Avengers A.I. #1
An artificial intelligence virus called Demitrios has evolved from the virus Hank Pym (Giant Man) created to stop Ultron, and is using robots in an attempt to wipe out humanity. S.H.I.E.L.D has Hank assemble a team consisting of Victor Mancha, The Vision, and a reprogrammed Doombot, who stop an attack from Demitrios at a hospital.
The team: Sam Humphries (Writer) André Lima Araújo (Artist)
Thoughts: This issue was a blast, and that definitely lies in the characters. In the past Hank Pym has been a bit of a sad sack, and with good reason. He’s caused a lot of problems, despite wanting to be a hero. Age of Ultron could have been a chance to send him further down, but they went the opposite direction. He’s saved the world, he’s out of the dumps, and he’s intent on helping the world. This was shown to us in the wrap of Age of Ultron issue, written by a personal favorite of mine, Mark Waid. I was worried that this issue would bring him in a different route, but it stayed right on track. The moment I was sold on this, was when he was told that Demitrios evolved from his virus. He almost goes into an angsty moment, but pulls right out of it. I’m loving the happy and here to help characterization. The Vision is a standard superhero. He’s come to save as much life as possible. Victor is a teenager. He’s silly, and he’s having fun being a hero. Vision and Victor have a fun sibling relationship, where they take the mick out of each other a bit. Having a Doombot on the team was a stroke of brilliance. He has the attitude of Doctor Doom; yet is forced to help people, and isn’t happy about it. Every line of his is hilarious. The only character that gives me pause is Monica Chang, acting director of S.H.I.E.L.D.. She’s downright mean to Hank, and it feels over the top.
The fantastic thing about this book is that all the A.I’s have distinct personalities, and that seems to be the point. Something that’s bothered me in science fiction is Artificial Intelligence being treated as inferior to biological beings. I mean, Captain Kirk has used logic to make a sentient robot destroy itself three times that I can think of. They were all various degrees of evil, but my point is that if an artificial intelligence were created, it would have the same rights as a human because it would be sentient. It would become a life. This book treats them as beings who have just as much of a mind and personality as humans have, and I hope an exploration of sentience and life becomes a running theme in the book. I’m tired of carbon based life forms being put above robots.
Another great thing about the book is the pacing. It gives a quick look at the upcoming action, then gives plot exposition, while also making us understand Hank through dialogue. There are quick character introductions for the A.I.s, then an entertaining and fun action sequence. During the action, the characters dialogue allows us to get to know them, in a way that doesn’t interrupt the story.
The art in this issue is distinctly average. It tells the story well enough, but there isn’t anything special about it. Though there was an opening poster page with a computer theme, which had a nice aesthetic.
And if anyone was wondering, yes, I have been replaced by a robot.
The team: Sam Humphries (Writer) André Lima Araújo (Artist)
Thoughts: This issue was a blast, and that definitely lies in the characters. In the past Hank Pym has been a bit of a sad sack, and with good reason. He’s caused a lot of problems, despite wanting to be a hero. Age of Ultron could have been a chance to send him further down, but they went the opposite direction. He’s saved the world, he’s out of the dumps, and he’s intent on helping the world. This was shown to us in the wrap of Age of Ultron issue, written by a personal favorite of mine, Mark Waid. I was worried that this issue would bring him in a different route, but it stayed right on track. The moment I was sold on this, was when he was told that Demitrios evolved from his virus. He almost goes into an angsty moment, but pulls right out of it. I’m loving the happy and here to help characterization. The Vision is a standard superhero. He’s come to save as much life as possible. Victor is a teenager. He’s silly, and he’s having fun being a hero. Vision and Victor have a fun sibling relationship, where they take the mick out of each other a bit. Having a Doombot on the team was a stroke of brilliance. He has the attitude of Doctor Doom; yet is forced to help people, and isn’t happy about it. Every line of his is hilarious. The only character that gives me pause is Monica Chang, acting director of S.H.I.E.L.D.. She’s downright mean to Hank, and it feels over the top.
The fantastic thing about this book is that all the A.I’s have distinct personalities, and that seems to be the point. Something that’s bothered me in science fiction is Artificial Intelligence being treated as inferior to biological beings. I mean, Captain Kirk has used logic to make a sentient robot destroy itself three times that I can think of. They were all various degrees of evil, but my point is that if an artificial intelligence were created, it would have the same rights as a human because it would be sentient. It would become a life. This book treats them as beings who have just as much of a mind and personality as humans have, and I hope an exploration of sentience and life becomes a running theme in the book. I’m tired of carbon based life forms being put above robots.
Another great thing about the book is the pacing. It gives a quick look at the upcoming action, then gives plot exposition, while also making us understand Hank through dialogue. There are quick character introductions for the A.I.s, then an entertaining and fun action sequence. During the action, the characters dialogue allows us to get to know them, in a way that doesn’t interrupt the story.
The art in this issue is distinctly average. It tells the story well enough, but there isn’t anything special about it. Though there was an opening poster page with a computer theme, which had a nice aesthetic.
And if anyone was wondering, yes, I have been replaced by a robot.
A Look Inside
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