Nice first issue for Maria Llovet’s new series, “Artificial”, which drops us into the story with a breezy introduction that sets up all the pieces for steamy thriller like Hollywood used to make back the ‘90’s. We meet Llovet’s heroine, Clara, at a crossroads moment and deciding what to do next. Recently promoted in her career as a fashion consultant but on a break with her uninspiring boyfriend, Mateo, Clara is convinced to sign up for an AI-powered android dating service by a couple of supportive girlfriends over drinks. Llovet’s storytelling has a light touch that gives the reader enough details to ground them in her slightly sci-fi setting and keeps her panels free of heavy exposition. A conversation among friends did most of the heavy lifting this issue, and Llovett keeps the chemistry enjoyable and conversation engaging enough that you believe a young woman with a soft spot for romantasy novels would take a romantic interlude with a robot lover. Billed as a blend between Andrian Lyne's sweat-inducing 9 ½ Weeks and James Cameron's killer robot classic The Terminator, Llovet’s artwork doesn't shy away from sexiness and her story ends with an oversight by Clara that could turn out to be deadly if she lets her fantasies go too far… I’m subscribing.

It’s a new day, no rain and a number 1 for Batman. Matt Fraction takes the reigns on a reset the long-running DC title and uses pieces from Chip Zdarsky’s previous run to fill in the alleys and rooftops of his Blade Runner-esque take on Gotham City’s Fraction has a knack for deftly weaving small character beats into his scenes that add a weight and relatability to his characterizations. Fraction’s Batman operates in a light grey that matches his suit: Neither teetering on the edge of psychosis or drawn back into the inner recesses of his private turmoil(s), his version of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego come across as resignedly understanding that Gotham City is the way it is. Still, this Batman is getting a little tired of all the same ol’ bullshit. It's a refreshing take and the reason I decided to check back in on a Batman book after decades away. Jorge Jimenez’s art is a highlight and really compliments the quiet-loud-quiet-loud moments that Fraction provides. Scenes bounce from small character moments to explosive action and Jimenez provides a great mix of stellar action scenes, flowing character interactions, and one or two page-stopping moments (“Strike a little terror into his heart.”). The issue isn’t perfect. It’s a #1 and there’s a bit of clunky exposition dialogue of the top to orient new readers (myself included), but Fraction gets past that within a few pages. Artificial Intelligence Alfred is a choice to get used to. It’s early days and not sure I feel like committing for the long haul but I’ll definitely pick up issue 2 and see where this is headed.