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Simon Stålenhag: The Labyrinth – A Deep Dive into Dystopian Dreamscapes
Introduction:
Step into a world where retro-futurism meets unsettling realism. Simon Stålenhag's The Labyrinth isn't just an art book; it's a portal to a captivating, melancholic dystopia, a place where towering robots stand sentinel over serene Swedish landscapes. This post delves deep into Stålenhag's masterful creation, exploring its artistic style, thematic depth, the captivating stories it evokes, its impact on popular culture, and the reasons behind its enduring appeal. We'll unpack the elements that make The Labyrinth a must-see for fans of science fiction, dystopian art, and anyone fascinated by the power of evocative imagery. Prepare to lose yourself in the details of this uniquely captivating world.
I. The Artistic Vision of Simon Stålenhag:
Stålenhag's artistic style is instantly recognizable. He masterfully blends the nostalgic aesthetic of 1970s and 80s Sweden with futuristic technology, creating a jarring yet harmonious juxtaposition. His paintings are characterized by their hyperrealism; the landscapes are breathtakingly detailed, the robots possess a tangible presence, and the muted color palette enhances the overall mood of quiet unease. This isn't a bright, optimistic future; it's a subtly unsettling reflection on technology's impact on society and the human condition. The careful integration of seemingly ordinary details – a bicycle leaning against a wall, a family enjoying a picnic – further amplifies the uncanny feeling, forcing the viewer to confront the unsettling normality of a world touched by extraordinary technology. He achieves a masterful balance between the fantastical and the mundane, making the extraordinary feel almost commonplace.
II. Deconstructing the Dystopia: Themes and Interpretations:
The Labyrinth isn't just pretty pictures; it's a visual narrative teeming with subtle and profound themes. The presence of large-scale robots, often seemingly abandoned or integrated into the landscape, suggests a past conflict or technological shift that has fundamentally altered the social fabric. The serene beauty of the environment contrasts sharply with this implied history of upheaval, creating a sense of underlying tension and quiet unease. The works often portray a sense of isolation and melancholic acceptance – a society that has adapted to a changed world, but carries the weight of its past. Interpretations range from exploring the anxieties surrounding technological advancement to examining humanity's relationship with nature and the lingering effects of conflict. The open-ended nature of Stålenhag's work allows for diverse interpretations, encouraging viewers to engage actively with the images and draw their own conclusions.
III. The Power of Narrative in Stålenhag's Visual Storytelling:
While The Labyrinth doesn't offer a cohesive, linear narrative in the traditional sense, each painting tells a story. Stålenhag expertly uses visual cues – body language, environmental details, the placement of objects – to suggest narratives and evoke emotions. The viewer becomes an active participant, piecing together fragments of a larger, unspoken story. This participatory approach enhances the immersive experience, allowing each individual to connect with the artwork on a personal level. The absence of explicit narratives emphasizes the universality of themes like isolation, technological advancement, and the human struggle for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
IV. The Cultural Impact of The Labyrinth:
The Labyrinth has transcended its status as a simple art book; it's become a cultural phenomenon. Its imagery has been used in video games, television shows, and other forms of media, reflecting its powerful visual language and its resonance with contemporary anxieties. The book's popularity has also inspired a dedicated online community, fostering discussions about its themes, interpretations, and artistic merit. This widespread influence cements its position as a significant contribution to the landscape of contemporary science fiction and dystopian art. Its impact is evident in the numerous artists and creators who have been inspired by Stålenhag's unique style and vision.
V. The Enduring Appeal of Stålenhag's Vision:
The continued popularity of The Labyrinth can be attributed to several factors. First, its unique blend of nostalgia and futuristic technology taps into a deep-seated human fascination with what could be. Second, the evocative imagery and subtle storytelling allow for a high degree of personal interpretation, leading to a more engaging and enriching experience. Third, the underlying themes of societal change and technological impact remain highly relevant in an era of rapid technological advancements and global uncertainty. Finally, Stålenhag's artistic mastery is undeniable, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant body of work that continues to captivate and inspire.
Book Outline: A Deep Dive into Simon Stålenhag's The Labyrinth
Author: [Your Name]
Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview of the book's content.
