed the ability to talk to machines after a mysterious accident. I only wish I had the other volumes in the series! Argh!!
Mitchell Hundred is injured in a mysterious explosion and suddenly finds himself able to communicate with machines. Sometimes, this ability really helps him (such as telling a gun being used to assassinate him to jam) but at other times, he finds it very hard to tune all the "chatter" out. He, along with an ex-military crony named Bradbury, and a Russian immigrant father-figure named Kremlin, he becomes New York City's superhero, dubbed "The Great Machine." He serves as a vigilante and a hero in New York City, choosing after the tragedy of 9/11 to swap in his mask and jet pack for an office and a title when he is elected Mayor of New York City.
Bradbury is now is head of security, but a disgruntled Kremlin keeps urging him to return to his masked persona. We find out that "The Great Machine" was a hero in 9/11 and actually saved one of the towers. However, Hundred dubs himself a failure for not being able to save both in time.
This is more of a political saga than a superhero comic and primarily deals with Hundred's internal struggle to use his gift for the greater good instead of seeking power and glory. I thought the artwork was really well done and the story was definitely unique and captivating. My only criticisms are that I wish more of Mitchell's back story had been revealed (though I'm still holding onto hope for future volumes) and the politics of it got a little boring at times. But all in all, a wonderful start to what I hope will be an awesome series. Now to get my hands on the next one...
August 6, 2023
It's interesting to see where BKV got his roots. Saga is space opera, it's a huge idea, and Paper Girls is zany 80s fantasy. Y: The Last Man and Ex Machina are similar in their restraint. They both have their quirks but they're modest, more concerned with dialog and tight plotting than big ideas.
The idea here is a super hero, The Great Machine, albeit not a very good one who controls machines, retires and runs for mayor. It's part social commentary, part crime procedural, but with BKV's signature wit and snappy dialog. The story, while generally quiet, is fast-paced. And although now Mayor Hundred doesn't fight crime, he still uses his powers to his advantage in service to his city. Interesting, right?
Similar to Saga and Paper Girls (not a fan of Y's artwork), Tony Harris does phenomenal illustrations here. They're photorealistic because he poses real people and works from these photos. I mean, why not get them looking human? And the deep inks and muted colors are perfect. It gives the story a modern steampunk feel.
Check it out!
May 22, 2009
Mitchell Hundred, formerly the super hero known as The Great Machine, gets elected mayor of New York. From there, he deals with a blizzard, a controversial painting, a sleazeball trying to blackmail him, and a killer killing snowplow drivers.
I can't BELIEVE I didn't pick this up before now! BKV and Tony Harris make a good team. I really liked how the story shifted back and forth from Hundred's mayoral term to his former super hero career. The supporting cast was very well developed. The fact that the Great Machine doesn't wear the standard super hero spandex is also a plus. Hundred's super power, the ability to talk to and control machines, is well done and fairly original.
I highly recommend this to fans of Starman and Y The Last Man and I can't wait to pick up the next volume.
I can't BELIEVE I didn't pick this up before now! BKV and Tony Harris make a good team. I really liked how the story shifted back and forth from Hundred's mayoral term to his former super hero career. The supporting cast was very well developed. The fact that the Great Machine doesn't wear the standard super hero spandex is also a plus. Hundred's super power, the ability to talk to and control machines, is well done and fairly original.
I highly recommend this to fans of Starman and Y The Last Man and I can't wait to pick up the next volume.
February 18, 2018
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Set around the year 2000, Ex Machina (Volume 1) The First Hundred Days concocts a New York city politics-filled drama mixed in with a dose of realistic superhero vigilantism. Writer of countless renown series such as Saga, Y: The Last Man and Paper Girls, Brian K. Vaughan offers us the story of Mitchell Hundred as he randomly lives through a freak accident that presents him with never-before-seen superpowers. This volume collects issues #1-5 and gives us a glimpse into the origin story behind Mitchell Hundred and how he went from being a simple civil engineer to The Great Machine to the Mayor of New York City. Albeit a throwback to the early 2000s, this volume succeeds in capturing the atmosphere and social dilemmas that troubled NYC back in the day. The story also does a wonderful job in presenting readers with a protagonist who’s not exactly special in any way possible and who’s core personality remains genuine and unaltered, even when he’s gifted with powers.
Mitchel Hundred is an original and authentic protagonist. His incompetence shines through his thick skull and makes his adventures that much more believable. His sudden ability to talk to machines (including guns) makes him a very intriguing character too. With the help of two of his sidekicks, one who’s an old Russian man who sees in Mitchell a new purpose in life by building him all the cool tech to turn him into The Great Machine, Mr. Hundred also doesn’t particularly spread hope in NYC by becoming the very first superhero. As he slowly realizes the harm that his suit and his action causes as he attempts to do good through social actions, he turns towards running for Mayor of New York City. While under restraints with his new title, he, as well as society, still remember that the man has powers and that there are people out there who don’t want any superhuman running around freely without any consequences for his past actions as The Great Machine.
In The First Hundred Days, we’re teased with a bunch of different potential threats that come into play as Mitchell Hundred tries to do his job as Mayor. In this first volume of this political thriller, freedom of speech through artistic expression is one of the main debates raised by the author. Cleverly incorporated and made relevant (especially when you remember that this series was also created around the year 2000), Brian K. Vaughan does an excellent job in exploring the many facets of the problem, as much on a societal than an individual level. This first story arc also delivers its story by interspersing the narrative with two different past narratives. In fact, the volume kicks off with the protagonist telling us he’s about the explain what’s been going on for the past years, and as we get the most “present” narrative, we also get the one that explores the life of Mitchell Hundred as The Great Machine. While sometimes it felt choppy, it still did its job in giving us a good idea of what his life has become.
