August
24 Colliding Worlds

Ex Machina #3

Creators: Brian K. Vaughn, writer; Tony Harris, penciller; Tom Feister, inker

Wildstorm, 32 pages, color, $2.95

So? The combination of the red-hot writer of “Y: The Last Man” and the original artist of “Starman” promises a great read and it definitely delivers. In this mix of superheroes and politics, Mitchell Hundred gives up being superhero The Great Machine to become the politically independent mayor of New York City. Hundred retains his ability to communicate with machines and faces a lot of the strange and difficult problems that occur at all levels of politics. But there is definitely more going on here, with aspects of Hundred’s superhero past slowly bubbling up into his new political life. Harris’ art has moved impressively from the thick lines he used in the art deco setting of Opal City to a finer line that’s more detailed and extremely well suited to the story. “Y” has shown that Vaughn has an excellent knack for combining entertaining action with thoughtful and fascinating premises and “Ex Machina” should cement this reputation. This is a little harder to get into than “Y,” but it’s so far worth it. Grade: A-

Crossings #2

Creators: Kayce Quevedo, story and pencils; Allen Freeman, inks

KCQ Comics, 24 pages, black and white, $3

So? “Crossings” has the ingredients of a traditional fantasy tale. Alex Alvarez discovers upon his father’s death that his mother — who died when he was very young — was from another world and that a special root was keeping him alive. Meanwhile, in that other world, a village leader sends his daughter to find the mystery man who helped them defeat a great evil in the past. Obviously, these worlds will start colliding in the next issue. Though a bit predictable, this is a very polished book with solid scripting and clear, attractive art by Quevedo. If this book can hit the stands at a steady rate it stands a good chance of building up a good-size indie-comicbook fan following. Grade: B+