Chapter 1: Analyzing Stålenhag's Artistic Style: Detailed examination of his techniques, color palette, and unique blend of nostalgia and futurism.
Chapter 2: Unpacking the Dystopian Themes: Exploration of the recurring themes of technology, isolation, societal change, and human impact.
Chapter 3: The Power of Visual Storytelling: How Stålenhag uses imagery to convey complex narratives and emotions.
Chapter 4: The Cultural Impact of The Labyrinth: Discussion of its influence on other media, artistic movements, and online communities.
Chapter 5: The Enduring Appeal: Examining the reasons behind the book's continued popularity and cultural significance.
Conclusion: Summarizing key points and highlighting the enduring relevance of Stålenhag's work.
(Note: The above chapters would each be expanded into detailed sections within a full-length article, mirroring the content already presented above.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the main setting of Simon Stålenhag's The Labyrinth? The main setting is a fictionalized version of the Swedish countryside, incorporating familiar locations with futuristic elements.
2. What type of robots are depicted in The Labyrinth? The robots vary widely in size and design, ranging from small, almost mechanical creatures to colossal, imposing structures, often integrated into the landscape.
3. What is the overall mood or atmosphere of The Labyrinth? The mood is generally melancholic, introspective, and subtly unsettling, a blend of serenity and underlying unease.
4. Is there a clear narrative in The Labyrinth? No, there isn't a linear storyline, but each image suggests fragments of narratives and themes.
5. What are the key themes explored in The Labyrinth? Key themes include technology's impact on society, the relationship between humanity and nature, isolation, and the lingering effects of conflict or technological upheaval.
6. How does Stålenhag’s art differ from other dystopian art styles? Stålenhag’s style uniquely combines hyperrealism with retro-futurism, creating a sense of nostalgic unease rather than outright grimness.
7. What kind of audience would enjoy The Labyrinth? Fans of science fiction, dystopian art, retro-futurism, and anyone appreciating evocative and thought-provoking imagery would likely appreciate it.
8. Where can I purchase The Labyrinth? The book is available from most major online retailers and bookstores.
9. What other works by Simon Stålenhag are worth checking out? Explore his other books like Tales from the Loop and Things From the Flood, which continue to develop his unique artistic universe.
Related Articles:
1. Simon Stålenhag's Artistic Process: A Step-by-Step Guide: An in-depth look at Stålenhag's artistic techniques and workflow.
2. The Influence of Retro-Futurism in Simon Stålenhag's Work: Analyzing the use of retro-futuristic elements to create his signature style.
3. Comparing Tales from the Loop and The Labyrinth: A comparative study exploring the similarities and differences between these two iconic works.
4. The Environmental Themes in Simon Stålenhag's Dystopian Landscapes: A focus on the ecological aspects and interpretations within his art.
5. Analyzing the Robot Designs in Simon Stålenhag's Art: A deeper dive into the aesthetics and symbolism of his robotic creations.
6. The Role of Nostalgia in Simon Stålenhag's Evocative Paintings: Exploring how nostalgia contributes to the overall impact of his art.
7. The Literary Influences on Simon Stålenhag's Artistic Vision: Exploring the sources of inspiration that may have contributed to his art style.
8. Simon Stålenhag and the Future of Dystopian Art: Speculating on the evolution of dystopian art in the context of Stålenhag’s work.
9. The Community Around Simon Stålenhag's Art: Fan Art, Theories, and Discussions: An examination of the online communities devoted to appreciating and interpreting his work.