The artwork is also very compelling and has its own colour-correction with a very pale-hued direction. In fact, it felt like every issue explored all three primary colours (red, green and blue) in subtle ways. Apparently, every character was also based on real pictures, and it truly did help in giving each of them a realistic touch. There’s definitely no complaint in that department. Ex Machina (Volume 1) The First Hundred Days gives a wonderful look at a New York City after 9/11 and delves into some interesting topics that were highly pertinent during those years (and to some extent, sometimes still relevant today). Now that every card is laid out on the table, I’m definitely curious to see where the story will go with ideas of gangsters, terrorism and racism being teased here and then. It is only a question of time before we’ll also find out if the new mayor of New York City will have to put on his suit to do things that others can’t.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
Set around the year 2000, Ex Machina (Volume 1) The First Hundred Days concocts a New York city politics-filled drama mixed in with a dose of realistic superhero vigilantism. Writer of countless renown series such as Saga, Y: The Last Man and Paper Girls, Brian K. Vaughan offers us the story of Mitchell Hundred as he randomly lives through a freak accident that presents him with never-before-seen superpowers. This volume collects issues #1-5 and gives us a glimpse into the origin story behind Mitchell Hundred and how he went from being a simple civil engineer to The Great Machine to the Mayor of New York City. Albeit a throwback to the early 2000s, this volume succeeds in capturing the atmosphere and social dilemmas that troubled NYC back in the day. The story also does a wonderful job in presenting readers with a protagonist who’s not exactly special in any way possible and who’s core personality remains genuine and unaltered, even when he’s gifted with powers.
Mitchel Hundred is an original and authentic protagonist. His incompetence shines through his thick skull and makes his adventures that much more believable. His sudden ability to talk to machines (including guns) makes him a very intriguing character too. With the help of two of his sidekicks, one who’s an old Russian man who sees in Mitchell a new purpose in life by building him all the cool tech to turn him into The Great Machine, Mr. Hundred also doesn’t particularly spread hope in NYC by becoming the very first superhero. As he slowly realizes the harm that his suit and his action causes as he attempts to do good through social actions, he turns towards running for Mayor of New York City. While under restraints with his new title, he, as well as society, still remember that the man has powers and that there are people out there who don’t want any superhuman running around freely without any consequences for his past actions as The Great Machine.
In The First Hundred Days, we’re teased with a bunch of different potential threats that come into play as Mitchell Hundred tries to do his job as Mayor. In this first volume of this political thriller, freedom of speech through artistic expression is one of the main debates raised by the author. Cleverly incorporated and made relevant (especially when you remember that this series was also created around the year 2000), Brian K. Vaughan does an excellent job in exploring the many facets of the problem, as much on a societal than an individual level. This first story arc also delivers its story by interspersing the narrative with two different past narratives. In fact, the volume kicks off with the protagonist telling us he’s about the explain what’s been going on for the past years, and as we get the most “present” narrative, we also get the one that explores the life of Mitchell Hundred as The Great Machine. While sometimes it felt choppy, it still did its job in giving us a good idea of what his life has become.
The artwork is also very compelling and has its own colour-correction with a very pale-hued direction. In fact, it felt like every issue explored all three primary colours (red, green and blue) in subtle ways. Apparently, every character was also based on real pictures, and it truly did help in giving each of them a realistic touch. There’s definitely no complaint in that department. Ex Machina (Volume 1) The First Hundred Days gives a wonderful look at a New York City after 9/11 and delves into some interesting topics that were highly pertinent during those years (and to some extent, sometimes still relevant today). Now that every card is laid out on the table, I’m definitely curious to see where the story will go with ideas of gangsters, terrorism and racism being teased here and then. It is only a question of time before we’ll also find out if the new mayor of New York City will have to put on his suit to do things that others can’t.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
March 5, 2014
As far as slightly unconventional superhero stories go, Ex Machina is (so far) one of the more interesting one. Mitchell Hundred starts his career as a superhero in a fairly conventional way. From what we've seen so far in flashbacks, he made the usual, realistic mistakes, and had the usual, realistic results, both positive and negative. The change comes when Hundred decides that he can have more positive impact as mayor than as superhero. It's an interesting setup, and so far, it seems to be working out fairly well. The characters are engaging enough, and the conflicts are ones that it makes sense for the mayor of a major city to deal with. And that's why I enjoyed this collection, and will happily read the rest of the series.
That said, I feel like I have to point out that Vaughan does not have a knack for naming his characters. He gives a reason for why Mitchell's last name is Hundred, but it's weak enough that I still feel like it was chosen just to be punny. (If his ancestors decided to take the name of the district they settled in, why would they go with the second half of Brandywine Hundred?) And Journal as a first name? These are, overall, small issues, but still kind of irritating to me.
That said, I feel like I have to point out that Vaughan does not have a knack for naming his characters. He gives a reason for why Mitchell's last name is Hundred, but it's weak enough that I still feel like it was chosen just to be punny. (If his ancestors decided to take the name of the district they settled in, why would they go with the second half of Brandywine Hundred?) And Journal as a first name? These are, overall, small issues, but still kind of irritating to me.
August 17, 2016
Still my very favorite work from BKV. I feel like this takes the superhero genre and infuses it with the perfect dose of reality. While definitely not for young readers, it has Vaughn's perfect blend of wit, suspense, and charm, all infused into a thoughtfully told story of using your best talents to save the world, which may not always be superpowers.
June 18, 2017
Brian K Vaughan is a master of dead-fun dialogue. Y'know, I might even say...nah. Brian Michael Bendis is still my king of "taking the piss out of another character", but Vaughan is a butt-hair second place:
And this is a perfect take on "superheroes" - they're reckless, self-indulgent and rarely accountable for their actions. What would happen when one of them tried to do some *real* good, after getting their powers?
