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Parasocial
In the middle of the pandemic a fading genre-TV actor fresh from his long-running series' cancellation collides with an obsessive fan at a Texas convention. When she lures him to her home he'll have to put on the greatest performance of his life simply to survive until morning. Unless of course he's the real monster...
Bestselling critically acclaimed duo ALEX DE CAMPI and ERICA HENDERSON (DRACULA MOTHERF**KER!) reunite for another stylish horror reinterpretation-this time the psychosexual thriller.
Bestselling critically acclaimed duo ALEX DE CAMPI and ERICA HENDERSON (DRACULA MOTHERF**KER!) reunite for another stylish horror reinterpretation-this time the psychosexual thriller.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
5 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
Alex de Campi
260 books240 followersAlex de Campi is a New York-based writer with an extensive backlist of critically-acclaimed graphic novels including Eisner-nominated heist noir Bad Girls (Simon & Schuster) and Twisted Romance (Image Comics). Her most recent book was her debut prose novel The Scottish Boy (Unbound). She lives with her daughter, their cat, and a Deafblind pit bull named Tango.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
January 24, 2025
*2.5* At first the story gave me galaxy quest vibes with the leading actor being obnoxious, but it quickly turns into a Misery-like horror with an abduction and stabbing.
In the middle of the pandemic, a fading genre-TV actor, fresh from his long-running series' cancellation, collides with an obsessive fan at a Texas convention.
While I appreciated the humor and the unique art style, the overall story was somewhat lackluster and the ending abrupt.
In the middle of the pandemic, a fading genre-TV actor, fresh from his long-running series' cancellation, collides with an obsessive fan at a Texas convention.
While I appreciated the humor and the unique art style, the overall story was somewhat lackluster and the ending abrupt.
August 12, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this work.
I really enjoy this "Misery"-style trope when it does the unexpected. As the author noted themself, this is a side of horror that has been washed and hung out to dry many times. Luke Indiana, bearing a name mash-up from George Lucas's film franchises, is a successful actor nearing the conclusion of his role in a long-running sci-fi series. On his way to a comic con, he has an accident that will lead him to a night filled with horror. Let me tell you, this night practically lasted two seconds.
The main problem I had with this narrative is that it is short-lived. Past mistakes are revealed too quickly. Scenes with his abductor move too quickly. Everything moved too quickly. If the intent is to scare me, I need more time with the characters and in the atmosphere itself. In many ways, the author's comments at the conclusion of the ARC made me respect it more, but that doesn't change the initial--nothingness--I felt at the story's conclusion.
I really enjoy this "Misery"-style trope when it does the unexpected. As the author noted themself, this is a side of horror that has been washed and hung out to dry many times. Luke Indiana, bearing a name mash-up from George Lucas's film franchises, is a successful actor nearing the conclusion of his role in a long-running sci-fi series. On his way to a comic con, he has an accident that will lead him to a night filled with horror. Let me tell you, this night practically lasted two seconds.
The main problem I had with this narrative is that it is short-lived. Past mistakes are revealed too quickly. Scenes with his abductor move too quickly. Everything moved too quickly. If the intent is to scare me, I need more time with the characters and in the atmosphere itself. In many ways, the author's comments at the conclusion of the ARC made me respect it more, but that doesn't change the initial--nothingness--I felt at the story's conclusion.
September 8, 2025
”Fandom is a wonderful force for good that has transformed lives and created worldwide communities and support networks, but I think we can all admit that about 5% of it is absolutely off its rocker.”
Parasocial is a hilarious, scathing takedown of online fan culture, taken to the ultimate extreme, Misery-style. Everything about it is as clever and deliberate as its name; it’s clear the creators are (or have been, at some point in time) as steeped in fandom as the individuals they seek to satirise, lending this project a refreshing credibility and authenticity.
The plot is simple, which I think worked in its favour - de Campi gives you just enough information to understand what’s going on, while also successfully avoiding becoming bogged down in her own lore, an issue that can easily affect works involving fictional fandom.
The art was stunning, and again, so intentional; conscious choices by Henderson regarding the use of colour, framing, and even linework work to complement and support the narrative on multiple levels.
