The Infinity Particle
By Wendy Xu
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.
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This book meant a lot to me. It's been a long, hard year, in a series of extremely difficult years. So it was nice to read some science fiction where All This ends, not in doom, but in a better future. Reading "The end of late stage capitalism & the age of billionaires" as part of the history/world building of the story felt like a breath of fresh air. As well as seeing actual A.I. instead of the thieving aggregates we're currently subjected to.
I also related to both Clem & Kye with their respective abusive parents, and taking the step to run towards your own future and sense of self. SENA is also adorable, and I'd love to have a little friend like them.
This is my favourite of Wendy Xu's books thus far, and one I'll probably return to whenever I need a pick-me-up.
