written by Kimjin

Lethe starts with a prose preface to set up the science-fiction setting, then quickly launches itself into a visual representation of the story. In the future, humankind has destroyed earth’s environment. Some people escape to other solar systems, but they don’t live a peaceful, egalitarian existence. In this new version of humankind, there is something called Lethe, and Mazda Hun has been sentenced to it.

Lethe is a fancy way of saying execution. Except it is worse than an execution, and people sentenced to Lethe might plead to be killed instead. Lethe destroys the ego, the mind, the soul. With execution, only the body is destroyed. With Lethe, it’s total erasure. Some people try to make it sound humane and better than execution. Mazda isn’t fooled. He knows he’s facing a terrible fate.
 
As an act of mercy, he is provided a counselor by the government to talk with him before his end comes. The counselor asks him to tell her about his past, so that she can store the memories that will be taken away from him. At first, Mazda resists, thinking it’s useless, only to eventually give in to her request. From here we receive flashbacks and philosophical musings on the meaning of ego and existence. This is a perfect example to show people how serious and intellectual graphic novels can be. It’s not the easiest read, but it’s transfixing.
 
To be sure, Lethe is complex, fascinating, and very intense. Its feeling is existential and dark, but it’s also compelling. While many graphic novels are done in black and white, Lethe is beautifully illustrated with water colors. Many images are surreal, going along with the book’s stream-of-consciousness atmosphere. Some pages consist entirely of images to get the point across.
 
There’s also quite a bit of mythology to be found here. Lethe comes from Greek mythology and is the name of the River of Forgetfulness. Other references to ancient Greece are frequent—Gorgonia, Achaea, Medusa, etc.—but there is also mention of the Norse goddess Hel. Mazda’s name comes from the Persian god Ahura Mazda.
 
Lethe is aimed for 16+. However, because of its cerebral and mature tones, I see it having a wide audience that goes beyond teenagers. I wouldn’t say it’s for kids, but I can see many adults enjoying it. Lethe consists of a single volume. Highly recommended.

-- Danica Davidson

Commenting closes after a story has been up for 2 months.