Death is inevitable; or is it? In Brian “Box” Brown’s new graphic novel Forevr, family members can opt to upload their loved one’s DNA into a data base where a digital version of them can live on the Forevr app for a price. Is it AI? Is it “magical thinking?” Brenda’s mom, Penny, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. While she opts to “die with dignity” her consciousness is uploaded into Forevr in an attempt to prolong her existence. Brenda’s dad can deal with his grief online while Brenda and her partner work to create their wildlife survival influencer brand. The problem is that Penny is still controlling their lives, still maintaining outdated beliefs, and is still extremely vocal about not approving of Brenda’s life choices. When Brenda invites her dad on a camping trip, it becomes very clear how dangerous Forevr can be.
Forevr is all about grief and the ethics of a digital afterlife. If someone has been dead for some time, do they somehow have more rights to life than the living? If you break a digital device on purpose or by accident, are you a murderer? Brian Box Brown doesn’t shy away from pointing out how dangerous reliance on technology can be, nor how corporations can take away rights by greasing just the right palms and passing just the right laws (Citizens United, anyone?). The artwork is simple, the color work intentionally limited, and the message haunting.
Forevr is available September 8th from Top Shelf but is open now for preorder.
