Unfollow #14 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown
What if social media became the battleground for life and death?
đ Genre
Techno-thriller | Psychological Drama | Dystopian Fiction | Supernatural Mystery
đ€ Main Characters
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Larry Ferrell – Billionaire tech genius and founder of the "140 List"; shrouded in mystery, even in death.
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Akira – A digital force, now central to the war for influence beyond the grave.
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Courtney – One of the remaining list members; clever, cautious, and deeply introspective.
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Rubinstein – A survivor haunted by his choices.
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Dave – Manipulative and dangerous, still playing his own dark game.
✍️ Writer
Rob Williams – Known for his sharp, layered storytelling, Williams continues to deepen the philosophical and moral themes behind Unfollow, blending suspense with existential questions.
đš Artist
Mike Dowling – His moody, expressive linework and stark contrasts capture the emotional weight and surreal elements of the narrative, enhancing the eerie tone of the story.
đ️ Editor Details
Shelly Bond – Under her editorial guidance, Unfollow maintained a balance between intelligent storytelling and genre subversion, continuing Vertigo's tradition of edgy, thought-provoking comics.
đą Publisher and Brand
DC Comics – Vertigo Imprint
This title is part of Vertigo’s renowned library, known for mature, experimental, and boundary-pushing storytelling.
đ Release Year
2016
đ Brief Plot Summary
In Unfollow #14, the narrative pivots toward the enigmatic past of Larry Ferrell—the billionaire who launched the infamous “140 List,” promising to distribute his vast fortune among 140 individuals upon his death. But Larry’s story is far from over.
From the digital beyond, Ferrell manipulates events through the powerful Akira App, which becomes a symbolic and literal tool of resurrection. As two factions rise in a shadowy war of ideologies and survival, this issue uncovers the origins of Ferrell’s wealth, the real reason behind his philanthropic game, and his unholy return from the afterlife.
The clash is no longer just philosophical—it’s personal, digital, and dangerously viral. đđČđ„
𧩠Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The 140 List Saga – A high-stakes social experiment gone awry, where humanity is tested through greed, paranoia, and self-preservation.
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The Akira Conflict – The birth and evolution of a sentient digital entity that blurs the line between code and consciousness.
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Larry’s Resurrection – A deep dive into the mythos of Larry Ferrell, revealing occult influences and transhuman ambitions.
đ Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Digital Immortality: Some fans speculate that Larry uploaded his consciousness into the Akira App, achieving a twisted form of digital resurrection.
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Akira as an Allegory: The app may symbolize modern dependence on technology and surveillance culture, with Akira becoming a digital deity.
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The List as a Social Mirror: The 140 List may reflect societal extremes—how people shift when wealth, fear, and surveillance collide.
⭐ Review Summary
Unfollow #14 delivers a masterful blend of techno-paranoia and psychological suspense. Rob Williams’ writing peels back the layers of Larry Ferrell’s character with meticulous pacing, while Mike Dowling’s artwork captures a chilling, near-futuristic tone that heightens the tension.
The issue balances action, exposition, and character-driven drama, offering readers not just answers but deeper questions. The eerie depiction of digital afterlife and the social consequences of hyper-connectivity strike a resonant chord in today’s tech-heavy world.
Verdict: ★★★★☆
đč Gripping storytelling
đč Visually compelling
đč Thought-provoking themes
Unfollow #14 is not just a turning point in the series—it’s a mirror to our obsession with tech, legacy, and the illusion of control.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
