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A new sci-fi fantasy by writer Ryan Parrott, artist Eleonora Carlini, colorists Mattia Iacono, Luca Mattioni, and letterer Becca Carey from BOOM Studios!
“Have you ever Mind Walked?”
Imagine a world where you could experience every fantasy in life without facing the risks, repercussions or consequences yourself. This is possible, of course, in the world of Vicarious. In other words, there is no need for subtlety in this sci-fi social commentary. In this brand new world people have the opportunity to live and experience life vicariously through others.
This experience is referred to as: Mind Walking or Proxying. In the same way, people who rent out their bodies are called Proxy. They get paid to go out into the world and execute a pre-accorded activity for their online customer. Consequently, these customers are called Linkers. A linker can enjoy the proxy’s experience from the comfort of their own home.
Unlike the infamous “In Real Life Streams” (IRL), where all you can do is watch, Mind Walking allows the linker to experience the stream with all 5 senses. Therefore the applications for this technology is only limited by the willingness of the proxy to fulfill their linker’s desires.
Minor Spoilers ahead!!!
Would you be my Proxy?
The utility for this new social contract is vast. For example, there’s one scene where a linker sends a proxy on her behalf for all her first dates. Naturally I can’t image this dynamic from both parties point of view? Of course, Linkers enjoy the thrill of sex, drugs or adrenaline rushes through their proxies. Still, there’s clearly more creative ways to Mind Walk outside of just enjoying guilt-free pleasures.
How’s the art?
First thing to highlight is the panel structure choices. The opening sequence along with many other pages throughout the book are in 16:9 panels. In addition there are multiple pages with complete black gutters. These two choices give the story a cinematic feel. Secondly, the coloring is exceptionally vibrant on every single panel.
For instance, the panels with action have solid colors for backgrounds that project energy on each scene. Lastly, there’s a surprisingly amount of detail into this world, weather is an indoor or an outdoor scene. Everything is carefully drawn.
8.5 out of 10
With the current state of social media platforms and the amount of IRL streaming personalities, writer Ryan Parrott definitely has something to say about the monetization of the social experience. The premise of this comic book is most interesting when considering the endless opportunities for storytelling. I understand as of right now this is only a 3 issue mini series, but the weight of limitless POVs to explore calls for this to be much more longer than that. I highly recommend you give Vicarious a read for I believe it’s worth your time.
