Just Read Ex Machina - Does It Get Better?

[suttercain]

I had read so many positive things about 'Ex Machina' that I picked up the first TPB a few weeks back. I finally read it today and while I though it was OK, I didn't find it all that great. Does the series get better or is the first TPB a good representation of the series?

Thanks.

[Libaax]

Too much happens in Ex Machine to judge it only in the first TBP.

I wasnt impressed by first trade either. It isnt near what the story is about later on.

I think you should read next story arc atleast.

[stealthwise]

It's neither the best nor worst volume in the series. Personally, I think that it gets better, but it really depends on whether or not you like the tone of the series more than anything. If the style doesn't jibe with your tastes, you're better off stopping now.

[josh straightedge]

Sometimes I forget this book even comes out. It's not the most exciting thing out there. I think I end up liking every other storyline that comes out.

[suttercain]

It's neither the best nor worst volume in the series. Personally, I think that it gets better, but it really depends on whether or not you like the tone of the series more than anything. If the style doesn't jibe with your tastes, you're better off stopping now.

Yeah, I think I'm gone to stop reading this. Over the years I found myself reading more and more comics, but nearly none of them have a 'Superhero' theme. I thought the artwork in this trade was excellent and the color really set a nice tone. But I think this book isn't for me. I usually like Brian K. Vaughans stuff, like Y: The Last Man and Pride of Baghdad, but this one was a miss for me.

Thanks to all for the replies.

[Libaax]

Yeah, I think I'm gone to stop reading this. Over the years I found myself reading more and more comics, but nearly none of them have a 'Superhero' theme. I thought the artwork in this trade was excellent and the color really set a nice tone. But I think this book isn't for me. I usually like Brian K. Vaughans stuff, like Y: The Last Man and Pride of Baghdad, but this one was a miss for me.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Its not superhero themed at all. It is at first.

The real story is much real world and its problems

If you want different good books that arent superhero like read this until you see what its about.

IMO its one of BKV best works. I read everything he does because he impressed alot with Ex Machina and Y The Last Man.

[Superboy-Prime]

Ex machina isn't the greatest out there, besides the delayed releases, the storyline can be alot more interesting. I'm still waiting for a pay off.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

The real story is much real world and its problems


The problem is they never actually solve any of the real world problems without resulting to superheroics, or at least superhero tropes.

[Bruce Wayne Jr.]

This book really requires an interest in politics, on some level. It's really the driving force of the series. The superhero stuff comes secondary to all the policy debates, and I love it.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

This book really requires an interest in politics, on some level.

I disagree.

I think it's got more in common with Commander In Chief than with The West Wing - that is, the politics are just a window dressing.

[Libaax]

The problem is they never actually solve any of the real world problems without resulting to superheroics, or at least superhero tropes.

I disagree.

I think its much about the politics and real world of his NY.

I like the idea of a former superhero giving up the heroic for real hard work. Thats very original idea that BKV uses well.


Of course he uses his powers when he is in trouble. Most trouble is about people from his superhero days. He cant solve those problems by using the powers of his political power.


Im only in issue 25 so no need to spoil 30+.

I agree with Bruce Wayne Jr on this.

[suttercain]

With the exception of the Superman or Batman comics I am drifting away from superhero comics at a rapid pace so I think maybe that is why I am not 'feeling' this title. It wasn't what I had expected.

[Herr Mike]

It didn't grab me at all, either. It was yawnstipating.

I like Tony Harris though.

[Black Vespa]

take your ridalin and get back to reading.

[Libaax]

With the exception of the Superman or Batman comics I am drifting away from superhero comics at a rapid pace so I think maybe that is why I am not 'feeling' this title. It wasn't what I had expected.


Thats very ironic to me. You dont have a problem with the least innovating superhero comics there is but Machina tries something different with superhero theme and used well IMO, you arent feeling it.

Nothing wrong with not feeling it but it was ironic to me.


Im feeling it really because its more innovative then most superhero stuff.

[Herr Mike]

take your ridalin and get back to reading.

Forgive us if we find an entire issue about a controversial Abe Lincoln painting utterly tedious.

I think that was the point the series jumped the shark.

[Black Vespa]

and pray tell, how did the issue dealing with the controversial painting jump the shark.

I'm curious to hear this one.

[Herr Mike]

It was contrived. Hey kids, check it out! REAL WORLD issues and AWESOME SUPER-HERO ACTION!

Not that the real world can't have some interesting issues, but controversial art?

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I disagree.

I think its much about the politics and real world of his NY.

Except no issues are ever dealt with - talked about, but never dealt with.

Such as in the storyline where the mayor has jury duty - the dilemma is set up with him having to choose the pro-business side, or the pro-consumer side and then there is a hostage situation in that room so he never has to decide.
Or the painting getting taken care of by the artist breaking in and trashing it.
Or the criminal he and the chief of police go vigilante to bring in.


I like the idea of a former superhero giving up the heroic for real hard work. Thats very original idea that BKV uses well.


I think it's a great idea, but I feel they missed the mark, making a book that's possibly to political for superhero fans, and is too super heroey for fans of politics.

I don't mind picking up the trades occasionally for a quick read, as there is goodness in there, but I just don't think it's great, though I thought it could have been when it started.