This is the great introduction to a great series. Tony Harris' art is phenomenal, and Vaughan's writing is as spot on as ever. The only problems I have with it is that it is truly an introduction, and the plot that's followed in this trade is pretty thin. ( )

Ex Machina is a thought-provoking story about the world's only superhero who quickly finds out that it's not as easy as it seems in the comic books, earning Peter Parker-esque derision from the media and police forces of New York City. However, when he uses paranormal ability to communicate with and command electronics to save World Trade Center Tower Two he earns the hearts and minds of the public at large, decides to run for mayor, and beats Bloomberg in a landslide. Quickly he runs into the same morass; leadership over the Five Boroughs proves just as elusive and caustic as his short-lived masked adventurer career. I've been a fan of Tony Harris since the first issues of Starman, and he really shines on this title adding stunning visuals but never outshining Vaughan's masterful storytelling. The nonlinear plot may alienate some readers but left me eager to acquire the next volume to uncover more of Mayor Hundred's mysterious past and chaotic tenure. This is a refreshing, highly political tangent of the deconstructionist superhero genre. ( )

The concept is interesting, but both the dialogue and art are stiff. These two deterrents are taken care of by the second book, and it is much easier to get involved with the story. Keep reading. It's worth it.

I'm a little late to the party when it comes to Ex Machina. The series flew completely under my radar when it first came out in issues. Since that time, I've frequently heard good things about it and thought, "Hm, I should really pick that up," but with all the other titles I follow regularly, I just never got around to it. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I had a Borders gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket and there it was, sitting on the shelf, the first trade. I bought it, and now I've read it and I'm hungry for more.

The story of Ex Machina is about a super-hero, calling himself The Great Machine, who decided to give up the costumed life and run for mayor of New York. And he won! Now he's mayor and forced to deal with problems ranging from the murders of city workers to an offensive art exhibit. Interestingly, the super-hero aspect of the story takes a back seat to the political angle. It's a fantastic decision, and makes for a very compelling story. Meanwhile, the hints of our protagonist's career as The Great Machine is given to us in drips and drabs in flashback, small bits to whet our appetite without distracting from the main story (in fact the flashbacks work in service to the main story). What's really impressive is how much the politics in the story is steeped in the real world politics of New York City. It serves to place this story in an almost real world setting. ( )

http://tyranist.blogspot.com/2007/10/... ( )