World Famous Comics: Ex Machina Vol. 7: Ex Cathedra
Ex Machina Vol. 7: Ex Cathedra
By: Brian Vaughan Publisher: WildStorm Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: WildStorm Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 128 Publication Date: October 21, 2008 Release Date: October 21, 2008
Ex Machina keeps getting better. Brian K. Vaughan, Ex Machina: Ex Cathedra (Wildstorm, 2008)
Hundred is invited to Rome for an audience with Pope John Paul II, who senses he's about to die. Before that happens, he wants to take the measure of Hundred. Maybe a little spiritual diagnostics will figure out what the deal is with Hundred's powers where all else has so far failed? There are others in the Vatican, however, who believe Hundred to be something far darker than a miracle of technology... some interesting ideas here, and Vaughan ropes global politics into this book as seemingly effortlessly as he roped New York politics into the original books. Ex Machina is getting better all the time. ****
He's Done Better Having read previous trade paperbacks for this series , as well as other works by the author , this one seems like 'more of the same' rather than moving anything forward . It's almost as if he's treading water . Harris' art is exemplary as always . I guess in order to find out what happens next I've had to buy the story , and it is a lot better than a lot of the popcorn on the market at the moment , but I've just come to expect more MEAT from this creative team ...
Read Slowly and Savor This Gem Ever since getting on board with Ex Machina after its first volume, I literally cannot wait for each new volume to be released. That's why, after months of looking forward to Ex Cathedra, I couldn't help but initially feel a little disappointment. However, after a second reading, my opinion changed drastically. More on that in a moment.
Like I said, because I count down the days until certain books come out, I tend to pick them up as soon as possible and tear right through them. I did that with Ex Cathedra, neglecting to let it sit on my tongue and savor it. I forgot what originally drew me to Ex Machina was the fact that it was really unlike anything else, and so when I first read Ex Cathedra and didn't get it, I thought, "What is this? I waited for this?" It seemed directionless, pointless, and haphazard to me.
But then I decided I read it too fast, and (as much to get my money's worth as anything), I determined I should give it another go.
On the second read, I picked up on a lot of parallels that I missed the first time around. In Ex Cathedra, Mayor Hundred (a former super hero who stopped the destruction of one of the Twin Towers) is invited to the Vatican to visit the Pope before his death. When Hundred arrives, a Father reveals he arranged for Hundred's visit to investigate the origins of Hundred's abilities, even claiming the mayor may be the antichrist. However, the Pope still wants an audience with Hundred, which prompts a Russian conspirator to use Hundred as an assassin by tapping into Hundred's machine-friendly mind. I won't spoil the ending, but let's say that Hundred has some incredible revelations as he tries to resist killing the Pope.
Brian K. Vaughan offers a very brief story (four issues) full of nuance and punch--if read carefully. As usual, Vaughan interrupts the present-day unveiling of the tale with flashbacks to Hundred's The Great Machine days (his super hero identity). In this volume, those flashbacks each deal with a different perspective on religion, which amplifies the main story, the one unfolding in Hundred's here-and-now. This author technique is effective because it continues to give us insight into Mayor Hundred's character, his days as a super hero, and his various reactions to different situations involving religions. This, of course, helps us understand his motives and reactions when meeting the Pope.
Artist Tony Harris continues to rock on Ex Machina. His figures, clothing, architecture, and layouts are charismatic without being distracting. His art works to supplement and progress the story, which is the idea in such a visual medium. Harris, in my opinion, is one of the best in the business and deserves more recognition.
Finally, Vaughan takes the time to help us get to know Commissioner Angotti a little better by giving us some background on her all-the-while moving she and Hundred's professional relationship forward and in a new, less combative direction. While this stand-alone issue has some very serious themes, there's also quite a bit of comic book in-jokes, especially involving another famous hero and Commissioner team.
In Ex Cathedra, I was initially guilty of forgetting what draws me to Ex Machina on a regular basis. I forgot I love this title because it's like nothing else, and once I slowed down and gave it the time it deserved, I really saw it for the gem it is.
Scott William Foley, author of Souls Triumphant
Issues #30-34 of this excellent Vertigo/DC series Vaughn and Harris return with a seventh collection of this fine series. Issues #30-33 comprise a four-part story arc centered on Mayor Hundred's visit to the Vatican to meet Pope John Paul II, and the shadowy, ruthless individuals that pursue him. As the title implies, religion is a key theme of this plotline. Issue #34 focuses on Police Commissioner Angiotti and her relationship with Hundred. As in previous volumes, brief intermittent segments reveal more of The Great Machine's superhero career. Fans of the series will not be disappointed by this latest installment.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