I appreciated Henderson and de Campi’s afterwords, too. It’s always fascinating to learn more about the artistic process, as well as about the origins of a specific project. Parasocial was clearly born of some very real industry grievances, creativity, and good humour - an excellent pairing (OT3 material?) if I do say so myself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Parasocial is a hilarious, scathing takedown of online fan culture, taken to the ultimate extreme, Misery-style. Everything about it is as clever and deliberate as its name; it’s clear the creators are (or have been, at some point in time) as steeped in fandom as the individuals they seek to satirise, lending this project a refreshing credibility and authenticity.
The plot is simple, which I think worked in its favour - de Campi gives you just enough information to understand what’s going on, while also successfully avoiding becoming bogged down in her own lore, an issue that can easily affect works involving fictional fandom.
The art was stunning, and again, so intentional; conscious choices by Henderson regarding the use of colour, framing, and even linework work to complement and support the narrative on multiple levels.
I appreciated Henderson and de Campi’s afterwords, too. It’s always fascinating to learn more about the artistic process, as well as about the origins of a specific project. Parasocial was clearly born of some very real industry grievances, creativity, and good humour - an excellent pairing (OT3 material?) if I do say so myself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for an advanced copy of this graphic novel.
Parasocial chronicles the interaction between an aging television actor and an overly obsessed fan after a seemingly harmless interaction at a convention (the key word here being seemingly.)
I was anticipating a more modernized version of Stephen King's Misery- and while it seems very much inspired by King, it rushes through its story too quickly. As a result its messaging feels obvious and a bit trite, a sense of dread has no time to develop. As soon as the action picks up, it's also over. It felt like the author had more to say about the dangers of parasocial relationships in the afterward than in the graphic novel itself.
In the afterward, the authors addresses how the visual style of the novel reflects what is going on- which is really well done, however it also makes me wonder how much more impactful those visual clues would have been if everything had been slowed down and fleshed out a little more. I would definitely find something like a gradual descent into madness much more satisfying than an off-page psychotic break.
Parasocial chronicles the interaction between an aging television actor and an overly obsessed fan after a seemingly harmless interaction at a convention (the key word here being seemingly.)
I was anticipating a more modernized version of Stephen King's Misery- and while it seems very much inspired by King, it rushes through its story too quickly. As a result its messaging feels obvious and a bit trite, a sense of dread has no time to develop. As soon as the action picks up, it's also over. It felt like the author had more to say about the dangers of parasocial relationships in the afterward than in the graphic novel itself.
In the afterward, the authors addresses how the visual style of the novel reflects what is going on- which is really well done, however it also makes me wonder how much more impactful those visual clues would have been if everything had been slowed down and fleshed out a little more. I would definitely find something like a gradual descent into madness much more satisfying than an off-page psychotic break.
January 24, 2024
trying exclusively to say something rather than tell a story. bogged down in trying to do anything though by being far too fucking judgmental, shallow and just plain mean to address any facet of human behavior in a way that isn't downright laughable and reflects more on the creator. hard to take whatever your messaging is seriously when there’s practically a scare chord accompanying the appearance of any fat body and we're meant to point and laugh at just about every character for uh having wrinkles and problems. and don't be alarmed it is homophobic as well
would advise you not to have nods to online tumblr ao3 culture when Oh Lord Can We Tell that’s the extent of your critical thinking about this subject. always good to have an essay at the back of your graphic novel re-explaining your themes so i can be sure that you really do have this simplistic and insipid an approach to them. damning when your qr code playlist doesn’t even fit well 👎
would advise you not to have nods to online tumblr ao3 culture when Oh Lord Can We Tell that’s the extent of your critical thinking about this subject. always good to have an essay at the back of your graphic novel re-explaining your themes so i can be sure that you really do have this simplistic and insipid an approach to them. damning when your qr code playlist doesn’t even fit well 👎
March 12, 2023
Representation: polyamorous Jewish white protagonist.
Content Warning: violence, blood, gore, abduction, drugs.
Review to come...
Content Warning: violence, blood, gore, abduction, drugs.
Review to come...
September 22, 2023
This is a decent misery knockoff.
I really like what the artist did with the imagery, especially when things change completely based on the person's view point. I also enjoyed that there are no "good" characters, everyone is a piece of shit or a psycho, fun times. Alex De Campi dialogue is solid enough even if her insufferable rants online and at the end of the books annoy the shit out of me, and that's coming from a liberal myself, she's just complains and complains. This isn't a woman thing either, plenty of men bitch too, it's just Alex is LOUD and annoying.
