Silicon Bandits #1: More Androids More Problems

Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo

Silicon Bandits #1 is a timely sci-fi comic focused on the ethics of A.I. and its impacts. It’s an interesting read and there is a lot of strong world building within the first issue that is intriguing enough for readers to want to see the story play out.

Following two scientists (Aurora and Kenji) who design androids, their jobs are now obsolete and now their plan is to pull off a heist like no other.

It’s not uncommon for science fiction stories to be cautionary tales and Silicon Bandits does a good job with its message—although at times it can be a bit on the nose. For a comic that takes place in the future, many of the anxiety-inducing worries such as human obsoletion feel closer than ever before with systems like ChatGPT becoming a household name.

Granted, this isn’t just a reminder of how artificial intelligence is dangerous, but writer Jason Starr takes the concept and uses it to craft a heist story. It’s a smart move and a unique way to take this heavy topic and showcase how human ingenuity is endless.

Don’t expect too much heist planning or action as much of this issue establishes the world, the problem, and introduces Aurora and Kenji to readers. As characters, they are likable enough, although some of the plot threads incorporate too many variables. Time will tell if subsequent issues will bring it all together, but for now there is enough plot established to warrant picking up issue #2 when it releases mid-May.

The art from Dalibor Talajić and colors from Stephan Bartolić are a great team as visuals are crucial for any futuristic tale. Their style works well with this narrative and the detail truly establishes a world that is interesting but also unsettling. For a story that is heavy on the exposition, the visuals still manage to keep the reader’s attention.

Final Verdict

This futuristic tale combines genres and a world that is dystopian and raw. While there is enough to give reason to explore future issues, there is not enough of a hook just yet as the exposition tends to bloat much of the storytelling.

Criteria	Score
Writing	7.75
Story/Plot	7.75
Art/Line Work	9.5
Colors	9.5
Final Score	8.5/10

Creative Team

writer: JASON STARR

art: DALIBOR TALAJIĆ

colors: STJEPAN BARTOLIĆ

letterer: SHAWN LEE

publisher: MAGMA COMIX