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Why You Can Destroy A Computer, But Not A Dog –  André Araújo On Man Plus

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By Olly MacNamee

With his Titan Comics' series Man Plus: – The collection about to be collected as a trade paperback this month, and as a book we have previously previewed, it made sense to catch up with writer/artist, André Araújo, ahead of the release and ask him about his views on AI, technological enhancement of the organic, his background in architecture and who's the best drummer in the world today. To understand the latter, go read the book.

Olly MacNamee: Given each issue of the series, Man Plus, includes a quotation on the potential for cybernetic enhancements as our future fate, how much research went into this book?

André Araújo: A considerable amount. The quotations come from books I actually read. They were part of the research I did for my master thesis in architecture, which was about looking at architecture as  an instrument rather than an object, a prosthetic device that enhanced our body. This sparked the corner stone for Man Plus: technology developed as part of our body, an extension of our biological being, which of course we've seen in many other places, books and movies. But reading those books (and many other texts) gave me the capacity to write comfortably about it instead of simply seeking ideas from other works of fiction. And I keep collecting and reading articles and books on the themes of Man Plus:.

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OM: The art – Moebius meets Akira – is stunning, and the world you've built fully realised. How long did it take to simply map out the look and feel of Olissipo City? What were your influences when creating this city of the future?

AA: Thank you very much. At first I considered literally mapping the city, drawing plans and sections. But I felt it wouldn't be very useful as it would have been a very superficial planning only and it would more limiting than helpful. For everything I draw I collect references and for Olissipo in particular I have a large collection of photos from various cities that I feel represent the tone I wanted. Since it is a very international city the result has a bit of everything: Lisbon, Hong Kong (Kowloon), Shangai, Tokyo, New York, mixing European, Asian and American layouts and building designs. Many elements from various cyberpunk movies, books and games are also brought to the mix of course.

Screen Shot 2016-08-02 at 12.14.41OM: What came first, the story or the city and the characters, given your background in architecture?

AA: In this case it all came together. Architecture and space plays a big role in a story for me, so it is always a major piece whenever I'm creating a story. In particular forMan Plus:, Olissipo City is treated like a character, so that it is more than just a background. Then when you blend together the characters, the plot, the location, things start happening and influencing each other, developing the world you create in an organic manner.

 
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OM: As we enhance our bodies artificially, either out of necessity or vanity, where do you stand on the issues you explore regarding AI? An issue we are becoming more and more obsessed with in recent years I think. After all, sci-fi is supposed to reflect societies fears/hopes.

AA: Each issue comes with a text in the end where I explore a bit more deeply some of the main themes of Man Plus (and all these extras will be included in the collection). On issue 4 I tackle AI specifically. I think the theme is going to be a main point of discussion in the coming years for many reasons. One of the main questions will be, I think, how to legally and ethically frame an AI. Because we'll be able to program AIs that act exactly like humans, so we need to figure out how we'll deal with them: will people be able to marry them? Destroy them? You can destroy a computer, but not a dog (in Portugal it's a crime). What about a robot that is virtually indistinguishable from humans?

Also extremely interesting is if we can go beyond that. Can we truly create intelligence? Because right now we're pretty far from it. All we have is processing power and memory. Machines can only do what they are programmed to do. And we have a long way to go until we fully understand how the brain works, specifically the learning process. So that's a limit we can't pass at the moment. If we make it, the legal questions will become even more complex and blurred.

Screen Shot 2016-08-02 at 12.19.15OM: What next for the cops of Olissipo City? Not only does this feel like a story yet to be completed, but you must have plans to explore this world again, having put so much into its creation?

AA: The four issues, which you'll be able to buy as a collection on August 16 (all extras included), tell a complete story. But they certainly leave things that can be used in the future. It won't surprise anyone if I say that I want to make a sequel. I have a strong idea for what to do next and I want very much to get back into Olissipo and the world of Man Plus:. Right now I'm busy with other creator-owned projects, but I'm confident and hopeful I'll get a chance to get back to it sooner or later.

Screen Shot 2016-08-02 at 12.19.53OM: What next for you? A quick look over your blog would suggest some kind of Western-themed story?

AA: After many issues for Marvel of Spider-Man and many others, I'm back working at creator owned comics. The Western you're referring to is one of three pitches I have in the works. I'm also beginning a book with Ales Kot, in which I'll be working on for the rest of the year. Expect some news in a few months and the first issue soon after that.

OM: And finally, I can't help but ask, who's your favourite drummer of all time?

AA: Excellent question (for those curious, check Man Plus: chapter/issue 4, where the characters discuss this very matter). I could make a case for Nick Mason (Pink Floyd is my favorite band, after all), John Bonham or Keith Moon, but if I had to say one name I'll side with Josu and say the one and only Phil Collins.

Thanks you very much for the interview. Don't miss Man Plus: – The Collection on August 16th and follow Andre on Twitter (@erdna11) for more news.

OM: Thanks for your time, too.


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Rich JohnstonAbout Rich Johnston

Founder of Bleeding Cool. The longest-serving digital news reporter in the world, since 1992. Author of The Flying Friar, Holed Up, The Avengefuls, Doctor Who: Room With A Deja Vu, The Many Murders Of Miss Cranbourne, Chase Variant. Lives in South-West London, works from Blacks on Dean Street, shops at Piranha Comics. Father of two. Political cartoonist.
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