Self/Made #2

Image Comics

Writer: Mat Groom

Artist: Edwardo Ferigato

Self/Made is a fantasy/science fiction story. It explores concepts of sentients in organic life forms as well as in programmed ones. It attempts to redefine what is commonly perceived as “alive,” but does it pull off such a profound endeavor? The attempt in and of itself should be applauded.

This story takes place in multiple worlds: a futuristic world not unlike our own and a myriad of programmed worlds created by a video game company. The fantastical elements introduced in issue #1 are mostly left behind in #2, but it’s clear this comic intends a multi-genre approach to storytelling.

In this issue, the clock is wound back a little, and the story starts near where #1 began, however, readers are no longer in a digital fantasy world; instead they are privy to the world the programmers live in. Similar to #1, this issue plays upon genre tropes, though tones them down for the sake of tension. Conflict is of a more personal nature in this issue as well, rather than perceived worldly destruction. Artist is pitted against executive; the former intent on preserving her legacy and creating something meaningful, the latter driven by deadlines and profits. The issue wraps up by promising a new world for readers and an interesting adventure in #3.

While the characters in this issue don’t feel groundbreaking, they fulfill important functions in the work. They feel real in the sense of having motives that make sense as well as needs. Of course, the most intriguing character is Amala, the programmed anomaly, and sadly little panel space is given to her, but the cast is still strong, as readers will be keen to know who is deciding Amala’s fate.

In #1, the artistic style of Edwardo Ferigato seemed particularly suited to a gritty, yet whimsical fantasy story. However, after #2, any thought of the fantastic is left behind. His work on this futuristic world leaves nothing to be desired. From the confined spaces of workstations with holographic monitors to the backdrop of cities with flying cars, everything seems to have its own place. Never was this reader taken out of the story. Instead, the art and dialogue combined seamlessly to create an immersive experience.

This comic explores what it means for humanity to become Gods. Not in the sense of becoming immortal, but in the sense of creating a life separate from ourselves: digital life. While this concept may seem far off, it also could already have happened and humanity is simply too preoccupied with itself to detect a sentient presence in the ether we call the internet. While this comic is an interesting look at new worlds, it addresses serious issues that we will all, one day, be forced to think about.