Ex Machina: Ava Evolved by Jock, Alex Garland Published by 2000 AD on August 26 2015
Genres: Science fiction, Art
Pages: 62
Format: PDF
Source: Publisher
A bit of an unusual review for you today. I was approached by a publicist from 2000 AD, a British serialized comic that’s been going strong for over thirty-five years. He explained that they were publishing a limited edition book of concept art from the 2015 movie, Ex Machina. I was unfamiliar with both the movie and 2000 AD’s web presence, but because I also love art, I was curious to see what Ava Evolved was all about. The publicist provided a PDF for me to review, and despite the fact that viewing art on a tablet isn’t the best way to experience it, I was intrigued by artist Jock’s development of the character of Ava, a beautiful AI who must interact with humans to prove how “human” she is.
The book is mostly filled with Jock’s artwork, and the total word count is probably less than 500 words, so it didn’t take me long to get through it. Ex Machina director Alex Garland briefly describes how Jock helped him realize the final version of Ava by creating sketches of the character, and how they worked together to move the final version of Ava away from a mostly human figure into something much more alien.
Reviewing a limited edition book without holding it in your hands makes it hard for me to convey my opinions. However, I suspect this is going to be a gorgeous book, if the artwork I saw gives any indication. Jock’s illustrations of Ava look very human in the beginning, but as his ideas progress, they become more and more alien and robotic. The final version of Ava is a strange and unsettling combination of human beauty and stark metal machinery, as you can see from this movie still:
Unfortunately for most readers, this will be a hard book to come by. Its limited edition status (2000 AD is only publishing 500 copies), combined with the fact that it is only available from the 2000 AD website, makes it pricey and unattainable for most. If you live in the UK, the book is priced at £40 (which as of this moment, translates to about $ 63.00 US.) Fans of the movie, as well as those who are interested in science fiction art, specifically the work of artist Jock, will be the target audience for this book.
You can purchase Ex Machina: Ava Evolved from the 2000 AD website here.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy of the book.
I haven’t seen the movie either, but this is a cool book. I like looking at concept art, and always check it out in the ‘extras’ section of video games.
I think this must be an indie film, because I had literally not heard about it at all until I was told about this art book. But it sounds cool, I’d like to track it down at some point!
In Australia it was a very limited film release.
In Sydney, it was the Dendy cinema’s that had it, a small cosy theatre.
Dendy being known for movies that are slightly off mainstream.
I took my son, (14 at the time)
and he thought it was worth watching and was very thoughtful about it.
I would not recommend it to most kids, it is a slow deliberate movie, that every space and gap between events important, and the focus is purely on the people in the house.
it is a movie to watch when you want something thoughtful to watch, when your not in a mood to get yourself distracted. Very much a movie for movie buffs or scifi buffs who want something less action, and more cerebral.
Totally endorse seeing the movie,
preferably on the largest screen you or a friend have, after dinner, where all you need to do is watch, have a drink, and not get distracted and miss some important bit that come up with no warning.
I’ve been waiting for your review of this! I have a huge fondness for art books/concept art (I collect them, actually) especially for games and movies. I know next to nothing about Ex Machina: Ava Evolved but that’s some amazing work!
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Well, I know you are an artist, so that doesn’t surprise me:-) I do love Jock’s work, it’s very much the style I enjoy.
I’ve seen the movie – I liked it – very unusual/unique.
I love the look of the book.
Lynn 😀
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You’re the first person I’ve heard that’s seen the movie:-) I’m going to track it down one of these days.
The movie is very good, I simply love Alicia Vikander and she’s pretty compelling as Ava. Plus, in addition to the gorgeous robotics design, the landscape that is the backdrop of the movie is jaw dropping. Highly recommend if you are ever looking for a movie to watch. 😀
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That’s rather interesting. I’ve seen the commercial for the movie and it looks very interesting. Like a movie that should have been wildly advertised but…wasn’t, for some reason. I’m looking forward to seeing it!
Jock is one of the top comic artists out there.