A.D. – After Death Book #1 (2016)
đ Genre
Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Psychological Drama, Dystopian Mystery
đ€ Main Characters
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Jonah Cooke – A deeply introspective man burdened by the weight of memory, Jonah serves as the story’s narrator and emotional core.
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Dr. Patrick Wells – The brilliant scientist behind the genetic cure for death, his motivations and legacy remain clouded in ambiguity.
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The Keepers – A mysterious group managing the post-deathless world, their intentions are layered in bureaucratic secrecy.
✍️ Writer
Scott Snyder – Known for his gripping psychological narratives (Batman, American Vampire, Wytches), Snyder brings a deeply personal tone to A.D.: After Death. His prose-rich storytelling adds emotional depth and speculative weight to the world-building.
đš Artist
Jeff Lemire – Famed for his distinct watercolor style (Sweet Tooth, Essex County), Lemire delivers fully painted visuals that are ethereal, intimate, and perfectly suited to the book's reflective tone.
đ ️ Editor Details
Will Dennis – A veteran editor in the industry, Dennis has overseen many of Vertigo and Image's most memorable titles. His work here ensures a tight fusion between prose and art.
đą Publisher and Brand
Published by Image Comics under its creator-owned lineup, A.D.: After Death exemplifies the publisher's tradition of supporting bold, experimental storytelling outside mainstream superhero fare.
đ Release Year
2016
𧏠Brief Plot Summary
In a distant future where death has been eradicated through a groundbreaking genetic discovery, society has transformed in ways unimaginable. Yet Jonah Cooke—one of the first to undergo the treatment—remains haunted by his past and questions the price of immortality. As memories resurface and cracks in the deathless utopia begin to show, Jonah embarks on a journey through fragmented recollections, buried trauma, and the burden of living forever.
The narrative unfolds in a hybrid format, alternating between traditional comic panels and prose passages, revealing Jonah’s past in both sweeping strokes and intimate moments. The story seamlessly blends science fiction and personal memoir to explore the question: If death is no longer the end, what truly gives life meaning?
𧩠Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"The Burden of Memory" – A deep dive into Jonah’s childhood trauma and its connection to the death cure.
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"The Theft" – Hints at a mysterious act Jonah may have committed in the past that could undermine the world’s stability.
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"The Discovery" – Flashbacks explore how the cure was found, and the moral compromises made along the way.
đ§ Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Jonah as the New Prometheus đ„ – Some readers interpret Jonah as a modern-day mythic figure, whose burden mirrors that of Prometheus, punished for challenging the natural order.
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Rebirth as Damnation đ➡️♾️ – Fans theorize that immortality in A.D. may be more a curse than a blessing, suggesting that “after death” refers to a spiritual limbo rather than a utopia.
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Metaphor for Grief đ§️ – The story can also be seen as a metaphor for unresolved grief and survivor’s guilt, especially reflected in Jonah’s reluctance to embrace the so-called "perfect future."
đ Review Summary
A.D.: After Death is a genre-defying experience that masterfully blends introspective writing with haunting visuals. Scott Snyder’s reflective prose is rich and layered, offering philosophical depth and emotional resonance. Meanwhile, Jeff Lemire’s painted artwork evokes a dreamlike quality that enhances the story’s tone of memory and melancholy. This is not a fast-paced comic, but a deeply human meditation on loss, time, and the illusions of progress. đđ§ đ️
A must-read for fans of literary sci-fi and anyone seeking a comic that challenges the boundaries of the medium. đđ
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