Anyway overall for a misery knockoff it's fun and it has some great brutal moments. The art is the selling point but it's worth checking out for a quick read.
I really like what the artist did with the imagery, especially when things change completely based on the person's view point. I also enjoyed that there are no "good" characters, everyone is a piece of shit or a psycho, fun times. Alex De Campi dialogue is solid enough even if her insufferable rants online and at the end of the books annoy the shit out of me, and that's coming from a liberal myself, she's just complains and complains. This isn't a woman thing either, plenty of men bitch too, it's just Alex is LOUD and annoying.
Anyway overall for a misery knockoff it's fun and it has some great brutal moments. The art is the selling point but it's worth checking out for a quick read.
April 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA POV you’re Jensen Ackles and you get kidnapped by someone who is chronically online
July 18, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free via NetGalleyh, and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts. Many thanks to the publisher, Image Graphics, for the opportunity!
I absolutely appreciate the idea of this, especially after reading the author and artist notes at the end of the book, but I feel like it could've been executed a bit better, and that's why it's a 3.5 rounded down for me. The art is absolutely wonderful, the coloring is REALLY great and adds to the emotions, and I really liked the storyboarding too flow of the art.
That being said, overall, I felt that the pacing of the buildup was a bit too fast, and the events are a little efficient that things are over too soon for things to really hit you. But even in saying that, I do like the ending because it kinda does make you question things, and that's always great!
The scenes with the convention and seeing Luke interact with fans is something that I've definitely seen some semblance of in fandoms, and I think that the broad messages are definitely important here. My favorite parts of the story are definitely when we're in the home of the fan, where the art gets really loose and flowy, and I loved that it added some shoujo manga touches as we get to see things through the fan's POV.
There were some really great touches with the fanfic, the fanfic site, the TV show references, and also the social media posts and the text messages as well. While we get kind of this brief look into the characters that make you wish it would dig deeper, I think Parasocial is still a great quick read! I didn't read this with the playlist that's provided, but I'm sure the songs would add to the experience too.
I absolutely appreciate the idea of this, especially after reading the author and artist notes at the end of the book, but I feel like it could've been executed a bit better, and that's why it's a 3.5 rounded down for me. The art is absolutely wonderful, the coloring is REALLY great and adds to the emotions, and I really liked the storyboarding too flow of the art.
That being said, overall, I felt that the pacing of the buildup was a bit too fast, and the events are a little efficient that things are over too soon for things to really hit you. But even in saying that, I do like the ending because it kinda does make you question things, and that's always great!
The scenes with the convention and seeing Luke interact with fans is something that I've definitely seen some semblance of in fandoms, and I think that the broad messages are definitely important here. My favorite parts of the story are definitely when we're in the home of the fan, where the art gets really loose and flowy, and I loved that it added some shoujo manga touches as we get to see things through the fan's POV.
There were some really great touches with the fanfic, the fanfic site, the TV show references, and also the social media posts and the text messages as well. While we get kind of this brief look into the characters that make you wish it would dig deeper, I think Parasocial is still a great quick read! I didn't read this with the playlist that's provided, but I'm sure the songs would add to the experience too.
December 1, 2023
I randomly picked up this book at my local library and assumed the psycho thriller trope: Misery-esque made this book average at best, and the comic format to be refreshing. But I was quickly proven wrong: the world building, character work, and the intentional coloring changes from scene to scene and transcending to something more than the average thriller: an astute critique on parasocial behavior, the harsh reality that an idol cannot live up to unrealistic expectations. The intentional break of the classic comic panels and utilization of songs throughout the work gave it more of a reality, and unreal reality.
This book is unreal, seriously amazing! Read more independent comics!
This book is unreal, seriously amazing! Read more independent comics!
March 26, 2024
I waited for weeks for this book at the library and I was so excited for it and it was a real let down. There was no character development, the pacing was horrible, and the ending was just…out of left field.
It was such an interesting concept but I think it really dropped the ball
It was such an interesting concept but I think it really dropped the ball
March 11, 2025
As someone who is only really interested in niche easily obsessed over things (comics, wrestling, music) I have totally seen people who do things that are frightening.
