Review by Booklist Review
Clementine "Clem" Chang has just arrived in the Martian city Tithonium. Clem's first day at University City Robotics Repair starts like any other, with friend SENA, a sentient, empathic neuro-bonded animatronic robot, by her side. Manager Nadiya is welcoming, displaying a compassionate link with her robotic patients, yet she's apprehensive of the great Dr. Lin, who has come to greet the new hire. Lin has not arrived solo; custom-built personal assistant Kye is by her side. Clem is taken with Kye, remarking on his stunning build, as if he were human. As the relationship between Clem and Kye develops, questions about what makes one human arise, as well as what is possible when one chooses to break free from their creator. Illustrator and comics artist Xu masterfully creates a timely sf tale with smart commentary on important ethical issues--artificial intelligence, (artificial) consciousness, human cloning, and privacy rights. Profoundly, Xu's indigo-and-soft-pink washes create a color palette calming enough to deliver on difficult topics beyond science, notably academic abuse and childhood trauma. The metaphysical problems Clem, Kye, and all those on Mars face are too real and incredibly close, and they're seamlessly integrated into an enticing romance grounded in hard sf. This thoughtful, genre-blending comic deserves a prominent spot on the shelves of libraries serving young adults.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Teenage Clementine Chang is an engineer in a future society where robotic assistants and cuddly children's companions running on artificial intelligence are commonplace. After she creates her own personal pal, Clem is invited to travel from Earth to Mars to work for her idol, AI pioneer Dr. Marcella Lin. On Mars she meets Kye, Dr. Lin's humanoid robot assistant, with whom Clem is instantly fascinated. Soon, mysterious glitches begin emerging in Kye's programming, prompting a cold shift in Dr. Lin's personality that triggers memories of Clem's own traumatic past. As the glitches persist, and as Dr. Lin grows more agitated at Kye's burgeoning independence, Clem and Kye seek to understand the inconsistencies in his code as well as navigate their growing mutual attraction. Mooncakes cocreator Xu employs a subdued pastel pink and blue palette that subtly emphasizes the narrative's contemplative and romantic aspects, and balances the simultaneously uplifting and melancholic tone. While the supporting cast and the exploration of themes surrounding identity and humanity sometimes feel underutilized, the central romance develops in a natural and languorous fashion that culminates in a sweeping read that raises questions about what it means to be human. Characters read as East Asian. Ages 13--up. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt and Zacker Literary. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--Clementine leaves Earth to study robotics and engineering at a university on Mars where the renowned Dr. Marcella Lin has her lab. Dr. Lin's premiere Artificial Intelligence build is Kye, who, unlike most robots on Mars, looks like a human man. He serves as her data processor and personal assistant. Clem has her own AI build, the bunny-like SENA (Sentient Empathic Neurobonded Animatronic). Creations like Kye and SENA should be able to communicate with each other, but Dr. Lin installed firewalls and encryption in Kye to keep him isolated. Clem and Kye connect over his interest in learning about Earth. Clem manages to transfer some images to Kye, which somehow changes him. He begins to experience emotions beyond his programming; he and Clem grow closer, infuriating Dr. Lin. As Clem and Kye learn more about Dr. Lin and the things she's hidden in Kye, they are shocked to realize they have surprisingly similar origin stories. Xu's narrative raises intriguing questions about AI consciousness and the effect of capitalism on the direction of AI development. The vibrant art, illustrated in blues and pinks, works well with the story, especially in conveying the characters' emotions. The infinity particle is a single electron whose actions can cause dramatic change. This graphic novel shows how small gestures can have powerful impacts. VERDICT With so much attention being paid to the rapid pace of advancement in AI, this graphic novel will attract readers interested in AI development as well as the broader ethical issues.--Carla Riemer
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
AI and human meet--and love blossoms. Clementine Chang has been working with her SENA, or Sentient Emphatic Neurobonded Animatronic, a small robot companion, since she was a child. Now, she has finally landed a job with the famed Dr. Lin and moved to Mars. It's a dream come true for Clementine, especially when she meets Kye, Dr. Lin's assistant, who was custom built in the shape of an attractive young human man. Clementine relishes the opportunity to work with this sort of technology and use it to help others. While Dr. Lin might not live up to all of Clementine's expectations, she can't help but be drawn to Kye, sensing a similarity between them. When Kye reveals that he needs her help, Clementine and SENA readily agree. A hopeful future incorporating both technology and heart is depicted through clean, simple panels in blue and pink that expressively impart not only Clementine's thoughts and emotions, but also a sense of warmth and undeniable cuteness inherent in Clementine's world. Some darker themes are threaded throughout the story, but ultimately, it seems, good will prevail. Clementine's surname implies Chinese descent, and Kye's dashing appearance is reminiscent of Chinese dramas. They live in a vibrant, clearly East Asian--influenced world. A delightful tale that brings optimism back to science fiction. (Graphic science fiction. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
