Mark Russell and Laci deliver a futuristic dark satire in Death Ratio’d
Eisner and Ringo Award-winning writer Mark Russell returns to Artists, Writers & Artisans (AWA) with Death Ratio’d, an all-new futuristic dark satire where social media rules life and death. One too many dislikes…and you’re dead! This horror comedy from Russell and artist Laci is a cautionary tale about systems designed to control expression and behavior, exploring how society organizes itself when ratings affect your day-to-day life.
As one of the comic book industry’s foremost satirists, Russell is an expert at shining a light on contemporary society through the satirical mirror of genre tales. Teaming up with visionary artist Laci, the pair have created a world in Death Ratio’d where your online reputation bleeds into real life with the highest possible stakes. This one-shot format with a fast-paced tale showcasing humor, horror, and the repercussions of nonexistent humanity, offers readers a fresh look at how today’s social practices can be pushed to the extreme and do anything but bring the world closer together. The story uniquely showcases the dark depths human beings are capable of reaching when algorithms gain the upper hand.
When Death Ratio’d protagonist Arnold awakes from a coma twenty years into the future, he discovers that society is now ruled by social media conventions. Enough “likes” and “upvotes” can unlock fame and fortune but watch out, because enough “thumbs down” clicks, and you’re done when the collar around your neck explodes. Confused and running on his last “like,” Arnold must now navigate a world in which the slightest misstep can have fatal consequences.
Death Ratio’d is written and created by Mark Russell with artwork by Laci; covers by Rahzzah and Chris Ferguson; colors by Marco Lesko; and letters by Sal Cipriano. The one-shot will be available Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