I think I know John Cena the person to an extent even if I can rationally say I have no idea who he is. Ten years ago I thought Elon musk was cool but if all you show is what you want to show, it is easy to get a skewed idea of what the person is actually like. The facade of instagram and talk shows really changes how the world sees these celebrities and I am certain many fans think they’re closer to the celebrity than they are. This is probably a frightening read for a niche celebrity. I would recommend this to comic fans and true crime fans- I can totally see this scenario playing out with B or C celebrities in the near future.
I think I know John Cena the person to an extent even if I can rationally say I have no idea who he is. Ten years ago I thought Elon musk was cool but if all you show is what you want to show, it is easy to get a skewed idea of what the person is actually like. The facade of instagram and talk shows really changes how the world sees these celebrities and I am certain many fans think they’re closer to the celebrity than they are. This is probably a frightening read for a niche celebrity. I would recommend this to comic fans and true crime fans- I can totally see this scenario playing out with B or C celebrities in the near future.
March 1, 2024
Paul Sheldon could've warned sci-fi TV celebrity Luke Indiana about the dangers of number one fans, but no, Luke will have to learn the hard way that he shouldn't have got out of the cockadoodie car.
A solid homage.
A solid homage.
July 28, 2023
Parasocial is a comic that addresses the parasocial nature of the relationship between a celebrity - whether that be an actor, a musician or a sportsman - and their fans and, in particular, focuses on when that admiration and respect crosses a line and turns to crazed obsession over said individual. We are introduced to superheroes fan Lily Sparilli who has become obsessed with and started to stalk Luke Indiana who plays X-9 on a show called Rogue Nebula. I must admit, this is the first comic I have ever read as they never really appeal to me, but I thought this had an interesting-sounding story, and I'm pleased I gave it a chance. It's a quick, entertaining tale from start to finish, and I enjoyed the songs that often accompanied the various scenes.
Lily and Luke are the main characters, both of whom have inherent flaws and are portrayed sympathetically yet realistically. When the story was over and "This Charming Man" came up as the title of author/artist Erica Henderson's exposition on where the narrative came from I was ecstatic as The Smiths are my favourite band and her description of why certain colours were utilised throughout, how strong emotion was conveyed and why drawings of the same character looked sometimes vastly different from page to page were fascinating - as she states, it's all a matter of perspective and these people are not usually anywhere near as saintly as a hardcore fan claims. A thoroughly compelling romp through obsessive fandom presented uniquely.
Lily and Luke are the main characters, both of whom have inherent flaws and are portrayed sympathetically yet realistically. When the story was over and "This Charming Man" came up as the title of author/artist Erica Henderson's exposition on where the narrative came from I was ecstatic as The Smiths are my favourite band and her description of why certain colours were utilised throughout, how strong emotion was conveyed and why drawings of the same character looked sometimes vastly different from page to page were fascinating - as she states, it's all a matter of perspective and these people are not usually anywhere near as saintly as a hardcore fan claims. A thoroughly compelling romp through obsessive fandom presented uniquely.
March 6, 2024
This was fine but it felt like a short story that wasn’t quite finished? I didn’t believe that Girl Villain would be so over her obsession so quickly, which is a pretty critical character note. It definitely suffered from the fact that I just read Misery, because misery was INSANE and kind of permanently best in class for fan lady pulls her creative obsession out of a car wreck and kidnaps him. On the other hand it was massively better than KILL THE BOY BAND, which also has a similar basic premise! Erica henderson’s art looked good, a little less cartoony than henderson’s more comedic books, which worked well. And unfortunately the tweets and AO3 excerpt were so real.
Have we noticed that the villains of these books are always fat women, though? I mean come on.
Have we noticed that the villains of these books are always fat women, though? I mean come on.
February 3, 2024
First I would like to thank Image Comics and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy.
This is the "Misery" like story of a washed up actor who 1fter a convention gets kidnapped by a fan.
Unfortunately, it didn't really work for me.
I couldn't find the originality in the story, even with the social media angle and the flaws of the main character.
It was still a nice read, but not what I hoped.
This is the "Misery" like story of a washed up actor who 1fter a convention gets kidnapped by a fan.
Unfortunately, it didn't really work for me.
