Harare Review of Books

230 pages.

First published July 16, 2024 (Iron Circus Comics).

Fiction/graphic novel.

Getting to know Gary, Blank and Dr Elliott Williams was a delight. Gary is a mutant man-fish who lives at the bottom of, and sometimes on the shore of, a radioactive lake. Blank is the robot who was sent from the future to stop climate change, but Gary hit him over the head and he lost his memory (poor design, honestly, future people). Dr Elliott Williams is the genius who wants to study Gary and also do great things. This book is about how they come to meet and become friends, and then also all of their adventures, from dealing with aliens to questions of settler colonialism. Also, Gary’s love interest, and occasional offspring (not the same thing, don’t worry).

It’s quirky, and fun, and you’ll laugh at the real-world parallels and political commentary (unless you’re of a certain inclination, I guess). And now I’m hunting for more, because—tremendous world-building! 5⭐!

Huge thanks to Letter Better/Iron Circus Comics and NetGalley for early access.

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