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cjordahl's review
4.0
I continue to like this title much more than I originally expected to. For a book with super-powered characters, it's very real, down-to-earth. The characters react believably to generally plausible situations. Smart dialog. The realistic art fits very well and is quite well done.
(Now that I think of it, I could say the same for Saga, BKV's current ongoing series. Although it's full-on Sci-Fi with all the crazy characters and settings that you could imagine, emotionally it's deeply real.)
(Now that I think of it, I could say the same for Saga, BKV's current ongoing series. Although it's full-on Sci-Fi with all the crazy characters and settings that you could imagine, emotionally it's deeply real.)
just_fighting_censorship's review
3.0
Nothing too exciting here. The story revolves around decriminalization of weed and a serial B&E faux firefighter.
Journal is replaced with a more annoying version, her sister, January.
An average volume that is busy setting the scene for things to come.
Journal is replaced with a more annoying version, her sister, January.
An average volume that is busy setting the scene for things to come.
mikaiya's review
3.0
I know this is world building going on. But this series has taken a nose dive. The other critics seem to agree- I read it with an open mind, but was sorely disappointed.
Get back on top, Ex Machina... I know you can do it. The first two volumes were stellar! And this... this is shoddy. Bleh.
Get back on top, Ex Machina... I know you can do it. The first two volumes were stellar! And this... this is shoddy. Bleh.
stevenk's review
3.0
Two plot lines involving smoke, a home invader posing as a fireman and Hundred's views on drugs and drug policy, are told with intermingled episodes from the Great Machine's past and a sense of frustration on the part of all of the characters. I think that's why I didn't like this volume as much as the earlier ones, the lack of optimism that Hundred has had through this story.
adrianwelsh's review
3.0
Another fun volume in this series. Maybe I liked it better than the last one? I don’t remember. I think I need to settle down and just read the series to get through it. I think it’s more enjoyable to read this in one setting instead of how I do it – whenever I randomly have time…
francomega's review
3.0
Solid volume. Looks like they're setting up some significant story lines as we hit the halfway point of the series.
xterminal's review
4.0
Brian K. Vaughan, Ex Machina: Smoke, Smoke (DC Comics, 2007)
Vaughan continues to impress with everything he puts out. The most recent Ex Machina collection takes on the thorny (well, where legislators are concerned) topic of drug legalization. A new character pops up: January Moore, the departed Journal's sister, who Hundred appoints to step into Journal's shoes. As usual, there's a relatively dismissable mystery arc, but they're starting to tie in much better with the overarching themes found in each book. I wasn't entirely sure about this series to start, but it's getting better with each release. ****
Vaughan continues to impress with everything he puts out. The most recent Ex Machina collection takes on the thorny (well, where legislators are concerned) topic of drug legalization. A new character pops up: January Moore, the departed Journal's sister, who Hundred appoints to step into Journal's shoes. As usual, there's a relatively dismissable mystery arc, but they're starting to tie in much better with the overarching themes found in each book. I wasn't entirely sure about this series to start, but it's getting better with each release. ****
davidsandey's review
3.0
Ex Machina has a great vibe going on. And after waiting far too long to read Vol. 5. It was much easier to get back into than I expected. Having said that, Smoke, Smoke is not as visceral as the previous books and feels somewhat like a filler arc. I am not ready to say that the book is going downhill as some other reviewers have said; it is too early to say that. May be after reading Vol 6. I'll be able to tell.
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