Eight Billion Genies Comic Book Review
If you had one wish, what would it be? A new car, a better job, or maybe world peace? Now, imagine everyone on earth getting a genie and one wish at the same time. That's exactly what happens in the new eight-issue series, EIGHT BILLION GENIES, from the minds of Charles Soule and Ryan Browne.
The series takes us on a wild ride through the aftermath of G-Day, the moment when eight billion genies appeared on earth and offered a wish to every man, woman, and child. We see the first eight seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and even decades after G-Day, exploring how the world has been transformed by these magical beings.
The series begins with a bang, as the world is thrown into chaos by the sudden appearance of eight billion genies. People start making wishes left and right, and the consequences are often unexpected and catastrophic. But amidst the wishpocalypse, a group of lovely people stuck in a dive bar in Detroit called the Lampwick Tavern provides a safe haven for our heroes. They must undertake a crucial mission into a world utterly remade by frivolous and bizarre wishes.
As the series progresses, we see how the power of wishes can both help and harm us. Some people wish for superpowers, leading to fights and danger aplenty. Others wish for more mundane things, like money or love, but soon realize that the fulfillment of their wish is not all it's cracked up to be. We see how humanity has found new ways to live in places like Hope's Hollow, Tomorrowville, and Fun City. But as the years go by, our characters live, love, grow, change, and die in a world transformed forever by the appearance of eight billion genies.
Throughout the series, we're reminded that we must be careful what we wish for and that sometimes, the best wishes are the ones we make for others. As we journey through the world of EIGHT BILLION GENIES, we're left pondering the power of wishes and the impact they can have on our lives and the world around us.
One of the standout characters in the series is the Idea Man, a man who gains his powers from the wishes of others. He's a fascinating character, because of his unique personality. He's a bit of a loner, but he's also fiercely loyal to his friends and determined to make the world a better place, or does he? (limited spoilers) As we follow him through the first eight decades after G-Day, we see him grow and change, both as a “hero” and as a person.
Another standout element of the series is the artwork by Ryan Browne. It's bright, bold, and perfectly captures the wild and wacky world of EIGHT BILLION GENIES. The characters are all distinct and memorable, and the action scenes are dynamic and exciting. Browne's art is a perfect match for Soule's writing, and the two creators have clearly put a lot of thought and care into crafting this series.
As we reach the miniseries finale, we get a glimpse of the first eight centuries after G-Day. We see how the last remaining wishes get used and discover the fates of the characters we met at the Lampwick Tavern all those years ago. It's a satisfying conclusion to a truly epic story.
Overall, EIGHT BILLION GENIES is a fantastic series that's both thought-provoking and entertaining. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and our wishes can change the world in unexpected ways. It's also a testament to the power of collaboration, as Soule and Browne have clearly worked closely together to create a seamless and engaging story.