Book Review: I Breathed a Body

Zac Thompson (author), Andy MacDonald (artist), et.al., I Breathed a Body. Sherman Oaks, CA: Aftershock Comics, 2021. ISBN: 9781949028706. 

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: horror, dystopian, social media

Format: e-book galley

Source: Edelweiss Plus

 

The publisher describes this as "a science fiction horror series about social media, big tech, and influencer culture" (from back cover). That sounds intriguing and timely given the current times. However, the results in this volume are mixed. 

For starters, the author's introduction provides some context. Thompson tells readers this series was written during COVID-19's peak when, like many folks, he was on lockdown, and social media was all he had. As I look back after having read the volume, this is certainly reflective of the COVID times we are in. 

The story looks at social media, influencers, and online outrage culture. Anne Stewart works as a social media manager for a company owned by an eccentric billionaire. When the company's top influencer posts a video on their social media platform that is beyond the pale (to put it mildly), it falls to her to make sure it goes viral and gets eyeballs at any cost. Even as she comes to question her work, the work does need to go on. This happens in a somewhat dystopian setting that is not too far from today's social media, influencer culture, and online surveillance. 

The story depicts the corporate need for eyeballs in social media in order to bring in advertising revenue no matter how outrageous the content posted nor the price in lives. An issue is that the story is not always coherent. The story brings in elements of horror with a touch of Lovecraft and a bit of surreal that at times we may not be sure what the connection is. There is some black magic involved too. The narrative at times is all over the place; it can be confusing at times. 

The horror art on the other hand is very good. The artists do some good work here, so fans of body horror will likely enjoy the art here. Even with a messy story, the art is well done and a pleasure to view. Furthermore, the volume includes a covers gallery and some extras. 

Overall, this is a story about social media manipulation, those who control it, and the many who go along with it. The social commentary element is strong, but the story at times is messy and confusing. Good art though. I'd consider this a very optional selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. 

2 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2023 Reading Challenge: