Having bought this on the strength of some good reviews, I can happily report that it exceeded expectations on all fronts. This massive tome, more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) thick and running to 1,440 pages, collects issues 1-50 and 4 specials, of the Ex Machina comic book, publication of which began in 2004. As an omnibus collection of a monthly comic book, I had expected it to be episodic, as most such collections are. In fact, what you have here reads much more like one continuous narrative, essentially a single, albeit huge, graphic novel. And what a page-turner it is too. Author, Brian K. Vaughan, has a real flair for creating believable characters and introducing us to them in such a way that we genuinely grow to care about them, even when we may not necessarily like them.
The story takes place in a world that is recognisably our own, albeit with a few key differences, foremost among which is the existence of the central character, this world's only bona fide human being with something like super-powers, albeit tech-enhanced ones, hence the Machina of the title. Off the back of the notoriety gained through his heroics, he decides to broker a career as a politician. Everything that comes after is a direct consequence of this decision and how the main protagonist, his friends, enemies, colleagues, political allies and opponents, and the media, deal with it.
While appearing to be a super-hero story, there's a lot more going on here. It's a political thriller, a story about human relationships, and an extended meditation on the state of the world, and in particular America, post-9/11. In these respects, and in terms of its length, it warrants comparison with War and Peace. Ex Machina is much more readable though.
The reality of the setting and the inherent believability of the characters and their actions are what carry us through the twists and turns of the tale, keep us guessing, keep us caring and keep us wanting to know what is going to happen next. This reality is ably assisted by the excellent artwork of primary penciller, Tony Harris, and his similarly gifted support team of inkers and colourist. Their artwork enhances the storytelling beautifully, exactly as it should. Realistic but not photo-realistic, artistic without being overtly arty. In other words, about as good as graphic novel art ever gets.
So, genuinely gripping from start to finish. You might want to build up your arm muscles with some dumbbell exercises before tackling it though ... it is a seriously weighty volume! Honestly, if I was publishing it, I'd have split it into two volumes, maybe in a slip case....
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