Thanks to the publisher for this eARC.

Parasocial by Alex de Campi, illustrated by Erica Henderson, is a graphic novel that delves into the dark and often blurred lines between celebrity and fandom. Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the story follows a genre-TV actor whose career is on the decline after his long-running series is canceled. The narrative takes a chilling turn when he encounters an obsessive fan at a Texas convention, leading to a night of survival that tests the limits of performance and reality.

De Campi’s writing is sharp and incisive, capturing the zeitgeist of the post-COVID era with a story that is as much about isolation and connection as it is about the horrors of misplaced adoration. Henderson’s artwork complements the narrative perfectly, with a style that shifts seamlessly between the glamorous facade of celebrity life and the grim reality of the actor’s predicament.

The graphic novel explores the concept of parasocial relationships—those one-sided connections fans form with public figures—through a psychosexual thriller lens. It’s a bold examination of the power dynamics at play and the dangerous consequences when those dynamics are exploited. The use of social media and text messages within the artwork adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the surreal events in the very real world of online interactions.

Parasocial stands out for its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about our society’s obsession with fame. It doesn’t shy away from showing the ugliness behind the allure of celebrity, nor does it absolve the protagonist of his own flaws. The characters are complex, and their interactions are fraught with tension, making for a gripping read.

At its core, "Parasocial" is a compelling exploration of human connection and the power dynamics inherent in the relationship between creators and their audiences. DiCampi's keen insight and sharp wit make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of media, culture, and psychology.

In "Parasocial," DiCampi has crafted a thought-provoking and timely work that challenges readers to examine their own relationships with media and the individuals who shape it. With its engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, "Parasocial" is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who picks it up.

To be honest, Alex de Campi's comics are kind of hit and miss for me. Not in that I think they're bad, just that they're not for me. But this one? Absolutely banger.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy.

This comic is a Misery-inspired story of an actor who gets kidnapped by an obsessive fan after a convention. I thought the concept was intriguing, especially with so much talk nowadays about parasocial relationships and the ways audiences interact with and view the creators of media. However, I did not feel invested in the story. I didn’t feel like I knew either of the characters beyond their caricatures they portrayed, and the story felt so rushed that it was over and done with before I knew it, leaving me not really caring about anything that had happened. I also did not care for the art style, but that is just a personal preference. Others may enjoy this twisted story, but it was not for me.

Actor Luke Indiana is officially in his flop era - his television show is over, he's in the middle of a contentious divorce, his kids barely like him, and there's a pandemic raging on. He takes on convention gigs to earn money for alimony that put him in direct contact with fans of his show who verge on obsession with his life beyond the screen. When his car breaks down on his way home from the convention, one such fan - Lily - finds him and this is the turning point for his life as he knows it when she kidnaps and holds him captive.

This was a trip. The depiction of fandom in Parasocial feels incredibly on-point as it bumps from conventions to public tweets to fanfiction summaries to insular group chats that cheer on obsessive behaviour. This is Misery for the AO3 generation - a total page turner from start to finish.

I was intrigued by this title from the start. An interesting take on fandom, with dynamic artwork that I really enjoyed.

The provided copy has such poor resolution that you can’t see the art and this makes it unable to review the book.

It didn't break any original ground story-wise, but it was interesting to see a modern take on King's Misery. If it had been longer and gone more in depth with the characters it probably would have retained more of my interest. As is the celebrity and the stalker mainly function as stereotypes in order to satirize various elements of celebrity culture and society. I thought the art was pretty interesting though, as it shifts in form/style and function throughout in order to illustrate characters' emotional/mental states in certain scenes. Very cool!

Parasocial had a simple yet straight to the point plot centred around a very truthful depiction of online fandom and its dark side. It was chilling to read about how far fans taking ownership of celebrities can go in what felt akin to a modern take on Misery. Paired with the wonderful art style, the seamless inclusion of social media, and the flashes of fake fanfiction that further blur the line between fiction and reality, this was an enjoyable—if brief—read.

First I would like to thank Image Comics and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy.

This is the "Misery" like story of a washed up actor who 1fter a convention gets kidnapped by a fan.
Unfortunately, it didn't really work for me.
I couldn't find the originality in the story, even with the social media angle and the flaws of the main character.

It was still a nice read, but not what I hoped.