Compelling are the characters - richly nuanced, flawed, assholes and weirdos, like every Vaughan universe - and the super-typical problems most people are dealing with - that still compel me to keep reading to see how Vaughan talks about them and twists the usual narrative and outcomes. Controversial art, public safety, murder, gay rights, national security - oh, and aliens or some other crazy shit. You know, the usual.
Every character is someone I want to hear more from, and see what kind of trouble they get themselves into and out of.
And this is a perfect take on "superheroes" - they're reckless, self-indulgent and rarely accountable for their actions. What would happen when one of them tried to do some *real* good, after getting their powers?
Compelling are the characters - richly nuanced, flawed, assholes and weirdos, like every Vaughan universe - and the super-typical problems most people are dealing with - that still compel me to keep reading to see how Vaughan talks about them and twists the usual narrative and outcomes. Controversial art, public safety, murder, gay rights, national security - oh, and aliens or some other crazy shit. You know, the usual.
Every character is someone I want to hear more from, and see what kind of trouble they get themselves into and out of.
July 8, 2015
Vol. 1 of 10
It was good but for some reason I had no inclination to pick up the book and read it. I don't know if this is too political for my taste. Do I want to waste time and energy on this? Does the fact that I have to push myself to read this trump over the fact that once I'm reading it I'm enjoying the story?
Quick catch-up so I remember what this volume is about: Mitch Hundred, mayor of NYC, is dealing with someone killing off the snow plowmen and also dealing with a controversial piece of artwork in the museum. We get glimpses into Mitch's background. He has some kind of accident where he comes into contact with some kind of glowing, nuclear(?) object he and Bradbury (his Secret Service bodyguard/friend) find in the river by one of the NY bridges. This contact gives him some kind of power where he can order machines to obey his will, which comes in handy when he wants to stop a gun from shooting him or when he is too tired to get out of bed and turn on the lights. His friend/mentor Kremlin, creates a superhero suit so that he can fight crime. Something happens that will surely come out in future volumes, that puts an end to his superhero fighting days. He decides to run for mayor instead.
It was good but for some reason I had no inclination to pick up the book and read it. I don't know if this is too political for my taste. Do I want to waste time and energy on this? Does the fact that I have to push myself to read this trump over the fact that once I'm reading it I'm enjoying the story?
Quick catch-up so I remember what this volume is about: Mitch Hundred, mayor of NYC, is dealing with someone killing off the snow plowmen and also dealing with a controversial piece of artwork in the museum. We get glimpses into Mitch's background. He has some kind of accident where he comes into contact with some kind of glowing, nuclear(?) object he and Bradbury (his Secret Service bodyguard/friend) find in the river by one of the NY bridges. This contact gives him some kind of power where he can order machines to obey his will, which comes in handy when he wants to stop a gun from shooting him or when he is too tired to get out of bed and turn on the lights. His friend/mentor Kremlin, creates a superhero suit so that he can fight crime. Something happens that will surely come out in future volumes, that puts an end to his superhero fighting days. He decides to run for mayor instead.
May 5, 2008
I'm not usually a fan of "realistic" superhero comics. Too often, "gritty" and "realistic" means creating dislikable characters and putting them in grim situations in the mistaken idea that this makes the comic "deep," whereas I just find them boring (at best).
But Ex Machina is a fairly realistic story of a man given amazing powers who becomes a costumed crimefighter, only to quickly decide he's doing more harm than good as a superhero and could do more good in politics, as mayor of New York City. Although the characters and situations (excluding the costume and superpowers) are realistic, they aren't overwhelming gritty or dark. Mitch Hundred, the main character, is idealistic and enthusiastic (but also sarcastic and impulsive). His superhero sidekicks are equally idealistic in their own ways. But they also have to deal with real situations, complicated politics, and actions with consequences. Ex Machina is fun and fresh, a nice mix of sunlight and shadow, grins and grit. I'm eager to read the rest of the series now and see if it keeps this balance of bright enthusiasm and cynical, political realism.
But Ex Machina is a fairly realistic story of a man given amazing powers who becomes a costumed crimefighter, only to quickly decide he's doing more harm than good as a superhero and could do more good in politics, as mayor of New York City. Although the characters and situations (excluding the costume and superpowers) are realistic, they aren't overwhelming gritty or dark. Mitch Hundred, the main character, is idealistic and enthusiastic (but also sarcastic and impulsive). His superhero sidekicks are equally idealistic in their own ways. But they also have to deal with real situations, complicated politics, and actions with consequences. Ex Machina is fun and fresh, a nice mix of sunlight and shadow, grins and grit. I'm eager to read the rest of the series now and see if it keeps this balance of bright enthusiasm and cynical, political realism.
June 11, 2008
A radically different approach to the whole superhero concept...a man who suddenly gains great power, already trained in having great responsibility...but who is a better politician than he is a superhero.
I couldn't put it down once I started reading it, and will read the other volumes, but it isn't for everyone. Politics, crime and terrorism, minor and major, are the battles waged here, not slugfests against other costumed characters. The story is more pulp noir than superhero, and that works just fine.
I couldn't put it down once I started reading it, and will read the other volumes, but it isn't for everyone. Politics, crime and terrorism, minor and major, are the battles waged here, not slugfests against other costumed characters. The story is more pulp noir than superhero, and that works just fine.
March 6, 2022
I’m very much a fan of Vaughan. Y The Last Man, Saga…all terrific. This one didn’t quite hit the same notes for me, but that has a lot to do with the sort of disgusted disinterest I have in politics – I’ll still read The New York Times daily, but it isn’t necessarily something to want in my comics.
And there’s much about politics here, because the protagonist is a mayor of NYC. That alone wouldn’t sell the story for me, but the fact that he also has a superpower of a mysterious origin did.
