BOXED

In this graphic novel set in the near future, an agent confronts a rogue artificial intelligence with the aid of another, equally unstable AI.

When a passenger on an Atlanta bus falls ill with an unknown disease, Hippocrates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s AI, reroutes the vehicle to a hospital. However, it goes well beyond its programming when it effectively imprisons the riders and cuts off their communications. The Rapid Response Artificial Intelligence Division (R.A.I.D.) sends an assault squad on a mission to obliterate Hippocrates, which demands to be connected to another AI. Soon, R.A.I.D. Special Agent Frank Savage shows up with an AI called Pandora, which once seduced Frank in a virtual reality setting and currently resides in a glowing, quarantined box. AIs aren’t allowed to communicate with one another, as they could form a superintelligence. However, if Frank, acting as a go-between, can keep the AIs separate while managing Hippocrates’ continuing demands, he may reach a peaceful resolution. Writer Sable’s deceptively simple narrative blends an intriguing cast with engaging backstories; there’s Frederic Roehm, who created a VR called Elysium and who would rather see Hippocrates “boxed” than destroyed. There are also brief, informative flashbacks covering Frank’s recruitment into R.A.I.D. and his involvement with a project that went belly up. Haun’s artwork sublimely depicts a world of huge screens, uncanny VR, bursts of action, and distinctive characters; Pandora appears to a linked Frank as a voluptuous redheaded woman, and Hippocrates’ talking head, appearing on various monitors, often looks unnerving and maniacal. As this is the first volume in a series, many questions linger, including details about an especially cool, mysterious character—although several clues point to who it is.

A taut, visually rich series starter that promises exhilarating SF thrills to come.