đ§ Unfollow #13 (2016) — A Digital Descent Into Mortality and Madness
đ Genre
Unfollow belongs to the techno-thriller, psychological horror, and science fiction genres. It explores themes of social media obsession, digital immortality, existential dread, and corporate manipulation, all wrapped in a dark, speculative narrative.
đ€ Main Characters
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Akira – A globally celebrated tech icon with a cult-like following, Akira's motivations and sanity come into question when he unveils a mysterious app and commits a horrific act of self-mutilation.
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Larry Ferrell – The late billionaire who created the “140 List,” a deadly social experiment that has left shockwaves across the world.
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Courtney – A survivor of the 140 experiment, deeply affected by its trauma, now searching for deeper meaning behind Akira’s intentions.
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David – A hacker and one of the 140, caught in the moral dilemmas between legacy and survival.
✍️ Writer
Rob Williams pens this thought-provoking issue with a signature mix of dark humor, speculative futurism, and sharp social commentary.
đš Artist
Mike Dowling delivers gritty, atmospheric illustrations that mirror the chaotic and digital themes of the story. His visuals give life to the psychological torment and high-tech mystery surrounding Akira.
đ§đŒ Editor Details
The issue was carefully curated under Shelly Bond, whose editorial direction helped shape Unfollow into one of Vertigo’s most unique modern series.
đą Publisher and Brand
Published by Vertigo Comics, a DC Comics imprint renowned for mature and avant-garde storytelling. Unfollow carries the signature Vertigo edge—edgy, cerebral, and visually provocative.
đ Release Year
2016
đ Brief Plot Summary
Unfollow #13 zooms in on Akira, a new-age messiah and digital visionary who’s captured the world's attention. As anticipation builds around his revolutionary app—rumored to connect users with messages from beyond the grave—Akira's personal unraveling takes center stage. In a shocking act of devotion or madness, he cuts off his own legs with a samurai sword. Is this a stunt, a statement, or something far more sinister? As the legacy of Larry Ferrell’s 140 List looms large, questions of immortality, redemption, and truth in the digital age come to a boiling point. đ§Źđ
đ„ Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue is a continuation of the overarching 140 Experiment storyline. It ties deeply into:
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The Rise of Akira: Chronicles his transformation from tech innovator to cult figure.
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The Ghosts of the 140: A psychological exploration of survivors and the spiritual aftermath of the deadly social experiment.
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Digital Nirvana: Hints at a technological breakthrough that could connect the living to the afterlife—if it’s real.
𧩠Fan Theories or Interpretations
Fans have speculated that:
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Akira’s app might not be tech-based at all, but instead a psychedelic or spiritual conduit.
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The “messages from the beyond” could be deepfake simulations created using harvested data from the 140 List.
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Akira's self-harm is seen by some readers as a ritualistic rebirth, suggesting he sees himself as a martyr or prophet.
⭐ Review Summary
Unfollow #13 is a chilling, cerebral entry in the series. Rob Williams' writing continues to challenge societal norms around technology and fame, while Mike Dowling’s art remains immersive and raw. Akira’s descent is both fascinating and disturbing, highlighting complex character depth and rich psychological nuance. The pacing is tight, and the twisty narrative leaves you questioning what’s real and what’s manipulated. A must-read for fans of Black Mirror, Mr. Robot, or anyone craving intelligent, dystopian fiction. đĄđđ„
Unfollow #13 is more than a comic—it's a mirror to our tech-driven reality, daring us to question what lies beneath the digital mask.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
