The exploration of the emotional well being of robots has been seen in science fiction for much of the genre’s existence. With a certain cybernetics cries even making for a memorable cover. Hexware, the newest unit from Image Comics, searches for support after a crash, things that go beyond simple mechanical malfunction; more maleficent. And in doing some chooses run a bad program. But, if you don’t have a soul to sell, do you care if you bring good things to life?
Hexware #1
The Puppet Tree
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Zulema Scotto Lavina
Colorist: Valentina Cuomo
Hexware #1 introduces readers to the Which-Where, the comic’s main character, through dialogue as she navigates a city street It becomes evident early in Tim Seely’s story that this machine is running in dual booting mode. Whose strings? A flashback reveals the robots original master and purpose. Much to her “owner(s)” annoyance she lives up to her name. Unlike Bender from Futurama or Wall-E‘s EVE, Which-Where’s ability involves conundrums; in word and later on in deed.
Hexware suggests that the ability to relate is much different than computing or calculating. Do no harm is an imperative; do machines even have fielty?
Seely’s script suggests that men (and women) do, which isn’t always a good thing. Where they choose to place their service differs, as seen with the Marks family. While Sheela Marks serves legacy code – a Pagan at her core, the family’s lifestyle suggests her husband is self-serving. The streets of Norwes at the stories opening appear different than the skyline that Which-Where’s “owners” see everyday. Artist Zulema Scotto Lavino gives the world a synthesized world, the clean-straight lines indicating how the Marks family, or at least Jesminder Marks’ father, looks at things. Like George Jetson’s earliest reactions to his android, Kieran Marks has a bit of contempt for his blue hued robot.
This is interesting since the world of Hexware is eerily similar to the one in the Jetson’s. The what, or who, that was overlooked during those earlier animations is blown into proportion by colorist Valentina Cuomo. Luminescent shards of glass fall from the sky; man made heaven brought down to earth. Hexware’s, and more importantly Which-Where’s world, turns into an inferno with but a simple bit of malicious coding. With this function error, Which-Where begins searching beyond the usual engines. Not much difference between spellwork and code, and no more willing servant than a slave (machine).
Which-Where’s wish feels like Robin Williams’ Andrew in Bicentennial Man. Each offers up some small portion in order for something more. But instead of a pound of flesh, the issue indicates exactly what Which-Where offers her new user.
Hexware transforms the ghost in the machine into a poltergeist.
Score: 8.4