REVIEW: Death Ratio'd' One-Shot by Mark Russell, Laci, and Marco Lesko

 

Death Ratio'd 

Writer: Mark Russell

Artist: Laci

Colorist: Marco Lesko

Letterer: Sal Cipriano

Cover A: Rahzzah

Cover B: Chris Ferguson & Laci

One-Shot in Stores Wed., May 29

SYNOPSIS: In this futuristic dark comedy by Eisner and ‘Ringo Award-winning writer Mark Russell, life and death are ruled by social media. One too many dislikes…and you’re dead. 

When Arnold awakes from a coma twenty years into the future, he discovers that society is now ruled by social media. Enough “likes” and “upvotes” can unlock fame and fortune but — watch your step! — enough “thumbs down” clicks and the collar around your neck explodes. And you’re done. Now, confused and running on his last Like, Arnold must navigate a world in which the slightest online misstep can have fatal consequences.

Score:

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

QUICK REVIEW: Mark Russell is one of the best satirists working today and with the internet consuming so much of society's time and energy it's always great material to dissect. Along with artists Laci and Marco Lesko, 'Death Ratio'd' is the Black Mirror one-shot that only Russell could deliver. In the furture, social media rules everything. It's even the difference between life and death because the collar around your neck records Likes and Dislikes and too many dislikes and boom you're done. Arnold emerges from a 20-year coma and has to navigate this new world trying to appease strangers for Likes. The metaphors are there and they're obvious but Russell maintains a sense of tension and suspense amid the swipes at internet cultue.  It's a legitimate dystpopian nightmare that's immersive and self-contained in one issue with room to grow on if it becomes a series. It's darkly funny, compelling, timely, and a cautionary tale especially in this political climate.