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Labyrinth Simon Stålenhag, 2022-01-10 The Labyrinth is a unique vision of a dystopian future from one of the most sought-after visual storytellers in the world. A world covered by ruins and ash, the remnants of an otherworldly phenomenon that has ravaged the earth’s atmosphere and forced the few survivors deep underground. Matt, Sigrid and Charlie leave the safe harbour of the enclave for an expedition onto the wastelands of the surface world. During their journey they are forced to confront dark secrets from the time before civilization’s fall. Simon Stålenhagis the internationally acclaimed author and artist behind Tales From the Loop, Things From the Flood and The Electric State. He is world-renowned for his highly imaginative images and stories depicting illusive sci-fi phenomena in mundane, hyper-realistic Scandinavian landscapes. Perfect for fans of everything from Stranger Things to Jurassic Park to Westworld. PRAISE for SIMON STALENHAG 'Tales has the magic. It's got the robots, the weirdness, the dinosaurs. But most of all, it has the wonder. No one who picks this book up will be the same person when they put it down again' NPR on Tales from the Loop 'No words to describe this novel in pictures. Stahlenhag defined a whole new aesthetic for scifi in the 21st century' Damien Walter on The Electric State 'A chilling, unforgettable visual and narrative experience' Locus on The Electric State Stalenhag's 'stories crawl into my brain and mess with my memory of history, time and place' NPR on The Electric State |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Electric State Simon Stålenhag, 2018-09-25 NPR Best Books of 2018 A teen girl and her robot embark on a cross-country mission in this illustrated science fiction story, perfect for fans of Ready Player One and Black Mirror. In late 1997, a runaway teenager and her small yellow toy robot travel west through a strange American landscape where the ruins of gigantic battle drones litter the countryside, along with the discarded trash of a high-tech consumerist society addicted to a virtual-reality system. As they approach the edge of the continent, the world outside the car window seems to unravel at an ever faster pace, as if somewhere beyond the horizon, the hollow core of civilization has finally caved in. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Things From the Flood Simon Stålenhag, 2020-07-07 The basis for the new Amazon Prime Original Series! From the author of the imaginative and “awe-inspiring” (New York Journal of Books) narrative art book The Electric State comes the haunting sequel to his remarkable Tales from the Loop. Welcome back to the Loop. In 1954, the Swedish government ordered the construction of the world’s largest particle accelerator in the pastoral countryside of Mälaröarna. The local population called this marvel of technology The Loop and celebrated its completion. But Mälaröarna and the world would never be the same. Infused with strange machines and unfathomable creatures, Things from the Flood is transcendent look at technology that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Tales From the Loop Simon Stålenhag, 2020-04-07 Now an Amazon Prime Original Series! Perfect for fans of E.T. and Stranger Things—the first narrative artbook from acclaimed author and artist Simon Stålenhag about a fictionalized suburban town in the 1980s inhabited by fantastic machines and strange, imaginative beasts. In 1954, the Swedish government ordered the construction of the world’s largest particle accelerator. The facility was complete in 1969, located deep below the pastoral countryside of Mälaröarna. The local population called this marvel of technology The Loop. These are its strange tales. From the same author who wrote the imaginative artbook The Electric State, this “haunting,” (The Verge) “sophisticated sci-fi” (The Nerdist) follows the bizarre stories from otherworldly creatures and is a page-turner you won’t be able to put down. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Jim Henson's Labyrinth: The Novelization Jim Henson, A.C.H. Smith, 2014-04-22 Return to the Kingdom of Whence in this sprawling prequel to Jim Henson's classic film Labyrinth. Finally back in print and for the first time in hardcover is the novelization of LABYRINTH written by A.C.H. Smith and personally overseen by Jim Henson. This beautiful hardcover features unpublished illustrations by legendary illustrator and concept artist Brian Froud and an exclusive peek into Jim Henson's creative process with over 40 never-before-seen pages from his personal journal, detailing the initial conception of his ideas for LABYRINTH. