Advanced Review: ‘Vicarious’ #1
Vicarious #1 is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that feels like the offspring of Altered Carbon and Dave Eggers’ The Circle. Set in a not-so-distant future, this series explores a world where technology has further eroded human interactions, making them even more superficial than they already are. The culprit is a revolutionary implant that allows people to access the physical feelings and experiences of Proxies – young, attractive, and ambitious hustlers who are willing to sell their lives to anyone willing to pay.
Parrott masterfully sets up the idea that this technology could be used for good in some instances, but raises important questions about its ethical implications when humanity’s primal inclinations take over. It's an unsettling metaphor for our current social media landscape, where influencers and content creators are often reduced to mere commodities and need to push the envelop further and further to keep their audiences engaged and the sponsorship dollars rolling in. The parallels between Proxies and social media influencers are striking, and it's not hard to imagine a world where the boundaries between reality and virtual reality become increasingly blurred with where we’re headed. Given their recent propensity for all things cringe, I wouldn’t be shocked if it came to light that one of the social media executives is already trying to create this type of experience for our society.
I appreciated how Parrott introduced Justin, the main character. He’s set up as someone who’s an afterthought in his own life. He’s behind on his rent, can’t land a job interview, and seemingly lacks a social life. On one hand, he’d be the exact type of person who would be drawn to using a Proxy. Instead, a chance encounter provides him the opportunity to make some easy cash by becoming a Proxy himself. What happens afterwards sets the series up for what is likely to be some interesting twists and turns that I’m excited to see unfold.
Eleonora Carlini’s designs have an anime quality that gives the world a fun, futuristic feel. Mattia Iacono and Luca Mattioni's colors add an edgy layer to the visuals, capturing the darker undertones of this world even while the city’s bright lights try to mask them. The overall aesthetic is captivating and unsettling, which is a perfect complement to Parrott’s story.
Vicarious #1 will leave you questioning the implications of our own increasingly virtual lives. With a theme that hits so close to home, this series is sure to make readers feel uncomfortable in the best ways possible. I'm eager to see where Parrott takes this story next, and I'm confident that Vicarious will be a series to add to you pull list in the months to come.
Rating: 8.5
