The cyberpunk comic that kicked neoliberalism in the nuts

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

Written in 1920-21, 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin is a seminal work of dystopian fiction. The novel is set in the twenty-sixth century in a society known as OneState, where citizens are reduced to mere numbers and live in a glass-walled city under the control of the 'Benefactor'. The story follows D-503, a mathematician and spacecraft engineer, whose life is devoid of passion and creativity until he begins to realize his individuality. The novel explores themes of individuality versus collective identity, the impact of technology on society, and the struggle for freedom in a highly controlled environment.

Published in 1992, 'Snow Crash' is a science fiction novel by Neal Stephenson that delves into a future where the United States has fragmented into corporate city-states and the internet has evolved into a virtual reality called the Metaverse. The story follows Hiro Protagonist, a pizza delivery driver and part-time hacker, and Y.T. , a teenage skateboard courier, as they navigate a complex world threatened by a mysterious computer virus and a powerful drug known as Snow Crash. The novel explores themes of history, linguistics, anthropology, and computer science, and is noted for its prescient vision of the metaverse and its influence on Silicon Valley innovators.

Grant Morrison's "The Invisibles" is a complex and influential comic book series exploring themes of magic, anarchy, and the nature of reality. The story follows a group of occult freedom fighters battling against powerful entities known as archons. The Invisibles utilize various magical and technological abilities to challenge established power structures and fight for a more liberated world. The series is known for its intricate plots, philosophical depth, and exploration of alternative realities. Its impact on the comic book industry and popular culture is significant, influencing many subsequent works.

Published in 1984, 'Neuromancer' is a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre. The novel revolves around Case, a skilled hacker who was once the best in his field but was crippled by his former employer after he tried to steal from them. Case is recruited by a mysterious employer named Armitage for a high-stakes mission that involves hacking into the highly secure systems of the Tessier-Ashpool family. Joined by a diverse group of allies, including the cyborg Molly and the performance artist Peter Riviera, Case must navigate the complexities of cyberspace and the real world to merge two powerful artificial intelligences, Wintermute and Neuromancer. The book explores themes of technology, identity, and the blurring of lines between the physical and virtual worlds.

Published in 1971, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' is a novel written by Hunter S. Thompson, presented as a blend of journalism and fiction. The story follows journalist Raoul Duke (Thompson's alter ego) and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo (based on Oscar Zeta Acosta), as they embark on a trip to Las Vegas to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race. However, their assignment quickly devolves into a chaotic and surreal journey fueled by a variety of recreational drugs. The novel critiques American society, consumerism, and the failure of the 1960s counterculture, while also exploring the concept of the American Dream. The narrative is characterized by its blurred lines between reality and fiction, reflecting Thompson's signature Gonzo journalism style.

The Boys, a comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, satirizes the superhero genre by portraying superheroes as arrogant, self-serving individuals. The series follows a group of vigilantes who aim to keep the superheroes in check. The Boys explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked authority. Its dark humor and its unflinching portrayal of morally ambiguous characters have made it a significant work in the superhero genre. The Boys' enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring relevance.

Transmetropolitan is a cyberpunk comic book series that follows Spider Jerusalem, a gonzo journalist, as he battles corruption and abuse of power in a dystopian future. The series combines black humor with life-threatening situations and moral ambiguity, exploring themes of consumerism, superficiality, and political corruption. It is known for its sharp writing and vivid artwork, offering a critique of societal issues through a futuristic lens.

Judge Dredd is a classic British comic series created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra. It is set in Mega-City One, a dystopian future city where Judges maintain law and order. The series is known for its gritty themes and satirical commentary on society. Alan Grant was a key writer for the series, contributing to many of its most iconic storylines.