The Electric State: An Exploration of Art and Technology Through the Work of Simon Stlenhag

Pibbsworth Zwischenlanken: While it only took an hour or so to devour, this illustrated tale brought me to tears by the end. The artwork alone is worth the meagre price of ca. 35 CAD (i.e., less than three hours of work at a minimum wage job in 2023), but the mournful tale that accompanies it multiplies, not adds, the value of the whole.

I did wonder about the physics of the whole thing. I vaguely realize this is as much a cautionary tale as a work of speculative fiction.

The whole is a worthwhile contribution to the genre of speculative-fiction-artwork coffetable books, be they of space ships, gnomes or post-humanity.

Canada on Oct 21, 2023

Nats: I'm not a big fan of graphic novels, but after reading all the reviews and hype I decided to give this a read, I am so glad I did. The uncomfortable uncanny art alone is worth the price, but the story has intellectual depth and stayed with me hours after I had finished reading it (which I had to do twice to catch everything). Much is left to the readers imagination and the ending is ambiguous. I actually had to Google search for some forums to help me put the pieces of the story together. It has a strange nostalgic vibe but what seems familiar becomes creepily haunting and disturbing. I am not familiar with any other artist/writer who has this uncanny effect on me. Needless to say, I am now a Simon Stalenhag fan. Highest possible recommendation.

United States on Sep 26, 2023

Rich: Beautiful book full of fantastic art

United Kingdom on Sep 13, 2023

d armstrong: not much more to say , fabulous book well worth the price

United Kingdom on Sep 07, 2023

R. Manno: I was recommended this book after reading some other similar short stories. First I will say I really enjoyed the artwork, this alone is enough to explore this book.

With that said, the story on the other hand seemed like a passing thought to the author. The story is told from the perspective of a young women and her Robot as they travel through the remains of the Mohave. Any sort of narrative gets quickly tossed out the window as it bounces around and brings up points that feels like the Reader is supposed to be familiar with but never gets any resolution Instead of fleshing out the story and the Present, the author takes random trips down memory lane for no real benefit of the reader. The real detriment is that the story is so short, and the author spends too much of this precious time in irrelevant flash backs of her recent youth. This culminates with an ending.. that is pretty much why bother.

In Short, a great artbook with a mediocre at best story that left me wanting for more substance.

United States on Aug 23, 2023

DieterGebieter: Its a big book, with a sturdy hardcover. The paper feels good and the printing and the pictures are crisp. I recommend it.

Germany on Aug 15, 2023

Naomi avitia: Book came and was in great quality but slightly scuffed from just rolling free around in the box so for some advice I hope yall could start wrapping the books to help protect them

United States on Aug 13, 2023

Dean B: Very interesting storyline of humans and robots battling for survival in a wasteland setting. I wont give away the plot or story, but my teenagers both loved this book. Worth getting if you are interested in a pseudo sci-fi genres.

Australia on Jul 20, 2023

GusGus: I bought this book because I’m a huge cyberpunk genre fan, wanted it mainly because of the great art, but really the story kept me glued to it.
I found it really intriguing and interesting.
The book itself is good. You can tell by the pictures that the paper is pretty heavy but not glossy, which in some pages might seem not a good idea. But I think that part of the artist idea was to make some pages super dark intentionally, so this might be a reason to go matte.
Also the covers are sturdy but the edges tend to peel by just looking at it, as seen in the picture. So if you receive this book without any damage whatsoever. Keep it in a glass stand hehe.

United States on Jul 04, 2023

Ila Megidesh: Initially bought the book for the graphics, which are simultaneously eerie, haunting and stunning to say the least. (Even if you don’t read the story, it makes for an amazing coffee table book). The narrative is very intriguing, although I felt a bit frustrated at times. The context and backstory slowly progresses throughout the book, so something you read in the first few pages, you may not understand until half way or more through the book. Definitely had to read some Reddit forums after to make sure I fully understood the narrative and technology. Ending is a bit abrupt and open ended, but that only made me want more. Would be amazing if Simon releases a sequel to this, but doubt he will.

My only issue with the book is that it arrived a bit dirty, but nothing too noticeable so didn’t bother to return. Overall I would highly recommend this to any art enthusiasts and/or fans of dystopian literature.

United States on Apr 24, 2023