Alex + Ada started out as one of my favorite series as of late right out of the gate, but with a few hiccups along the past few issues, for me it has fallen into a slightly better-than-average title. Unfortunately, we’re at the halfway point through the story and my opinion hasn’t been swayed in the other direction with issue #6. Is it a good issue and an improvement over last month’s? Yes. Is it a great issue? I don’t think so. One of the things that drew me into this book is starting to be a reason why I’m getting bored with it: the story goes by at a snail’s pace. Now, I have no problem with that if it doesn’t sacrifice great storytelling. In this case it doesn’t as most of the importance lies within the two main characters and their dialogue, but I’m starting to worry that the creative team won’t be able to answer all the questions and tie up loose ends with questions we’ve been left wondering within the next six installments.
This issue, barely anything happens and the setting is still just inside Alex’s house because he’s obviously afraid of Ada being taken away or worse, destroyed by people who are afraid of her like the one android who was torn apart at a concert. Basically, most of the issue shows Ada exploring her senses now that she’s sentient. Though some of this was admittedly a bit tedious to read, it is interesting how much we take things for granted. From the soft touch of towels to the “pungent” smell of Alex’s dirty socks, Ada wants to experience it all and soaks it in. Alex clearly enjoys that Ada enjoys such simple things, which really is a theme of this book.
The book itself is very simple yet enjoyable for the most part. There are a few important events that take place in this issue though. First, Alex’s grandmother is starting to become adamant on seeing Ada-she hasn’t met her yet and is starting to guilt Alex into giving in since his grandmother paid almost a million dollars for the android. Obviously this would cause major problems, so I’m looking forward to seeing how Alex deals with this pressure. Also, there are some points in the dialogue I have a feeling that will play a major part in the second half of this story. The biggest example of this is when Alex and Ada are playing a video game and Alex says “You don’t have to do everything you’re told. Not anymore.”
That quote from Alex comes into play towards the very end of the issue, but I won’t leave any spoilers here. I will say that this is one of the strongest cliffhangers this series has had thus far. On the other hand, depending on how you look at it this is the only noteworthy event of this whole issue. I still think the little everyday nuances that are thrown in add a level of realism to the book, but for some people I can understand seeing it as a turn-off. Hopefully issue #7 kicks things up a notch, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say this issue was good and surely a turn-around from last month’s lackluster installment.
Score: 3/5
Writers: Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna Artist: Jonathan Luna Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 5/7/14 Format: 12-Issue Limited Series, Print/Digital