A review by otterno11
Beta Testing the Apocalypse by Tom Kaczynski

5.0

One of the most affecting graphic novels I've read recently, "Beta Testing the Apocalypse” is a collection of stand alone stories by Tom Kaczynski that are linked by common threads and themes of modern human existence in the urban world and elements of the sciences, history, architecture, and cosmic dread. From paleolithic microsocieties to the megacities of the 21st century to Martian colonies, the human quest for understanding of the universe is examined with a wit, style, and pure invention that I loved. Kaczynski’s spare character drawings and sharp architectural landscapes has left me with much food for thought, each story exploring another aspect of existence, the cyclopean power of grain silos, the dichotomies of noise and silence. Every story was great, though my favorites were “100,000 Miles,” (an examination of the modern commute and the transit network of the city), “976 Sq Ft,” (the cosmic dread of condos and gentrification) and “Million Year Boom” (a “green” corporation attempts to economize the biosphere). I am still wrestling with how best to express my appreciation of Kaczynski's erudite (I can use that word, right?) comics.