The man can talk to machines. Or more like, command the machines. Pretty awesome. Enough to try making a life as a superhero, until he realizes he can make more of a difference by going into politics…a questionable choice but there it is. You can read this book and see how he does in his first act in a position of power.
Whether or not this works for you thematically, the writing is great and visually it’s an absolute feast, the same cinematic realism (if that isn’t an oxymoron) that made DC/Vertigo such a powerhouse over the years. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
Overall, interesting enough to continue.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
And there’s much about politics here, because the protagonist is a mayor of NYC. That alone wouldn’t sell the story for me, but the fact that he also has a superpower of a mysterious origin did.
The man can talk to machines. Or more like, command the machines. Pretty awesome. Enough to try making a life as a superhero, until he realizes he can make more of a difference by going into politics…a questionable choice but there it is. You can read this book and see how he does in his first act in a position of power.
Whether or not this works for you thematically, the writing is great and visually it’s an absolute feast, the same cinematic realism (if that isn’t an oxymoron) that made DC/Vertigo such a powerhouse over the years. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
Overall, interesting enough to continue.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
April 28, 2019
Ex Machina, Vol 1: A Superhero Who Goes Into Politics - A bit like Watchmen + House of Cards
This is an interesting concept - a superhero with the ability to control machines who decides to go into politics as the mayor of NYC. The artwork is excellent, very crisp and realistic and gritty, so well suited to this story of down and dirty politics and a superhero who thinks he can make more of a difference via government than by saving civilians from crime and emergencies. It's definitely something different and the writing is intelligent, as you'd expect from Brian K. Vaugan, so well worth continuing to the next volumes via Comixology Unlimited.
This is an interesting concept - a superhero with the ability to control machines who decides to go into politics as the mayor of NYC. The artwork is excellent, very crisp and realistic and gritty, so well suited to this story of down and dirty politics and a superhero who thinks he can make more of a difference via government than by saving civilians from crime and emergencies. It's definitely something different and the writing is intelligent, as you'd expect from Brian K. Vaugan, so well worth continuing to the next volumes via Comixology Unlimited.
April 14, 2018
An interesting take in the superhero story. Attacks it more from a political and social commentary aspect. I just didnt find the main characters all that interesting. The plot moved along quite nicely, and it came into its own by the end. Just didnt wow me like Vaughans other novels.
November 30, 2007
I really wish I liked Brian K. Vaughan's "edgy" comics work more. I can't get myself to really like Y: The Last Man, and I can't get myself to like this one, either...
Collecting the first five issues of Ex Machina, the basic plot here is that a superhero who got zapped by the Brooklyn Bridge to be able to talk to machines decides to quit and run for mayor. A hero on September 11th--he managed to prevent one of the planes from flying into the Twin Towers, leading to a gratuitous ending shot to the first issue--our hero, Mitchell Hundred, is elected in a landslide.
Flashing back between his time as a hero and his first week in office (get it? First HUNDRED Days. Ha, ha, ha.), we learn that Hundred is not allowed to talk about how he got his powers (which I hope will change and is not just Vaughan being lazy) and that not everyone is happy with his change from vigilante to politico.
The trouble with this book is that it's trying to be political and does it ham-handedly. Oh My God, a Superhero Prevented Some of Nine Eleven! (Kudos to Marvel for NOT doing that, by the way.) Whatever will he do? Run for office, apparently for altruistic reasons. Puke and gag. Now he has to deal with short-staffed departments, a controversial art exhibit, and a killer bent on keeping the city covered in snow. Maybe it's a supervillain! Maybe it's Terrorists! Maybe our Hero might have to face whoever is doing it?
Nope, too much to ask.
I'm just not interested in what's going on here. It's not that the characters are bad, it's just they aren't...interesting. If this is Peter Parker Goes to Washington, it doesn't work.
Trebby's Take: Maybe this picks up, and I will read Volume 2 (hell, I'll prolly read Vol. 3, because I churn graphic novels faster than Clinton did press secretaries) to find out, but I certainly wouldn't recommend this to anyone, not with so much good stuff out there.
Collecting the first five issues of Ex Machina, the basic plot here is that a superhero who got zapped by the Brooklyn Bridge to be able to talk to machines decides to quit and run for mayor. A hero on September 11th--he managed to prevent one of the planes from flying into the Twin Towers, leading to a gratuitous ending shot to the first issue--our hero, Mitchell Hundred, is elected in a landslide.
Flashing back between his time as a hero and his first week in office (get it? First HUNDRED Days. Ha, ha, ha.), we learn that Hundred is not allowed to talk about how he got his powers (which I hope will change and is not just Vaughan being lazy) and that not everyone is happy with his change from vigilante to politico.
The trouble with this book is that it's trying to be political and does it ham-handedly. Oh My God, a Superhero Prevented Some of Nine Eleven! (Kudos to Marvel for NOT doing that, by the way.) Whatever will he do? Run for office, apparently for altruistic reasons. Puke and gag. Now he has to deal with short-staffed departments, a controversial art exhibit, and a killer bent on keeping the city covered in snow. Maybe it's a supervillain! Maybe it's Terrorists! Maybe our Hero might have to face whoever is doing it?
Nope, too much to ask.
I'm just not interested in what's going on here. It's not that the characters are bad, it's just they aren't...interesting. If this is Peter Parker Goes to Washington, it doesn't work.
Trebby's Take: Maybe this picks up, and I will read Volume 2 (hell, I'll prolly read Vol. 3, because I churn graphic novels faster than Clinton did press secretaries) to find out, but I certainly wouldn't recommend this to anyone, not with so much good stuff out there.
April 2, 2016
This is an interesting take on the superhero genre, with a man randomly granted powers and first attempting to use them as a superhero, ‘The Great Machine’, before giving up on that and turning to politics in order to make a real difference. I’m not a huge fan of the art, but it’s not bad or distracting; there’s just something about it I don’t quite get on with, especially when it comes to faces.