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Obsoletes Simeon Mills, 2020-04-07 In this “inventive, moving, and funny” (Jess Walter, #1 New York Times bestselling author) coming-of-age novel, two human-like teen robots navigate high school, basketball, and potentially life-threatening consequences if their true origins are discovered by the inhabitants of their intolerant 1980s Michigan hometown. Fraternal twin brothers Darryl and Kanga are just like any other teenagers trying to make it through high school. They have to deal with peer pressure, awkwardness, and family drama. But there’s one closely guarded secret that sets them apart: they’re robots. So long as they keep their heads down, their robophobic neighbors won’t discover the truth about them and they just might make it through to graduation. But when Kanga becomes the star of the basketball team, his worrywart brother Darryl now has to work a million times harder to keep them both out of the spotlight. Though they look, sound, and act perfectly human, if anyone in their small, depressed Michigan town were to find out what they truly are, they’d likely be disassembled by an angry mob in the middle of their school gym. “Curious, sweet, heartbreaking, and redemptive” (Delilah S. Dawson, New York Times bestselling author), this is a funny, poignant look at brotherhood, xenophobia, and the limits of one’s programming. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead: Typhoon Wesley Chu, 2020-10-06 In this riveting, “gory, and action-packed” (Jonathan Maberry) survival thriller, set in the expansive world of Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead series, three people from different walks of life in China must join forces against the typhoon of undead as chaos sweeps over Asia. In the aftermath of the zombie virus outbreak, what remains of the Chinese government has estimated that one billion walkers (called jiangshi) are currently roaming through the country. Across this dramatic landscape, large groups of survivors have clustered together for safety in villages and towns that have been built vertically as a means of protection against the unceasing wave of jiangshi. Before this devastation, Zhu was one of the millions of poor farmers who left their rural roots for the promise of consistent employment in one of China’s booming factory towns. Elena was an American teaching English in China while on a gap year before beginning law school. Hengyen was a grizzled military officer of some renown, and a passionate believer in his nation’s ability to surmount any obstacle. But with the settlement’s 3,000 mouths to feed and the scavengers having to travel further and further in search of food, Zhu ends up at his home village, where he is shocked to find survivors. Does he force them to join the settlement or keep their existence a secret? Meanwhile, Hengyen is tasked with the impossible: fortifying the Beacon against a 100,000-strong “typhoon” of walkers header their way. Even though he realizes that the Beacon hardly stands a chance, Hengyen is a believer and will stand with his compatriots to the very last, bringing him into conflict with Zhu, who intends to flee the path of the typhoon and make for the safety of China’s dramatic mountain ranges before it’s too late. Given “two decaying thumbs up,” (Jonathan Mayberry, author of Rot & Ruin), this book is sure to get your heart racing and leave you wanting more! |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Across the Void S.K. Vaughn, 2019-07-02 A visceral space thriller—perfect for fans of Arrival and The Martian—following the sole survivor of a catastrophic accident in space that leaves her drifting in the void with only the voice of her estranged husband, a NASA scientist, to guide her back to Earth. Commander Maryam “May” Knox awakes from a medically induced coma alone, adrift in space on a rapidly failing ship, with little to no memory of who she is or why she’s there. Slowly, she pieces together that she’s the captain of the ship, Hawking II; that she was bound for Europa—one of Jupiter’s moons—on a research mission; and that she’s the only survivor of either an accident—or worse, a deliberate massacre—that has decimated her entire crew. With resources running low, and her physical strength severely compromised, May must rely on someone back home to help her. The problem is: everyone thinks she’s dead. Back on Earth, it’s been weeks since Hawking II has communicated with NASA, and Dr. Stephen Knox is on bereavement leave to deal with the apparent death of his estranged wife, whose decision to participate in the Europa mission strained their marriage past the point of no return. But when he gets word that NASA has received a transmission from May, Stephen comes rushing to her aid. What he doesn’t know is that not everyone wants May to make it back alive. Even more terrifying: she might not be alone on that ship. Featuring a twisting and suspenseful plot and compelling characters, Across the Void is a moving and evocative thriller that you won’t be able to put down. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Love Labyrinth Pamela D. Beverly, 2017 Noelle Harrison is a hardworking wife and mother, who resents her husband Waye's constant forays out of town for work. Unhappy with the direction her life has taken, she literally bumps into a man who winds up becoming the other man. