George Orwell’s 1984, often warned readers of all-pervading regime surveillance and how the issue of privacy is really an illusion. What many people who have not read the novel do not know, is where we get the often used “Big Brother” reference from, and it is from this epic novel, which refers to the government as such. The novel also talked about the very idea of free speech, how institutions persecute individuality by arresting those who thought outside of the box of “thought crimes”, something which has been seen in V for Vendetta and Minority Report. It is truly terrifying to think that such a novel would not only leave an impression on readers about a dystopian future but in how many ways, most of it became true.

Drones have become part of that government surveillance in so many ways, not only to track individuals, but to also carry out attacks, on multiple targets. Drones have also been used to make movies and even retail giants Like Amazon, are now looking at the possibility of using them for home delivery. The uses of drones have become a source of controversy, as there have been congressional hearings on the use of them and news reports of various accidents. It would not be long before, the use of drones, were for other purposes.

This is what Chris Lewis and Bruno Oliveira’s Drones, seek to question, as the solicitation for the book describes it as :

Join pilots Stinger and Angel Eyes for a wild night in Las Vegas’ finest terrorism-themed hotel…..this book is a satirical look at a world in which terror and entertainment have begun to blur.

Within the first few pages , we are introduced Stinger and Angel Eyes, who come off rather unlikeable, as the players in their individual lives, seem to not care much for either of them, as they go to the world’s first terrorism themed hotel, something which is underscored throughout the book many times. There are many things throughout the book that reminds of Jurassic Park, as the hotel has a theme park fashion to it tall, combined with everything, that Sin City is known for. By book’s end, these characters grow on you; the ones from Kandahar and the ones in Las Vegas, as the comedy styling is what really shines through in this book.

Overall, a funny book, which takes this serious subject matter, and, gives it a proper independent look, free of political loyalties. The story by Chris Lewis, gives the reader a 24 look without all the “save the world” complexities that Jack Bauer would bring to this situation, and more of what Archer would. The art by Bruno Oliveira, is truly magnificent, in every way, as his illustrations remind me of Bill Plympton. Altogether, a funny look into just how much news has become part of our entertainment.

Story: Chris Lewis Art: Bruno Oliveira
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review