Ex Machina #25

Ex Machina issue 25, released in 2006, serves as the opening chapter of the 'Ex Cathedra' story arc within the acclaimed political sci-fi series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Tony Harris. Published by WildStorm under DC Comics, the series explores the tenure of Mitchell Hundred, a former superhero turned mayor of New York City, as he navigates the complex intersection of municipal governance and superhuman morality. This particular issue follows the conclusion of the 'Dirge' arc, marking a transition in the narrative focus toward the deeper political ramifications of Hundred's past actions.

Tony Harris, who provided both the interior art and the iconic photo-referenced covers, utilized a distinct aesthetic that grounded the series in a palpable, gritty version of post-9/11 New York. The design approach was intended to bridge the gap between traditional caped-crusader tropes and realistic political drama, prioritizing atmosphere and character tension over splashy action sequences. Upon its release, the series was widely praised for its grounded storytelling and its ability to dissect themes of surveillance, power, and civic duty, establishing it as a hallmark of mid-2000s creator-owned comics.