There’s really a lot more to this story than can be packed into one volume, and in a way I wanted to skip the preliminaries and learn more. The last section was more engaging, because it really brought feelings into it — the Three Musketeers, split apart by not believing in the same things anymore — whereas the rest I didn’t feel that engaged with.
I’m intrigued by the story, but not enough to rush to get the next volume. Maybe if the library has it.
Originally posted here.
There’s really a lot more to this story than can be packed into one volume, and in a way I wanted to skip the preliminaries and learn more. The last section was more engaging, because it really brought feelings into it — the Three Musketeers, split apart by not believing in the same things anymore — whereas the rest I didn’t feel that engaged with.
I’m intrigued by the story, but not enough to rush to get the next volume. Maybe if the library has it.
Originally posted here.
January 21, 2018
Book Info: This collection contains
Ex Machina
issues #1-5.
ABSOLUTE RATING: {2.5+/5 stars}
STANDARDIZED RATING: <3/5 stars>
Mitchell Hundred, the protagonist of Ex Machina, is an ex-superhero (called The Great Machine) turned New York City mayor. He's essentially a telepath, except instead of reading and controlling human minds, he claims dominion over machines and certain compounds. In terms of personality, he's just the typical "regular guy" protagonist. This is something Vaughan has done already with Yorick Brown in Y ; think of Mitchell as a less talkative Yorick who doesn't crack as many jokes or try as hard to be funny. The brief flashbacks dispersed throughout the story do little to flesh him out as a character – and are useful only to provide background information and prior events – so Mitchell remains about as much a plain character in issue #1 as he is in issue #5. So far, of the three main characters, Mitchell's old friend Kremlin seems to be the most interesting character of the lot, but there wasn't much opportunity to expand on him or his complex relationship with Mitchell. Fortunately, however, the writing's decent enough to add the beginnings of distinctness and personality to much of the supporting cast.
As a whole, the story struck me as *very* realistic for a superhero comic. From what little I've seen of his exploits so far, all of them were fairly uneventful and free of coincidence – pretty much what I'd expect things to be like for The Great Machine if he existed in the real world. In the past segments showing Mitchell's career as an active vigilante, the most rousing stuff you'd see him do is fly an injured firefighter out of a burning building or escort two teenage thrill-seekers off the roof of a moving train. And in the present time, Mitchell's security detail has him so pampered that he can't even take half a second to jam the gun of a petty assailant before being tackled and rushed away to safety. The whole thing feels very down to earth, which might appeal to many readers, but I found it to be at odds with what makes superhero comic books worth reading (at least as it's implemented here). So as a superhero book, Vaughan fails entirely. Though I will concede that he was occasionally able to come up with some smart and fascinating political dilemmas for Mitchell and his Cabinet to face, so it wasn't altogether unbearable.
More than action or excitement, the focus here is slightly more directed toward politics and Mitchell's time in office, and it really does speak to how dry this story is that the political aspect of the story has me more engaged than the superhero one. I only say that because political stories very rarely prove to be my cuppa. And as far as comic books go, Transmetropolitan is the only title I still look forward to reading. But even that doesn't entice me all that much, really. One of the only ongoing political yarns that's been able to maintain a high level of interest for me is House of Cards , and that was mainly because of the sweet revenge angle, the deep characters, and its sleek presentation. So not only does Ex Machina lack any of those qualities, it's an unintentionally mundane non-thriller, and it's protagonist is miles away from being even half as iconic/charismatic a lead as either Frank (from HOC) or Spider (from Transmet) is.
And why the hell did Vaughan even bother to include a superhero subtext, anyway? You'd think that, as an introductory volume, this would at least have answered that question, but nope! I mean, yeah, we are left with the feeling that there's still a lot left to be revealed about Mitchell's history and why he and his pals left the superhero biz, but it really becomes startling when you consider just how little a part Mitchell's powers play in shaping the important events that transpire here. Instead of exploring the implications of his unique power set, the story is saddled with unstimulating administration and frequent narrative jumps. And sadly, no amount of deft pacing and efficient dialogue was able to compensate for the lack of a worthwhile story to tell in the first place.
As for Tony Harris and his fantastic issue covers, please don't be fooled: I assure you, nothing inside the book actually warrants that level of teasing. But the interior work is at least pretty solid, so I had few complaints in the art department. The only thing that really bugged me about it was JD Mettler – the colorist. His style appeared to endow Harris' figures a pale color, and made everything give off a hazy, dream-like glow. It's a distinguishing style to be sure, but I'm still not convinced that the effect it created was appropriate for the story. I guess it just helped give the book it's dull and sleepy tone.
[Here's the super-cool cover for issue #2.]
[Here's one of the interior shots. See how bland this looks? This is essentially what the art looks like throughout the book, and even when we get to see The Great Machine "in action."]
At this point, I'm strongly convinced that Vaughan's terribly overrated. I really am. Thing is, although I think he's an above-average writer with some good story ideas, his execution is never quite right. It'll probably be at least another year or so before I get around to Saga , and while I previously had high hopes for it, this, Runaways , and volume 5 of Y: The Last Man showed me that I'd do well to be very skeptical of the hype surrounding it. And it is really sad to see another Vertigo "classic" bite the dust like this – especially one with such a unique and promising premise – but it is what it is, I guess.
So while The First Hundred Days features some competent writing and politics, it's still a largely boring book with no central conflict, theme, or goal to get behind, and suffers from an underutilization of its characters and ideas. And as for a book that supposedly set out to – according to the its official description – "uniquely [combine] big city politics and superheroes," it's crazy to think that doing away with the latter wouldn't really have altered things all that much.
