I LOVE Wendy Xu! This may be my new favorite graphic novel. It's so heartwarming and sweet, but at the same time asks really intense philosophical questions like what does it mean to have consciousness. Clem is so cute and reminds me a lot of my best friend so I was instantly endeared to her. Cannot wait to have a physical copy of this on my shelf! ( )

I enjoyed the conversations on the ethics of AI, with humanoid models in this case, and abusive parenting.

But I couldn't get over the disbelief that Clem never once questioned her attraction to Kye, who for all intents and purposes is a robot. I'm not even saying they shouldn't have been together, but she had no self-doubt. When she saw his height, she said I want him NOW!

I liked the artwork and that it showcases a graphic novel that doesn't have to be background-heavy to convey a story.

ending spoiler:i guess since she's a GMO baby she thought there was no room to judge or second-guess his programming. ( )

Trigger Warnings: Emotional abuse

Clementine Change moves from Earth to Mars for a fresh start and to work her dream job with Dr. Marcella Lin, an AI pioneer. On her first day of work, Clementine meets Kye, Mr. Lin’s personal humanoid AI assistant. Clem has built her own robot - a moth-shaped companion named SENA, so she’s no stranger to artificial intelligence, but there’s something human about Kye. When the two begin working together, sparks begin. But Dr. Lin is enraged by Kye’s growing independence and restricts his freedom. Both Clem and SENA can tell there’s something different with Kye, that he’s possibly more than just your standard AI - but what is Dr. Lin trying to hide?

Firstly, this is all just adorable.

Secondly, when do we get to have our own “Build-A-Friend: Kiddie Robotics Kit”? I would also like to have my own SENA as my best friend. Seeing her expressions always got me to giggle at how cute she was.

The artwork in this novel is beautiful and works really well with the complimentary limited pallet. Everything is clearly seen from panel to panel - even in the darker/evening time panels.

Overall - if you read Mooncakes and loved it, you’ll love this one. You’ll also love it if you like the age-old Sci-Fi question of : when is a being truly a conscious living thing? Also, again, cute and adorable companions. ( )

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley/Edelweiss. Content warning for child abuse.)

--4.5 stars --

Clementine Chang is thrilled to be on Mars - and working for her idol, Dr. Marcella Lin, at her shop, the University City Robotics Repair. After a rather traumatic upbringing on Earth, Clem is ready for a fresh start. With her AI SENA (Sentient Empathic Neurobonded Animatronic) by her side (or riding on her head or shoulder, to be more precise), Clem hopes to learn all she can from Dr. Lin. But you know the old adage about never meeting your idols.

Dr. Lin has her own custom build, a humanoid AI named Kye, who she uses (read: exploits) as a personal assistant. Though they were a popular avenue for experimentation fifty years ago, humanoid AIs have since fallen out of favor - not so much because of the uncanny valley factor, but rather people prefer their besties/servants to be cute, cuddly, and totally nonthreatening. While AIs are much more common on Mars than Earth, Kye remains an anomaly. An anomaly who starts glitching almost as soon as he meets Clem.

As Clem surreptitiously tries to help Kye behind Dr. Lin's back, the two begin to fall in love. But can a being who was created as a tool find - and claim - his own voice?

There are so many things I love about THE INFINITY PARTICLE (and just one thing I kinda hated). Set about five hundred years in the future, Clem's world is both recognizable, and yet so different from our own. Modeled after Earth, Mars feels comfortably familiar - and yet there are the little differences that remind us that we aren't in Kansas anymore (the preponderance of AIs chief among them). Xu's artwork is absolutely enchanting, especially in the variety of AI companions (I love that the archives has an owl!). Clem, SETA, and Kye are all charming, as is the case of supporting characters: Nadiya, Mykael, and Dr. Ada Han - in her own, social hermit kind of way.

As a supporter of nonhuman rights (both animal and sentient AI - I'm Team Cylon all the way!), I really enjoyed how Xu engaged with the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. While there are people, like Dr. Lin, who see AI (even sentient ones) as resources to be exploited, thankfully this doesn't seem to be the dominant POV in the 2500s. Clem, Nadiya, Dr. Han - all of the "good guys" in this story treat AIs with respect, honoring their humanity and autonomy. (Dr. Han's story especially tugged at my heartstrings.) "Conscious" AI are not legally obligated to stay with their creators, and can even file legal paperwork to become their own guardians (which makes Dr. Lin's actions both morally and legally abhorrent).

The only cringe moment came when, enjoying a meal with eggs, Clem exclaims, "I'm so glad they figured out ethical space chicken husbandry." This is the same ongoing issue I have with SPACE BOY - five hundred+ years in the future, we're living on Mars, creating sentient AIs, but we can't figure out how to make plant-based, lab-grown, or 3D printed animal products? UGH. Dare we imagine a world without animal agriculture please?

I'm deducting half a star for this, but THE INFINITY PARTICLE is still going down as a favorite. ( )

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this graphic novel! The writing was so well done, and the pacing was just right. This wasn't a fast-paced novel, but it kept you rooting for the main characters the whole way through. All of the characters felt realistic like they could be actual people you have encountered before. Clementine is a great protagonist as well. Her determination and kind demeanor make you want to cheer her on. The story brings up an age-old sci-fi story question, what do you think counts as a truly conscious being? The romance felt a smidgen fast, but it still worked out fine in the overall pacing. I really adored the world-building in this graphic novel! The way daily life is on Mars seems like a dream come true. I also loved the tiny background details, such as a stairway that can morph itself into a ramp for wheelchair users! The robot designs were also so good but also were an interesting commentary on current robotic designs. The art design was also excellent. I liked that instead of the traditional black and white art, it was navy blue and white! Oddly enough, it feels like it made it easier on my eyes. ( )