World Famous Comics: Ex Machina Vol. 6: Power Down
Ex Machina Vol. 6: Power Down
By: Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris Publisher: Wildstorm Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Wildstorm Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 144 Publication Date: November 14, 2007 Release Date: November 14, 2007
Back on track after volume 5 Ex Machina volume 6 bringgs back the high quality of the series that I thought volume 5 was lacking. The story is much more exciting, and gets you much more involved. However, it's frustrating thatit kind of hinted that all of the questions about Mitchell's past would be revealed, and it only raised more. Although, I guess that's what will keep readers coming back.
Four issues and a 'behind-the scenes' collection This sixth trade paperback collects issues #26-29 of the acclaimed series. The August 2003 NYC blackouts are the backdrop for this segment. A mysterious visitor's appearance coincides with Mayor Hundred's loss of super-abilities. While enjoyable, this plot seemed slower than previous story arcs. Intermittent episodes reveal more of The Great Machine's actions on 9/11, including his diversion of the second plane. The last 22 pages are 'Inside The Machine'. This collection of staged artwork and scripts expands on the material at the end of the first Ex Machina trade paperback. For the price, I would have rather seen DC include this material as a bonus instead of displacing the normal fifth issue.
VAUGHAN AND HARRIS POWER BACK UP! Ex Machina is one of those titles that should never work in the comic book medium. Former and short-lived superhero abandons his super-persona to become mayor of New York. And that happens before the start of the series. Let's be honest, if anyone but writer Vaughan and Harris were involved, this series simply wouldn't have worked.
Ex Machina: Power Down is a return to greatness for the creative duo. The storyline deals with Mayor Hundred struggling against a city-wide power outage just as a mysterious visitor takes his mother hostage in order to deliver Hundred an important message. That message has fascinated me and worked expertly as a bit of foreshadowing. In addition, as always, we are given flashbacks to Hundred's involvement with 9/11 as well as some back-story during his training days.
The Ex Machina series started with a bang, utterly captivating me with every panel. However, the last storyline in particular focused a little too much on Hundred's mayoral duties and not quite enough on the more fantastic elements of the series. Power Down is back to what makes Ex Machina work best--an equal blend of the realistic world of politics and the surreal world of super heroics.
Furthermore, let's not forget about the art! Harris' artwork is extraordinary and this series simply wouldn't be as enjoyable as it is without him. He gets better with every issue he draws, and he was excellent to begin with! Moreover, Mettler, the often-ignored colorist, is truly responsible for giving this book in particular much of its flavor. The colors demand your attention in such an unassuming yet powerful manner; it's astounding.
Finally, Power Down also offers a "special features" section in the back of the book with some background information given by both Vaughan and Harris. Very fun stuff if you're into the production aspect of the book.
Ex Machina is a must-read series for all lovers of literature.
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