ABSOLUTE RATING: {2.5+/5 stars}
STANDARDIZED RATING: <3/5 stars>
Mitchell Hundred, the protagonist of Ex Machina, is an ex-superhero (called The Great Machine) turned New York City mayor. He's essentially a telepath, except instead of reading and controlling human minds, he claims dominion over machines and certain compounds. In terms of personality, he's just the typical "regular guy" protagonist. This is something Vaughan has done already with Yorick Brown in Y ; think of Mitchell as a less talkative Yorick who doesn't crack as many jokes or try as hard to be funny. The brief flashbacks dispersed throughout the story do little to flesh him out as a character – and are useful only to provide background information and prior events – so Mitchell remains about as much a plain character in issue #1 as he is in issue #5. So far, of the three main characters, Mitchell's old friend Kremlin seems to be the most interesting character of the lot, but there wasn't much opportunity to expand on him or his complex relationship with Mitchell. Fortunately, however, the writing's decent enough to add the beginnings of distinctness and personality to much of the supporting cast.
As a whole, the story struck me as *very* realistic for a superhero comic. From what little I've seen of his exploits so far, all of them were fairly uneventful and free of coincidence – pretty much what I'd expect things to be like for The Great Machine if he existed in the real world. In the past segments showing Mitchell's career as an active vigilante, the most rousing stuff you'd see him do is fly an injured firefighter out of a burning building or escort two teenage thrill-seekers off the roof of a moving train. And in the present time, Mitchell's security detail has him so pampered that he can't even take half a second to jam the gun of a petty assailant before being tackled and rushed away to safety. The whole thing feels very down to earth, which might appeal to many readers, but I found it to be at odds with what makes superhero comic books worth reading (at least as it's implemented here). So as a superhero book, Vaughan fails entirely. Though I will concede that he was occasionally able to come up with some smart and fascinating political dilemmas for Mitchell and his Cabinet to face, so it wasn't altogether unbearable.
More than action or excitement, the focus here is slightly more directed toward politics and Mitchell's time in office, and it really does speak to how dry this story is that the political aspect of the story has me more engaged than the superhero one. I only say that because political stories very rarely prove to be my cuppa. And as far as comic books go, Transmetropolitan is the only title I still look forward to reading. But even that doesn't entice me all that much, really. One of the only ongoing political yarns that's been able to maintain a high level of interest for me is House of Cards , and that was mainly because of the sweet revenge angle, the deep characters, and its sleek presentation. So not only does Ex Machina lack any of those qualities, it's an unintentionally mundane non-thriller, and it's protagonist is miles away from being even half as iconic/charismatic a lead as either Frank (from HOC) or Spider (from Transmet) is.
And why the hell did Vaughan even bother to include a superhero subtext, anyway? You'd think that, as an introductory volume, this would at least have answered that question, but nope! I mean, yeah, we are left with the feeling that there's still a lot left to be revealed about Mitchell's history and why he and his pals left the superhero biz, but it really becomes startling when you consider just how little a part Mitchell's powers play in shaping the important events that transpire here. Instead of exploring the implications of his unique power set, the story is saddled with unstimulating administration and frequent narrative jumps. And sadly, no amount of deft pacing and efficient dialogue was able to compensate for the lack of a worthwhile story to tell in the first place.
As for Tony Harris and his fantastic issue covers, please don't be fooled: I assure you, nothing inside the book actually warrants that level of teasing. But the interior work is at least pretty solid, so I had few complaints in the art department. The only thing that really bugged me about it was JD Mettler – the colorist. His style appeared to endow Harris' figures a pale color, and made everything give off a hazy, dream-like glow. It's a distinguishing style to be sure, but I'm still not convinced that the effect it created was appropriate for the story. I guess it just helped give the book it's dull and sleepy tone.
[Here's the super-cool cover for issue #2.]
[Here's one of the interior shots. See how bland this looks? This is essentially what the art looks like throughout the book, and even when we get to see The Great Machine "in action."]
At this point, I'm strongly convinced that Vaughan's terribly overrated. I really am. Thing is, although I think he's an above-average writer with some good story ideas, his execution is never quite right. It'll probably be at least another year or so before I get around to Saga , and while I previously had high hopes for it, this, Runaways , and volume 5 of Y: The Last Man showed me that I'd do well to be very skeptical of the hype surrounding it. And it is really sad to see another Vertigo "classic" bite the dust like this – especially one with such a unique and promising premise – but it is what it is, I guess.
So while The First Hundred Days features some competent writing and politics, it's still a largely boring book with no central conflict, theme, or goal to get behind, and suffers from an underutilization of its characters and ideas. And as for a book that supposedly set out to – according to the its official description – "uniquely [combine] big city politics and superheroes," it's crazy to think that doing away with the latter wouldn't really have altered things all that much.
October 24, 2022
Not Brian Vaughan's strongest work...that would be Saga, and I have a fond place in my heart for Paper Girls, as well as a love/hate relationship with Y: The Last Man, which probably isn't as bad as some of my reviews say it is. Like Ezra Pound with Walt Whitman, I think I've made a truce with Y: The Last Man, and I was disappointed to see that the television series didn't get picked up for a second season. But some people just like that comic way more than it deserves.
Anyway, I digress. Ex Machina tells the story of Mitchell Hundred who not only has a godawful stupid name, but also has some kind of close encounter with some kind of alien machinery deep in the East River which nearly blows his head off and gives him just about the weirdest super power ever, the ability to communicate with machines. Cell phones, automatic weapons, elevators, garbage disposals, you name it, he talks the talk. So Mitchell gets himself a jetpack, flirts with minor superhero vigilante celebrity, becomes the savior of 9/11, and then runs for mayor of New York and wins, leading to all kinds of problems various and sundry at the core of this comic in his new position as mayor. Rudy Giuliani, another New York mayor with another stupid name, could learn a thing or two about conflict management from Mitchell Hundred.
