Review: Parasocial

Writer: Alex de Campi
Artist: Erica Henderson
Publisher: Image Comics
Released: October 3, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Find it on Goodreads

Summary:

We can all think of at least one famous actor who isn’t as amazing as we’d like to think. Don’t meet your heroes and all of that. Yet parasocial relationships can be strong bonds – for better or worse.

That is a lesson one fading-TV star is about to learn when he comes across an obsessive fan following a convention. What follows would be fitting for a Stephen King novel.

Review:

Parasocial is a dark graphic novel full of commentary about the potential risks of parasocial relationships? In truth, I appreciate what this story is trying to say, even if it does so by going to storytelling extremes.

That said, I didn’t love this story. Maybe it’s because, as a reader, I’m naturally always going to be vulnerable to parasocial bonds (though I’m firmly in the “don’t meet your heroes” stance). I dunno. I think, for me, the biggest problem was the pacing. If we had been given more time to appreciate and understand both characters involved, we might have cared more about what was happening to them (or rather, what they were doing).

As it was, I felt like I was rushed into the action of this story. That can sometimes work, but it takes away from the impact when not done right. That said, reading the author/artist’s note at the end is super important.

Highlights:

• Commentary on Parasocial relationships
• Horror/Thriller
• Misery Vibes

Trigger Warnings:

• Stalking/Violence/Kidnapping

Thanks to Image Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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