Aphrodite IX was written by David Wohl, pencilled by David Finch, Inks by Joe Weems and published by Top Cow productions. Volume one is available for purchase on the Comixology digital comic book store.
At first glance when reading this comic one can quickly appreciate the beautifully done artwork for the series. The colouring the artistry and overall appearance of the series is crafted very well. The way the mixture of reds, greens and just a touch of blues in some scenes throughout the book really add to the story telling.
The character design and how each character appears to be animated and expressed by the artists is something hard to find but in Aphrodite IX this is done not only well but superbly. Characters look and feel like they are talking to one another and each scenes animation seems to just be completely in sync with the author’s dialogue. Characters or scenery are never really out-of-place and everything is thought out quite well. This is good because it draws the reader into the story and helps immerse the reader into the created universe in which Aphrodite IX inhabits.
Apart from the artwork the story is intriguingly captivating. The reader watches as Aphrodite is created for what is essentially the purpose of killing almost like a machine. However she has organic or human appearance. She is not metal or part implant part human like other humans in her world. She is completely created and will live forever. She is indestructible.
However that is not all there is to Aphrodite IX she is not a one-dimensional character motivated by simple tasks she must complete. The reader will learn through reading that she is quite a conflicted personality one who doesn’t really know what she does, what she is or why she is existing. The book is a journey of self discovery for Aphrodite IX. She knows she is a trained killer with many abilities but after each mission she forgets the task completed. Blocked out of her memory due to a previous trauma one I will not spoil. But in reading the book in its entirety I will say that Aphrodite IX is made as a quite complex character to know which makes her captivating and intriguing.
Other story elements throughout the book are the science fiction world created by the authors. Many of the humans are making augmentations on themselves in order to live longer. I would say it’s essentially a dystopian world something that was trying to be perfect but created a sort of society shift; one of decaying decadence. Those with augmentations seemed to live the rich life, the happy life. Those without seemed to be almost rotting away, almost finished as is discovered in one scene where Aphrodite travels in the taxi. The world is far from perfect with many conflicting conditions and dangers. Men with weapons and armed guards everywhere, people trying to be safe. Those really just trying to hold on to life and keep away from dangers in a world of extended lives through augmentations. It’s really a very interesting creation.
In the opening Foreword David Finch writes “Aphrodite IX was never meant to be subtle of clever when it was created….I like straight forward, unnuanced visceral fun in a comic book” Although this is the case for this comic book when reading I can’t help but think about the various layers this character has in this volume. Her journey to become self-aware, the discovery of her past and the freedom she gains at the end of the journey really help Aphrodite IX to be presented as such a strong female character. While the book’s story line is straight forward and linear there’s not really any twists to be had. It does have its surprising moments and dramatic scenes which are not easily forgotten, but this is what I believe makes this a good read.
Overall Aphrodite IX is an extremely well made comic book series which I think is one to be remembered as a classic. I recommend checking out the book if you haven’t read it or if you have read it what do you think? What are you’re impressions of Aphrodite IX’s journey? What scenes stood out for you in the book?
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this was a really well written piece