I dunno...maybe this comic will take off and I'll love it, maybe not. I will withhold judgment for now and wait and see where the storyline goes. Right now, the characters are intriguing and the satirical take on balancing the demands and duties of elected office and superhero-dom is keeping my interest. I hope it doesn't disappoint later on down the road.
Anyway, I digress. Ex Machina tells the story of Mitchell Hundred who not only has a godawful stupid name, but also has some kind of close encounter with some kind of alien machinery deep in the East River which nearly blows his head off and gives him just about the weirdest super power ever, the ability to communicate with machines. Cell phones, automatic weapons, elevators, garbage disposals, you name it, he talks the talk. So Mitchell gets himself a jetpack, flirts with minor superhero vigilante celebrity, becomes the savior of 9/11, and then runs for mayor of New York and wins, leading to all kinds of problems various and sundry at the core of this comic in his new position as mayor. Rudy Giuliani, another New York mayor with another stupid name, could learn a thing or two about conflict management from Mitchell Hundred.
I dunno...maybe this comic will take off and I'll love it, maybe not. I will withhold judgment for now and wait and see where the storyline goes. Right now, the characters are intriguing and the satirical take on balancing the demands and duties of elected office and superhero-dom is keeping my interest. I hope it doesn't disappoint later on down the road.
November 11, 2020
I know Mr. Vaughan from the Last Man and I totally loved it.
That was a good begin to the story for our knowledge what happens here.
Mr. Vaughan can read that what happens on the world and what will be important for our society. Racism, art, war between good and bad, between our emotions, also thoughts. I have a good feeling about it and for sure excited already for the rest of story!
That was a good begin to the story for our knowledge what happens here.
Mr. Vaughan can read that what happens on the world and what will be important for our society. Racism, art, war between good and bad, between our emotions, also thoughts. I have a good feeling about it and for sure excited already for the rest of story!
March 23, 2018
First: I thought that this cómic have some relation with the movie. I was wrong. It's about a superhero, no machine, no robot, no system guy.
The ending was shocking, perhaps 'cause I have some feelings about 9/11, that make it unforgettable. 😫
The ending was shocking, perhaps 'cause I have some feelings about 9/11, that make it unforgettable. 😫
December 20, 2016
3.5.
I don't really know how I feel about this book?
I love Brian K. Vaughn because he has diverse casts in all of his series and they never feel like he just shoved them there just because. His casts always have more than one woman, in different age ranges and usually he has members of the lgbtqia community. This one doesn't have any of the latter but it's just the first book.
So, the plot is interesting. There was a twitter post going around about how Batman could've helped Gotham more by funding more programs for the poor rather than putting on the cowl. It's kinda stupid considering Bruce also donate a lot of the city but the point was, maybe beating criminals into submission isn't a long term solution. This book kinda shows us how that might work.
Hundred was "The Great Machine" before the public and the Commissioner convinced him running for Mayor would let him do more good. So now he's forbidden to talk about what he can do and he's a politician. Granted, a more honest one than I'm used to.
The story is told in flashbacks which can get a little confusing if you don't remember what year it's supposed to be. Hundred is a pretty interesting character. Journal and Wylie are as well. I don't care for the Commissioner at all, to be honest.
I have a question about the controversy surrounding the painting a white artist created using the "N" word. I completely understand why the city is upset but why have the two men of color in the series so ambivalent towards it? I'm not saying all black people would've thought it important enough to stand in the cold and protest but it seemed like Vaughn was trying to make light of the issue? It rubbed me the wrong way because there's a panel in Y: the Last Man where Yourick, a white guy, uses that word in front of 355, a black woman, and it's never questioned. Just seemed like a point he was trying to make and it rubbed me the wrong way.
Anyway, I'll probably pick up the next volume because it's an interesting premise but the plot line here was not super, super interesting.
I don't really know how I feel about this book?
I love Brian K. Vaughn because he has diverse casts in all of his series and they never feel like he just shoved them there just because. His casts always have more than one woman, in different age ranges and usually he has members of the lgbtqia community. This one doesn't have any of the latter but it's just the first book.
So, the plot is interesting. There was a twitter post going around about how Batman could've helped Gotham more by funding more programs for the poor rather than putting on the cowl. It's kinda stupid considering Bruce also donate a lot of the city but the point was, maybe beating criminals into submission isn't a long term solution. This book kinda shows us how that might work.
Hundred was "The Great Machine" before the public and the Commissioner convinced him running for Mayor would let him do more good. So now he's forbidden to talk about what he can do and he's a politician. Granted, a more honest one than I'm used to.
The story is told in flashbacks which can get a little confusing if you don't remember what year it's supposed to be. Hundred is a pretty interesting character. Journal and Wylie are as well. I don't care for the Commissioner at all, to be honest.
I have a question about the controversy surrounding the painting a white artist created using the "N" word. I completely understand why the city is upset but why have the two men of color in the series so ambivalent towards it? I'm not saying all black people would've thought it important enough to stand in the cold and protest but it seemed like Vaughn was trying to make light of the issue? It rubbed me the wrong way because there's a panel in Y: the Last Man where Yourick, a white guy, uses that word in front of 355, a black woman, and it's never questioned. Just seemed like a point he was trying to make and it rubbed me the wrong way.
Anyway, I'll probably pick up the next volume because it's an interesting premise but the plot line here was not super, super interesting.
February 16, 2016
Read this a few years ago after I discovered Brian Vaughn after reading his Y: The Last Man series, and liked it very much but wasn't somehow caught up in it. so hadn't continued it. Thanks to Greg who said it was one of his favorite series, that I should read the whole thing, so I reread this, again liked it very much, again feel like I might not have continued on except he said to hang in there, that the whole arc of the story over several volumes made it worthwhile, so I am going to continue!