I couldn't find the originality in the story, even with the social media angle and the flaws of the main character.
It was still a nice read, but not what I hoped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2023
I really liked the use of color here. I thought it was a good book. I got the paperback ARC at Library Con 2023 (ALA annual lol) from the Image Comics book.
My only complaints: I wish it was longer & I actually wish de Campi didn't pull any punches with shit people say at Cons.
My only complaints: I wish it was longer & I actually wish de Campi didn't pull any punches with shit people say at Cons.
July 17, 2025
The art is great but this feels totally empty. It's too short for anything to build up. And I couldn't care less about the hero. I think the author was trying to go for some nuance with the ending but it just feels totally stupid.
Some of the fandom culture gimmicks were fun. Like the AO3 screenshot. (And for what it's worth, I do think that writing RPF reader inserts are a red flag. The author got that much right.) But as a whole, I think this is just a really crappy Misery retelling.
Part of the issue is that the book thinks it's tackling a lot of Big Issues. The summary calls this a "psychosexual thriller" (which it absolutely is not). And COVID is allegedly a theme. And the hero is polyamorous or WHATEVER. But this really feels like an extended definition of what it means to be in "parasocial" relationship, not some grand statement on the state of the internet.
And also. I don't really partake in fandom but I still felt a little sour about how the villain was portrayed. I don't feel personally offended but it does feel weird to make the chronically online kidnapper a larger woman. Is that the biggest issue here? That she's physically unattractive to the hero?
Idk. Maybe this needed to be twice as long and written by someone who was born in this century. Because some of the texting was deeply oldhead and cringe. IDK!!!
Some of the fandom culture gimmicks were fun. Like the AO3 screenshot. (And for what it's worth, I do think that writing RPF reader inserts are a red flag. The author got that much right.) But as a whole, I think this is just a really crappy Misery retelling.
Part of the issue is that the book thinks it's tackling a lot of Big Issues. The summary calls this a "psychosexual thriller" (which it absolutely is not). And COVID is allegedly a theme. And the hero is polyamorous or WHATEVER. But this really feels like an extended definition of what it means to be in "parasocial" relationship, not some grand statement on the state of the internet.
And also. I don't really partake in fandom but I still felt a little sour about how the villain was portrayed. I don't feel personally offended but it does feel weird to make the chronically online kidnapper a larger woman. Is that the biggest issue here? That she's physically unattractive to the hero?
Idk. Maybe this needed to be twice as long and written by someone who was born in this century. Because some of the texting was deeply oldhead and cringe. IDK!!!
March 10, 2024
An unfortunately stunning representation of fan obsession. I was eerily reminded of some fans I've interacted with before, which made it all the more horrifying.
November 30, 2023
'Parasocial' is a modern take on the nuances of fan culture and the troubles that arise when lines become blurred between fiction and reality. A misery-esque story that follows a "fading-genre TV actor" and an obsessive, crazed fan from a convention.
-
I'd like to start by petitioning that the Spotify playlist QR code is moved to the FRONT of the book instead of the final page, because searching up those songs honestly broke the flow of the story for me.. But the song choices themselves were perfectly picked for each scene! They really emphasized the intensity of certain moments (like Will's capture and his fight with said crazed fan), and I think more comics should consider creating companion playlists for their stories.
The discussion of parasocial relationships between celebrities and fans feels especially prevalent in our current times, and I honestly did not find any part of the comic particularly surprising. Sadly, we live in a world where something so misery-esque could easily happen to any celebrity at any time and that's putting it mildly.. The boundaries between fans and the idols they worship have become so blurred that many people find it difficult to separate that which is fiction from reality.
I found both Alex and Erica's explanations/essays at the end of the comic to be particularly interesting to read, and I can definitely say that they succeeded in portraying the darker side of parasocial relationships. The illustrations and the change in art-styles really helped to change the perspective, and I loved that they used such an expressive colour palette~
Also the main lead's name of Luke Indiana as a response to the recent controversy surrounding Marvel's editor-in-chief was genius! It definitely gave me a good chuckle when I read their explanation
Rating: 3.5/5
— Thank you Netgalley and Image Comics for sending an eARC for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
-
I'd like to start by petitioning that the Spotify playlist QR code is moved to the FRONT of the book instead of the final page, because searching up those songs honestly broke the flow of the story for me.. But the song choices themselves were perfectly picked for each scene! They really emphasized the intensity of certain moments (like Will's capture and his fight with said crazed fan), and I think more comics should consider creating companion playlists for their stories.