I'd give this about 3 and a half stars. Doing 3 stars for the issues. The story is how you likely expect it to be, which isn't always bad, and I don't dislike it in this book. Parasocial is a fast story, and it was a mistake. I finished it in about 30 minutes and was surprised when I saw I was close to the end, but it felt like the story was skipping parts. Like a CD with scratches, it wasn't flowing correctly. Everything was short and underdeveloped as if it were a rough draft. I like short books, but this book needed many more pages to develop the story. As this is a graphic novel, the drawings are a huge part of the story, but I didn't like the artwork.

Parasocial was absolutely amazing, a snapshot into post COVID conventions and dialling the parasocial relationships between fans & celebrities to the absolute max. Super unhinged & brilliant.

The art style + use of phone conversations, social media even AO3 (that ebony darkness username 😂) was the icing on the cake of a fantastic graphic novel.

Thanks to Netgalley & Image Comics for the arc!

Parasocial sets itself up really well, but doesn't quite deliver on all its promise. I rarely say this, but the book could stand to be longer. I enjoyed the author's afterward far more than the actual story that unfolded in the comics which felt very predictable and well-tread. The insights and witty critique of parasocial relationships and fan culture that de Campi outlines so compellingly in the afterward are missing from the story itself. I wish the book had brought the two worlds together more. The story of an obsessed fan gone rouge is compelling for a reason, and I was excited to dive into this version, but it left me feeling a bit hollow and disappointed. This feels a bit like a Misery retread but with all the venom sucked out. It's a shame because I think with more time spent on the characters this could've been a really moving piece. Erica Henderson's illustrations are faultless. Absolutely beautiful and add a much-needed layer of complexity and engagement to the piece.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It was a bit out of my usual reading zone with it being a graphic novel and more on the horror genre side but I still had a really good time with it. I think the themes were conveyed will through out the book and the art style compliments the characters perfectly! I'd probably be done to pick up some works like this in future now that I know it's a genre and format I like!

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this title

OMG. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but boy was I happy I did. Misery meets the true horror of fandom.

A Misery for the modern age. This graphic novel succinctly and grippingly tells a story of a fandom favorite actor and the obsessed fan who stalks him. Luke Indiana may be a con circuit favorite, but his real life is falling apart. Stressed by his private life woes and weary from the day’s fan interactions he finds himself at the mercy of strangers on the road.
Except there isn’t much mercy to be had.
Luke finds himself in a fan interaction turned sinister and he only has his wits and luck to get himself out of this. Very reminiscent of Stephen King’s Misery but with the current day fandom realities woven in. Kept my interest. Quick read. Luke was surprisingly endearing and Lily’s rage, despair and isolation were palpable. A quick and entertaining read.

My thanks to NetGalley for this book. This is my honest opinion.

If someone said this wasn’t misery I wouldn’t buy it at all. It was basically very very very similar. Still it was good. Thanks for the arc

❝[...]Parasocial is this generation's misery❞

Tense, unsettling, sorrowful and the author included an inscription at the end warning readers to seek therapy if they relate to it. Indeed I feel as if I need a good detox after this graphic novel. Parasocial explored the human psyche from the inside to out under the scope of a troubled celebrity vs. an obsessive fan. I never read "Misery" by Stephen King but this already was a good thriller-esque graphic novel. The art was well executed and the plot was well played- with layers of horrors of each characters peeled back, it is revealed so much. I highly recommend if you want a quick but heavy read.

Special thanks to Image Comics and Netgalley for a copy of an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Similar to other reviewers, I found the pacing of this to be a little too brisk. I think another chapter or two would have benefitted the whole arc, and would have made me care more for the characters. Art was great, and the writing was good. I loved the playlist! Also, love the author essay at the end.
Reviewed from an ARC provided by the AMAZING publisher Image, and NetGalley. Thanks!

I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary.

Somebody call Kathy Bates and Lizzy Caplan, because Annie Wilkes has some competition

As the synopsis indicates, we watch as our lead - a once famous actor in his own way, has faded from that particular limelight. Attending a convention to help stay relevant, he's met with a variety of fans, the likes of which range from unfavorable to his acting or show, and those that find appreciation in his work in a way he couldn't have imagined.

It's a book that touches on the real life consequences of obsession, and the fantasies an individual can have while under this direction. It also shows that the people we often admire, or think admire us, are not always who they say they are.

The writing was fantastic, and once the action got started, it didn't stop; needing to know what will happen next. The back cover was right-side up before I even knew it.