January 18, 2019
(Me lo he leído entero, voy a dejar la reseña de la serie completa)
Pensaba que iba a ser una serie de superhéroes a la usanza, pero nada más lejos de la realidad. Cuando empieza la historia, el superhéroe (en singular porque solo hay uno) ya ha dejado sus aventuras, ha desvelado su identidad y es alcalde de Nueva York. Va teniendo flashback de lo que vivió como superhéroe cuando se tiene que enfrentar a los distintos problemas en el cargo, y realmente es más un cómic sobre política que sobre superhéroes. Esta muy bien hilado, desde el principio te van dando pistas de hacia donde se dirige la historia pero sin forzar nada, y si hay que pasarse seis capítulos hablando sobre algún problema político se hace, y se deja apartado el problema superheroico. Para mí esto hace que la serie sea mucho más creíble, y la serie hasta más entretenida
Sobre el dibujo, la mayoría de capítulos están dibujados por el mismo artista, con la excepción de 4 o 5 hacia el final de la serie donde colaboraron otros. Es un dibujo que intenta ser realista pero a mí me daba la impresión de grotesco todo el tiempo, con demasiadas líneas que hacían que no llegase a ver a ningún personaje como "guapo/a".
Pensaba que iba a ser una serie de superhéroes a la usanza, pero nada más lejos de la realidad. Cuando empieza la historia, el superhéroe (en singular porque solo hay uno) ya ha dejado sus aventuras, ha desvelado su identidad y es alcalde de Nueva York. Va teniendo flashback de lo que vivió como superhéroe cuando se tiene que enfrentar a los distintos problemas en el cargo, y realmente es más un cómic sobre política que sobre superhéroes. Esta muy bien hilado, desde el principio te van dando pistas de hacia donde se dirige la historia pero sin forzar nada, y si hay que pasarse seis capítulos hablando sobre algún problema político se hace, y se deja apartado el problema superheroico. Para mí esto hace que la serie sea mucho más creíble, y la serie hasta más entretenida
Sobre el dibujo, la mayoría de capítulos están dibujados por el mismo artista, con la excepción de 4 o 5 hacia el final de la serie donde colaboraron otros. Es un dibujo que intenta ser realista pero a mí me daba la impresión de grotesco todo el tiempo, con demasiadas líneas que hacían que no llegase a ver a ningún personaje como "guapo/a".
December 31, 2022
This I love.
Artist Tony Harris (still of Macon, GA?) knocks these stories out of the park. I really love his women's faces, all his characters body language and expressions.
The politics are goofy. There is a wonderful art funding vignette here. But the collision of superheroics and post 9/11 alternate history is only background. The character pieces make this golden.
If you love Brian Vaughan comics, you must read this, and start here.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Fulton County Public Library for the loan.
Artist Tony Harris (still of Macon, GA?) knocks these stories out of the park. I really love his women's faces, all his characters body language and expressions.
The politics are goofy. There is a wonderful art funding vignette here. But the collision of superheroics and post 9/11 alternate history is only background. The character pieces make this golden.
If you love Brian Vaughan comics, you must read this, and start here.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Fulton County Public Library for the loan.
February 22, 2017
I didn't even finish this because the dialogue got to me . Absolute trash in places where it mattered . It made me mad . Nope . Nope . Nope . Fuck this . I don't even care if it gets better . Fuck it .
May 18, 2024
I always thought this was going to be made into a movie. But New Line pulled out.
February 21, 2018
Probably my least favorite Vaughan book I have read. It a strange mix of superhero and NYC politics set in 2002-2003 after the twin towers disaster. The NYC politics are pretty factual in terms of names and places but it just feels so odd having a real world setting mixed in with a dude who can talk to machines. I'm sure as future books go on more is explained but book one just didn't hook me in. The art from Tony Harris is really good, super realistic on the human faces which matches the seriousness of the book. Not sure if I will read more in this series.
June 12, 2013
Mitchel Hundred is America's first superhero, created by a freak accident that gives him control over machinery. With the help of his two friends, he dons the identity The Great Machine and takes of the responsibility of saving New York from evil. Only, unlike in the comic books, this -- erm -- comic book quickly points out that super heroes tend to cause more trouble than they think they do, especially for the authorities. Eventually, following 9/11, Hundred takes off his mask to run for mayor of New York, a position where he actually can do some good. A lot of the plot focuses on the daily political problems, including a major one at an art museum that impressed me for not pulling politically correct punches on the subject matter. Add to that a snow storm that cripples the city and the return of The Great Machine's nemesis who is targeting snow plow drivers. I really loved how much information and detail was brought in through only five issues without being overwhelming or verbose.
July 11, 2016
Brian K. Vaughan's "Ex Machina, Vol. 1" may be a victim of time having gone on and the Bush era having already been explored elsewhere, but it still manages to be one damn enjoyable superhero story. Our protagonists gift is unique and the narrative shifting back and forth works due to the flashbacks not being stretched out. The side cast, while winking at us that yes it's another black sidekick, still has a black side kick alongside a new girl who just so happens to be a knock-out blonde--defying stereotypes is not one of this comics stronger areas even with the blinking at the reader. However, none of this matters too much when you have a solid story that is executed with skill and moves at a swift pace and "Ex Machina" definitely promises to be one of the more enjoyable takes on the superhero tale (interestingly, no spandex for our hero, a good decision).
August 10, 2015
I don't particularly care for politics in my comics as a general rule, but this might be the exception. The concept feels fresh, a man acquires special powers but kind of sucks at the whole vigilante thing so he decides to make a different by becoming a politician. It was actually a lot more interesting than it sounds.
The main character has unique powers and the story moves quick and integrates the present politician with the past vigilante quiet effectively.
The main character has unique powers and the story moves quick and integrates the present politician with the past vigilante quiet effectively.
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