Release: April 20, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: AfterShock Comics
Source: Netgalley
Find it at Goodreads, Kindle, B&N
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A Horror/Breakup Story in Five Parts
Catrin Vander, a lonely video producer, buys an Artificial Intelligence partner. The AI partner is to become an integral part of her life. After ten years together, her holographic wife suddenly disconnects without warning. The breakup drives Catrin to the point of near insanity. She’s alone for the first time in years and reeling from a loss she can’t comprehend.
Set in the new future, drenched in pastels and sunshine, LONELY RECEIVER is a horror/breakup story in five parts. The writer is Zac Thompson, author of THE REPLACER, HER INFERNAL DESCENT, No One’s Rose, X-Men, and the illustrator Jen Hickman. (MOTH & WHISPER, Test).
About the Author:
Zac Thompson is a writer born and raised on Prince Edward Island, Canada. He’s written titles like Marvelous X-Men, Cable, and X-Men: Black for Marvel Comics. Along with indie books such as Her Infernal Descent, Relay, and The Replacer.
In 2019, Zac became the showrunner of the Age of X-Man universe at Marvel Comics. HorrorDNA called his critically acclaimed miniseries, Come Into Me, the best horror comic of 2018. Also, his debut comic series, The Dregs, was called “lowbrow brilliant” by New York Magazine. Zac’s novel, Weaponized, was the winner of the 2016 CryptTV horror fiction contest.
Lonely Receiver Review:
Firstly, I must applaud the creators of this graphic novel for coming up with a creative, futuristic story covering many issues like love, obsession, depression, and addiction. The illustrations are gorgeous, and I loved the weird offerings of the eccentric images each panel had to offer. The story also takes place in a futuristic society that feels so close to home, where you wonder if it could become a reality. On a side note, I loved the unique ways in which the authors end each volume, whether it be a user manual of Phylo or journal entries of Catrin.
Secondly, the characters are also memorable. Catrin is one of the most complex characters I have read lately, and her emotional character was truly impressive. She is desperate, impulsive, and unpredictable, so you don’t know how the story will turn out. The storyline was engrossing, particularly when Hazel comes into the picture and how she impacts Catrin’s life. I was thoroughly enjoying this novel up until 2/3rd into the book.
However, the story had too many convolutions for me to follow towards the end. At some point, I did not know what was happening and followed the tale only to admire the imagery. Furthermore, I also found it odd to see many pictures of Catrin naked, which felt unnecessary. I can imagine how the authors were taking it, but unfortunately, I missed the climax. However, I did appreciate the story for making me think about the purpose of our being. It raised questions about how our lives would be in the future if we happen to live in such a world.
Overall, “Lonely Receiver” is unique science fiction, horror romance worth checking out if you are a fan of the genre.
