By: John C. Mayberry
Okay, now here’s something that I’m positive spooks the hell out of many a ride-share user: Who is it that is really picking me up? Or for that matter, who is it I just picked up? More than even that, what would either of these scenarios have to do with the great existential question: is there life after death? Good thing in comic book world that there is an infinitude of ways to represent such things, especially as they are represented in Dark Horse Comics’ Afterlift. Even if the old rule of writing is true, where every story that can be told already has been, this is one that I think can truly be called an original.
Readers are introduced to Janice Chen, a young woman working as a driver for a ride-share service who appears to be just going through the normal, everyday motions. Contending with annoying passengers, an overbearing mother, and a father that barely seems available, Janice is experiencing the uneventful, depressing life of someone who’s existing without living. A couple of passengers on one fateful shift will drastically interrupt her mediocre routine and reveal to Janice things she never dreamed she’d see in any lifetime. The artwork and coloring expertly done by Jason Loo and Paris Alleyne provide an added level of depth to the already deep and resonating story written by Chip Zdarsky and gives the readers something that’s truly meaningful.
Afterlift truly is one of the most unique things I’ve ever read in all my years of being a comic book nerd. As someone who enjoys a good supernatural tale, I was not disappointed by this by any means whatsoever. It has all the elements every great story should have, all tied perfectly together with equal parts horror, fantasy, and drama in a graphic novel that creatively provides a hypothetical explanation to existential questions that are still pondered on by many today. For all anyone knows, it may help to clarify things, it may raise more questions, or maybe it could just be a work of fiction. Give this a read and see for yourself.
PROS:
Unique concept – Chip Zdarsky does a fantastic job taking a modern-day convenience that, although occurrences don’t seem very common, still carries potential risks with it and plays on the concept that driver or passenger may not always be what they seem. Adding the idea of ride sharing becoming a transport to the afterlife really makes this something that would pique anyone’s curiosity.
Artwork – Jason Loo and Paris Alleyne compliment each other very well in their art and coloring, respectively. Loo’s artwork is just the right amount of detailed which really brings out the emotion and state of mind the characters are in at any given moment. The color hues Alleyne uses perfectly set the mood for whatever scene the reader is on, immersing them more into the story and helping to build and maintain the reader/character connection.
Story pacing – Nothing moves too fast or too slow. Readers are given a chance to get personally invested with the characters without the story focusing too much on that one aspect. When reading Afterlift, you get the feel that every aspect of this story was given as much attention as the last with the potential to continue with it as well.
Visual storytelling – Along with the writing of Chip Zdarsky, the artwork by Jason Loo advances the story visually too. Reading the expressions of the characters, and by extension being able to read their thoughts without them actually speaking adds something more meaningful to an already deep story.
Universal thematic elements – The thematic elements contained within, along with how they’re represented in story and visual art, really emphasize the magnitude of how huge the existential questions on our collective minds really are. A broad subject matter, sure, but one that is not only thought provoking, but will resonate within the minds of many readers out there at some personal level.
OVERALL RATING – 10 out of 10
Afterlift has all the right stuff going for it that makes this a must have in any collection, whether it be a physical copy or digital one. Taking a real-life concern of the ride-sharing service and adding elements of horror and fantasy was a genius move, and one that produced an immensely entertaining work of art that, to me, perfectly touches on many sensitive questions. I’m trying to patiently wait for any continuation of this story, but considering how good Afterlift is, that’s easier said than done.
