What if you were given one wish and so was everyone else in the world? What would happen to our planet? Eight Billion Genies, written by Charles Soule (Star Wars, Undiscovered Country) and illustrated by Ryan Browne (God Hates Astronauts), answers these mind-boggling questions.
Eight Billion Genies is unique in the sense that it brings to the forefront not only the positive aspects of having one wish but also the negative consequences of it. From the first few pages the story begins to pull you into its universe, and it is hard to put the book down.
Browne’s artwork is incredible, and the colors are nothing short of outstanding. The character designs and panel layouts are superb, and it adds a much-needed depth to the storyline. Every frame is a work of art, and every word feels like it has been written with care.
The dialogue is amusing and genuine, and it flows effortlessly throughout the book. The character development is impressive, and you find yourself becoming invested in the lives of every one of the cast. wether they have made their wish or not. As the story progresses, you get to see many different perspectives of the wishes and how they have impacted the world.
The comic is unpredictable, and you never know where the story is heading next. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, and you are left with so many questions that you have to keep reading.
The wish themes are profound and leaves you with a lot to ponder. It deals with greed, envy, love, and how one individual’s wish can have a ripple effect and impact the world. It is thought-provoking, and it makes you question what you would wish for if given the chance. The stress of making a wish can be almost as hard as making the wrong wish.
Eight Billion Genies is yet another well thought out smash success for the duo who brought you Curse Words. The pairing of Charles Soule’s writing and Ryan Browne’s illustrations is incredible. The story is intriguing, the characters are genuine, and the world-building, nay destroying is outstanding. Although we could have read each month for an on-going series, the pacing and length (eight issues) was perfect for this story.
We are not the only ones with the thoughts this could be so much more as Eight Billion Genies has been optioned by Amazon Studios. A major motion picture to kick-off an expansive cross-media universe.
The Eight Billion Genies Deluxe Hardcover hits local comic shelves on July 19, 2023 and bookstores everywhere on July 25. The hardcover collects all eight issues of the series.
Ryan Browne and Charles Soule are set to join the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 113 on June 21 to discuss Eight Billion Genies and much more!