Artificial #1 – Customizing Love for you

Maria Llovet is back with another examination of dating in a late stage capitalist world in Artificial #1 from Image Comics

FROM SOLICITATION:

“At the center is Clara, a jaded fashion stylist who signs up for an advanced dating service that provides hyper-realistic android partners. But when her robotic dream date malfunctions and turns dangerously possessive, Clara is forced into a chilling fight for her freedom — and her life.” (Image Comics)

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #1″

MEET CLARA

This story is about Clara, a single lady in a big city looking for love. Like many, Clara has a busy life. She works as an assistant at L.L.H. stylist boutique. Her attention to detail and customer service skills earned her a promotion to full time stylist. Clara is moving up in the world.

However, her personal life is a bit of a mess. More specifically her love life. Recently , she and her boyfriend Mateo took a break from seeing each other. But Clara doesn’t have any time for Mateo’s text messages today. She is booked for a romantic evening with an android from Date-X. 

DATE-X

Obviously this dating app is exactly what it sounds like. Customizable androids for romantic dates. Clara goes on her date and has a wonderful time. Beginning with coffee and small talk. Then, a walk in the park that led into an indoor flower garden. Where Clara abandoned herself in a kiss with the android under a shower of flowers.

Later, they made it to Clara’s apartment where things got hot and heavy. Just as she decided she wanted to go all the way, the android’s programming kicked in to stop the date. If she were to proceed, she would have to opt in for a subscription to unlock the next level of “service”.

MATEO vs EXPECTATIONS

Later Clara met her friends for drinks after work. Mateo came up during their talks. Clearly, Clara was disappointed with Mateo. However, she couldn’t quite describe why it wasn’t working out for her. She wanted more passion from Mateo. Who’s described as stoic. Even a bit of a bore.

Unlike the men they read about in their favorite novel “Real of Lust and Lies”. Apparently, this romance novel was so good, it shaped Clara’s expectations for Mateo. Eventually, Clara revealed she had gone on a date with an android from Date-X. Her friends were open minded about it. Even convinced Clara to commit to a subscription.

SUBSCRIBED TO DATE-X

Clara began her subscription. Which allowed her to customize her lover top to bottom including, but not limited to, choosing a name for it; Saul. Just like the man from her favorite adult romance novel. Also, the customization included personality traits to be exhibited by the android and to what extent. Clara got to browse through all types of preferences and wants in the sex department.

From subtle and gentle acts, to some more physical and intense. Finally, the process concludes by adding a safe word for emergencies and a user guidance from the Date-X. After every date concludes, the android needs to return to their facilities for maintenance and check up.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Maria Llovet is a master storyteller when it comes to romance and fantasy. Excelling in conveying emotions and attitudes. Such as desire, arousal and lust. But also embarrassment and judgement. Llovet’s art is well known for her classic japanese style infused with european elements. Like the character’s fashion or the architecture in the backgrounds.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Maria Llovet is back doing what she does best, examining romance and dating in a late stage capitalist world. Not just how much dating relies now on apps. But how these apps take advantage of one’s wants and needs.

Whether they provide a service for an untabbed customer base. Or they continue to find ways to exploit a human need for connection by providing shortcuts. Is up to each one of us to decide individually how to perceive and answer this question.

Let us know your thoughts on Artificial #1 in the comments section below