The Infinity Particle

Gr 8 Up–Clementine leaves Earth to study robotics and engineering at a university on Mars where the renowned Dr. Marcella Lin has her lab. Dr. Lin’s premiere Artificial Intelligence build is Kye, who, unlike most robots on Mars, looks like a human man. He serves as her data processor and personal assistant. Clem has her own AI build, the bunny-like SENA (Sentient Empathic Neurobonded Animatronic). Creations like Kye and SENA should be able to communicate with each other, but Dr. Lin installed firewalls and encryption in Kye to keep him isolated. Clem and Kye connect over his interest in learning about Earth. Clem manages to transfer some images to Kye, which somehow changes him. He begins to experience emotions beyond his programming; he and Clem grow closer, infuriating Dr. Lin. As Clem and Kye learn more about Dr. Lin and the things she’s hidden in Kye, they are shocked to realize they have surprisingly similar origin stories. Xu’s narrative raises intriguing questions about AI consciousness and the effect of capitalism on the direction of AI development. The vibrant art, illustrated in blues and pinks, works well with the story, especially in conveying the characters’ emotions. The infinity particle is a single electron whose actions can cause dramatic change. This graphic novel shows how small gestures can have powerful impacts.