Review: Alex & Ada, Volume #1 by Jonathan Luna, Sarah Vaughn

From JONATHAN LUNA (GIRLS, THE SWORD, ULTRA, Spider-Woman: Origin) and SARAH VAUGHN (Sparkshooter) comes ALEX + ADA, a sci-fi drama set in the near future. The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in realistic androids. But after Ada is dropped into his life, he discovers she is more than just a robot.
Collects ALEX + ADA #1-5. ~ Goodreads

Source: Purchased

Review: I started dabbling with graphic novels last year and this series was one that was repeatedly recommended to me so I decided to give it a shot.

Alex is struggling after a break up. He’s lonely and well-meaning friends keep trying to fix him up.

On his birthday his wealthy grandmother surprises him with an X5 android in his living room. Granny has been getting it on with a hot stud model X5 😂 and thinks it can help Alex get out and enjoy life more - or at least not sit at home alone all the time being mopey.

Alex is skeptical at first but does power his AI up out of curiosity. She’s very accommodating and whatever Alex wants is right and that’s very disconcerting for him. He wants her to have a little more…personality. He hopes, over time, their interactions will become more natural. They don’t and Alex feels very uncomfortable with ordering her around and her not being able to express her own wishes or even take care of her own needs (the robots need food for example to maintain power) unless Alex orders it.

After some poking around, Alex finds a secret group that *wakes up* AI’s and decides to do the same for his despite a rogue, violent incident with a sentient AI years ago. But the problem has been fixed with newer models. Or has it?? Dun…dun…dun…

I really loved how Ada’s awakening played out. It wasn’t a happy occasion for her and she’s overrun by stimulus and emotions. Alex is actually a decent guy. He’s not trying to use her as a sex toy – or even as a romantic partner (although I'm sure they'll fall in love later 😍). He truly sees something in her and wants to give her a voice so she can decide things for herself. He doesn't like the power imbalance.

Of course, it’s illegal to turn on AI’s – government secrets, rogue robots and all that and you know what’s coming….lol

There was nothing particularly original about this story. It really reminded me of the excellent AMC series Humans and the movie Ex Machina but there was something about Alex + Ada that drew me in and kept me hooked anyway. The story and artwork flowed really well - even though it was very simple and straightforward.

I know I was supposed to root for the robots to gain sentience. Which, once they are turned on, I’m all for it, but I also kept wondering – it they aren’t already sentient – do they know or care? It’s much safer for them without it and Ada really struggled at first. Was she happier given choice? It didn't seem like it. On the other hand – I’m not in favor of anything that’s being used to serve humans that could even potentially be sentient.

It's an interesting dilemma & thought provoking and I’ll be reading the next two volumes for sure.