The discussion of parasocial relationships between celebrities and fans feels especially prevalent in our current times, and I honestly did not find any part of the comic particularly surprising. Sadly, we live in a world where something so misery-esque could easily happen to any celebrity at any time and that's putting it mildly.. The boundaries between fans and the idols they worship have become so blurred that many people find it difficult to separate that which is fiction from reality.
I found both Alex and Erica's explanations/essays at the end of the comic to be particularly interesting to read, and I can definitely say that they succeeded in portraying the darker side of parasocial relationships. The illustrations and the change in art-styles really helped to change the perspective, and I loved that they used such an expressive colour palette~
Also the main lead's name of Luke Indiana as a response to the recent controversy surrounding Marvel's editor-in-chief was genius! It definitely gave me a good chuckle when I read their explanation
Rating: 3.5/5
— Thank you Netgalley and Image Comics for sending an eARC for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2024
This was a tremendously fun and greatly enjoyable graphic novel that contains some very inventive paneling in relation to social media and perspective -- and has some things just under the surface to say about fans and narratives. It is DELICIOUSLY juicy as we follow the travails of one Luke Indiana -- a washed up actor who starred in a fictitious franchise known as ROGUE NEBULA. Eye-popping story twists that are clearly affectionate to genre (especially Stephen King), jagged art, striking colors. Just wonderful entertainment that put a huge smile on my face. I'm definitely going to check out more work from Alex De Campi and Erica Henderson. This is just great!
January 22, 2024
A tale of a parasocial relationship between a disaffected actor, Luke Indiana, and a chronically online fan named Lily who grows excessively obsessed with the actor. Luke attends a comic convention to sign autographs at a booth for his middling sci-fi series, "Rogue Nebula", amidst personal relationship issues with his wife. Lily is a stalker who knows every miniscule bit of information about Luke based on her obsessive online presence on gossip and entertainment news sites. Things take a twisted turn for the worse when Lily takes Luke hostage in the hopes of getting him to fall in love with her. Structured a little entirely too closely with Stephen King's Misery, there isn't a ton of novelty here. The script is funny when it needs to be and the thriller aspects work well, but it's all a mostly surface level exploration of current Internet culture. It's an entertaining, fast-paced read though the lacking ending does let down the story a little bit.
Really what makes Parasocial stand out from its rather trivial set up is Erica Henderson's vibrant artwork. The colors in particular are especially noteworthy due to the inventive contrasts between the lush watercolors. The art is never static as Henderson opts into unique new palettes with different scenes, giving the comic increasing injections of energy to match the rapid pacing of the script. There's an ethereal sense of mystique behind the character of Lily which is solely developed by Henderson's more subdued color palette. It's great stuff artistically, and probably justification enough to check out this comic.
Really what makes Parasocial stand out from its rather trivial set up is Erica Henderson's vibrant artwork. The colors in particular are especially noteworthy due to the inventive contrasts between the lush watercolors. The art is never static as Henderson opts into unique new palettes with different scenes, giving the comic increasing injections of energy to match the rapid pacing of the script. There's an ethereal sense of mystique behind the character of Lily which is solely developed by Henderson's more subdued color palette. It's great stuff artistically, and probably justification enough to check out this comic.
July 16, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Image Comics for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Available October 10, 2023.
2 stars
A really interesting idea for a rehash of Stephen King’s Misery but ultimately left a lot to be desired. There could have been a lot more discourse concerning parasocial relationships and modern society.
Ultimately it didn’t offer anything new or exciting and the story was so fast paced that we only got to skate across the social issues that the author and illustrator wanted to portray.
Available October 10, 2023.
2 stars
A really interesting idea for a rehash of Stephen King’s Misery but ultimately left a lot to be desired. There could have been a lot more discourse concerning parasocial relationships and modern society.
Ultimately it didn’t offer anything new or exciting and the story was so fast paced that we only got to skate across the social issues that the author and illustrator wanted to portray.
