Ex Machina #4

Ex Machina #4, published in 2004 by WildStorm, serves as a pivotal installment in the political science-fiction series created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Tony Harris. The narrative follows Mitchell Hundred, a former superhero who retires to become the mayor of New York City following his actions during the events of September 11. This specific issue continues the series' exploration of the intersection between superhuman capabilities and the bureaucratic realities of municipal governance, grounding its fantastical premise in a gritty, realistic portrayal of post-9/11 urban life.

The visual identity of the series was defined by Tony Harris, who utilized a distinct, hyper-realistic style often grounded in photographic reference to underscore the comic's serious, grounded tone. Upon its debut, the series was widely acclaimed for its nuanced approach to political themes, earning a reputation for sophisticated storytelling that resonated with both traditional comic readers and those interested in political drama. Issue #4 is particularly noted for advancing the complex character dynamics that established the series as a landmark title of the mid-2000s independent comic movement.