Like Crave, the creator’s previous work, Maria Llovet’s first artificial issue sets up something like a lonely Hearts app straight from Black Mirror, although it feels pretty close to reality. Users can order ideal Android dates programmed with favorite personality traits, values, and even select kinks. Of course, by the end of this first issue, things will be in order – and I’m already completely sucked in.
This first issue does a great job of making readers invest in the mechanics of the first date (no pun intended). The interaction between Clara and her new Bo is sweet and awkward, and Llovet makes great use of the space between body language and words to show how exciting and creepy this experience can be. The date plays like a montage right away from a romantic comedy, slowing down at some key moments and really highlights how it sticks out in Clara’s experience. For example, the painful closure of space for kissing is split into multiple panels, raising expectations for readers and telling Clara how much this moment means.
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Clara looks like a likable protagonist so far, but it is clear that her love and ideal relationships are somewhat contaminated by the romance series she and her friends are consuming. With a lovely touch, Llovet shows that Clara is not the only person in this society. One of the most popular names for these cybernetic companions is because they come from these universe books. The sequence in which Clara designs her perfect companion brings many questions about power dynamics and what Clara really wants. Does she want a partner or someone who is willing to please her by the means necessary?
With these small details (and the fact that Clara dodges the text from her origin), Llovet manages to weave the beginnings of a melancholy love story, with affection in its surroundings. There is a toxic undercurrent that bubbles through this first issue. Like Crave, the Date-X app appears to be a disaster waiting to happen. In particular, we see how moments related to speech and text have dropped my stomach when reading the final page.
There are many directions this stay can go to at this point, and there are very few of them that seem very comfortable. Again, if Maria Lubett’s previous work is any indication, readers are taking part in quite a few rides.
“Artificial” #1 Review: Does Androids dream of swiping correctly?
Artificial #1
Modern dates about this “black mirror” date are very convincing, with readers waiting for the next date on the final page of this first issue.
The charming hero is filled with subtle contradictions
The logistics of the company at the heart of the book has been clearly considered
Establish a fully realized world for characters to live in.
The intentional pacing of this first issue may not be everyone’s tea