August 8, 2023
"Parasocial" by Alex de Campi and Erica Henderson is a fast paced edge-of-your-seat examination of the perils of extreme fandom. Instead of focusing solely on the actions of deranged and delusional fans the creative team behind this book shows that the behavior of media stars and celebrities can be at least as disturbing. This book is violent and unsettling but it is well worth the read for anyone who has the stomach for it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Image Comics, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Image Comics, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2023
I really wish Goodreads would have half stars for ratings cause I'd say this was a 3.5. As someone who goes to conventions to sometimes meet my favorite celebrities, I often wonder what they think of us fans and what they do if they encounter EXTREME fans. This book shows a case in which a fan is seemingly harmless but then the obsession rears its ugly head and the celebrity with whom the fan is obsessed with becomes a part of a "Misery" sort of situation.
October 17, 2023
Misery for the fandom age. This graphic novel was brilliant--punchy, horrifying, gorgeously illustrated, and so authentically rooted in modern fandom culture that I regularly wanted to squirm out of my skin. I don't think I will ever recover from the psychic damage of an AO3 screenshot being employed so immaculately for visual storytelling.
Many thanks to Image Comics, NetGalley and the authors for the eARC!
Many thanks to Image Comics, NetGalley and the authors for the eARC!
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November 16, 2023misery but captive and captor are both unhinged and dependent on each other. henderson does some great work with the subtle (and not so subtle) changes in art styles throughout the story. misha collins should read this if he wants to know what his future holds.
December 21, 2024
girlfriend had to remind me i read this #whoops
the good mid thriller. gay-ified misery that's a little too obvious and a little too quick! GORGEOUS colors though EASILY the best part!!!!
the good mid thriller. gay-ified misery that's a little too obvious and a little too quick! GORGEOUS colors though EASILY the best part!!!!
July 24, 2023
A psychological thriller that explores the precarious nature of fame and celebrity obsession.
Parasocial introduces us to Luke Indiana, a TV actor whose long-running show has ended and now he’s struggling to find his footing. We see his happy-go-lucky famous side and the darker reality in his private moments. I love that the illustrations get brighter and darker depending on which side we’re exploring.
After Luke’s car breaks down on a country road at night, a young woman offers to help him and next thing he knows he’s waking up tied to a share in her kitchen. The story becomes a life or death struggle as the two characters spar both literally and figuratively.
I wish this story did a little more to subvert the genre, as the story beats follow a well-worn path. At the end of the story, the authors provide their insight about what inspired them to write the story and it adds a lot of interesting background and context. After reading it, I flipped back to the beginning and read it again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for this advanced reader copy.
This book is best read at your local Comic Con, while waiting in line to meet your favourite actor. Make sure to bring a pen and paper, you’re going to want to take notes.
Parasocial introduces us to Luke Indiana, a TV actor whose long-running show has ended and now he’s struggling to find his footing. We see his happy-go-lucky famous side and the darker reality in his private moments. I love that the illustrations get brighter and darker depending on which side we’re exploring.
After Luke’s car breaks down on a country road at night, a young woman offers to help him and next thing he knows he’s waking up tied to a share in her kitchen. The story becomes a life or death struggle as the two characters spar both literally and figuratively.
I wish this story did a little more to subvert the genre, as the story beats follow a well-worn path. At the end of the story, the authors provide their insight about what inspired them to write the story and it adds a lot of interesting background and context. After reading it, I flipped back to the beginning and read it again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for this advanced reader copy.
This book is best read at your local Comic Con, while waiting in line to meet your favourite actor. Make sure to bring a pen and paper, you’re going to want to take notes.
October 2, 2023
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
2.5, rounded up. This is a fine, quick read. I appreciated the coloring and art style shifting as I read, especially as the characters devolve and get more frantic, and I understand the theme of parasocial relationships being insidious (though I'd have liked more twists/depth). The pacing is messy and off-putting, though, and I found it hard to be invested in any of the characters by the end. That also made the conclusion feel anticlimactic.
2.5, rounded up. This is a fine, quick read. I appreciated the coloring and art style shifting as I read, especially as the characters devolve and get more frantic, and I understand the theme of parasocial relationships being insidious (though I'd have liked more twists/depth). The pacing is messy and off-putting, though, and I found it hard to be invested in any of the characters by the end. That also made the conclusion feel anticlimactic.
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