Description

In this gorgeous graphic novel by Wendy Xu, co-creator of the award-winning Mooncakes, a young inventor falls for a lifelike AI and confronts questions of freedom and autonomy.

Clementine Chang moves from Earth to Mars for a new start and is lucky enough to land her dream job with Dr. Marcella Lin, an Artificial Intelligence pioneer. On her first day of work, Clem meets Dr. Lin’s assistant, a humanoid AI named Kye. Clem is no stranger to robots—she built herself a cute moth-shaped companion named SENA. Still, there’s something about Kye that feels almost too human.

When Clem and Kye begin to collaborate, their chemistry sets off sparks. The only downside? Dr. Lin is enraged by Kye’s growing independence and won’t allow him more freedom. Plus, their relationship throws into question everything Clem thought she knew about AI. After all, if Kye is sentient enough to have feelings, shouldn’t he be able to control his own actions? Where is the line between AI and human?

As her past and Kye’s future weigh down on her, Clem becomes determined to help him break free—even if it means risking everything she came to Mars for.

About the Author

Wendy Xu is a Brooklyn-based illustrator and comics artist with several upcoming graphic novels from HarperCollins. She is the cocreator of Mooncakes, a young adult fantasy graphic novel published in 2019 from Lion Forge Comics/Oni Press, which has been nominated for Hugo, Ignatz, and GoodReads Choice Awards. Her work has been featured on Catapult, B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog, and Tor.com, among other places. Visit her online at artofwendyxu.com.

Wendy Xu is a Brooklyn-based illustrator and comics artist with several upcoming graphic novels from HarperCollins. She is the cocreator of Mooncakes, a young adult fantasy graphic novel published in 2019 from Lion Forge Comics/Oni Press, which has been nominated for Hugo, Ignatz, and GoodReads Choice Awards. Her work has been featured on Catapult, B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog, and Tor.com, among other places. Visit her online at artofwendyxu.com.

Praise For…

"A sweet romance wrapped in Xu's thoughtful vision of a future where technology offers hope and joy amidst its challenges and questions." — Kay O’Neill, award-winning creator of The Tea Dragon Society

"Charming, romantic, and unafraid of asking big questions, it fits on the shelf next to classics like Fruits Basket." — Gina Chen, New York Times bestselling author of Violet Made of Thorns

"A story about love, autonomy, and technology, crafting both a beautiful vision of the future and a bittersweet reminder that centuries from now, we'll still be human." — Margaret Owen, international bestselling author of The Merciful Crow

“Enticing. This thoughtful, genre-blending comic deserves a prominent spot on the shelves of libraries serving young adults.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)

“A delightful tale that brings optimism back to science fiction.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Contemplative and romantic. A sweeping read that raises questions about what it means to be human.” — Publishers Weekly

“Vibrant. This graphic novel shows how small gestures can have powerful impacts.”  — School Library Journal

“Poignant. Share this graphic novel with readers to start in-depth discussions about the connection between humans and technology.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Stunning. A hopeful vision of life alongside technology.” — BookPage