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The First Sister Linden A. Lewis, 2021-02-23 Combining the social commentary of The Handmaid’s Tale with the white-knuckled thrills of Red Rising, this epic space opera filled with “lush prose” (Publishers Weekly) follows a comfort woman as she claims her agency, a soldier questioning his allegiances, and a non-binary hero out to save the solar system. First Sister has no name and no voice. As a priestess of the Sisterhood, she travels the stars alongside the soldiers of Earth and Mars—the same ones who own the rights to her body and soul. When her former captain abandons her, First Sister’s hopes for freedom are dashed when she is forced to stay on her ship with no friends, no power, and a new captain—Saito Ren—whom she knows nothing about. She is commanded to spy on Captain Ren by the Sisterhood, but soon discovers that working for the war effort is much harder when you’re falling in love. Lito val Lucius climbed his way out of the slums to become an elite soldier of Venus but was defeated in combat by none other than Saito Ren, resulting in the disappearance of his partner, Hiro. When Lito learns that Hiro is both alive and a traitor to the cause, he now has a shot at redemption: track down and kill his former partner. But when he discovers recordings that Hiro secretly made, Lito’s own allegiances are put to the test. Ultimately, he must decide between following orders and following his heart. With “a layered, action-filled plot and diverse characters” (Library Journal), The First Sister explores the power of technology, colonization, race, and gender and is perfect for fans of James S.A. Corey, Chuck Wendig, and Jay Posey. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Down Days Ilze Hugo, 2021-06-22 In the aftermath of a deadly outbreak bearing similarities to the Tanganyika Laughter Epidemic, a city at the tip of Africa is losing its mind-complete with hallucinations, paranoia, and good old-fashioned ghost sightings. Is it the result of secret government experiments, an episode of mass hysteria, the effects of trauma, a sign of the end times? In a quarantined city in which the inexplicable has already occurred, rumors, superstitions, and conspiracy theories abound. In these strange days, Faith works as a full-time corpse collector and a freelance truthologist, putting together disparate pieces of information to solve others' problems. But after Faith agrees to help an orphaned girl find the girl's abducted baby brother, she begins to wonder whether the boy is even real. Meanwhile, Sans, a ponyjacker in the human hair trade, is so distracted by a glimpse of his dream woman that he lets a bag of money he owes his gang partners go missing-leaving him desperately searching for both and soon questioning his own sanity. Over the course of a single week, the paths of Faith, Sans, and a cast of other hustlers-including a data dealer, a drug addict, a sin eater, and a hyena man-will cross and intertwine as they move about the city, looking for lost souls, uncertain absolution, and answers that may not exist. Part ghost story, part whodunit, part palimpsest, THE DOWN DAYS is a rollicking exploration of the mutability of memory, the subjectivity of perception, and the notion that truth is ultimately in the eye of the beholder-- |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Labyrinth of Osiris Paul Sussman, 2012-07-19 AN ANCIENT MYSTERY HAS ALREADY TAKEN TWO LIVES... HOW MANY MORE WILL IT CLAIM? The bestselling, pulse-poundingarchaeological thriller by bestselling author Paul Sussman is a must-read for fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler and Wilbur Smith. 'A genuinely exciting read from a world-class storyteller...a beautifully-observed thriller.' - FINANCIAL TIMES 'Captivating, intelligent and notably well-written... Sussman's thrillers have been translated into 33 languages and have sold over 2 million copies worldwide. This, his final book, deserves to be even more successful.' - DAILY MAIL 'Stylish writing and deep research.' - GUARDIAN 'Sussman knew how to keep a complex plot bowling along while constantly ratcheting up the tension...this is top-drawer popular fiction and is sure to become an even bigger bestseller than his three other novels.' - MAIL ON SUNDAY *********************************************************************************** A journalist is murdered in Jerusalem's Armenian Cathedral and Detective Arieh Ben-Roi is spoilt for leads. But one seems out of place - an apparent link to a decades-old missing persons case in Egypt. Baffled, Ben-Roi turns for help to his old friend and sparring partner, Inspector Yusuf Khalifa of the Luxor Police. Although struggling with personal tragedy and immersed in a case of his own - mysterious well poisonings in the Eastern Desert - Khalifa agrees to do some digging. What he discovers will change both men's lives for ever. As their investigations intertwine, the detectives are drawn ever deeper into a sinister web of violence, abuse, corporate malpractice and international terrorism. And at its heart lies a three thousand year-old mystery that has already taken two lives, and will soon be claiming more... |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Tales from the Loop - Out of Time Free League Publishing, 2019-10 There are rumors of a mechanical contraption that roams around the fields outside the small communities of the Mälaren Islands. At the same time, flyers asking for information on lost pets are increasing on the bulletin board outside the grocery store. On TV, the weatherman speaks of random storm gusts - and hasn't there been severely bad weather the past few nights? This is the beginning of a series of mysteries that lead the children out into the wilderness of The Loop and down into its secret tunnels. But what does this all have to do with the long-awaited summer camp, the magnetrine ship Susi Talvi, and the 1969 moon landing? This is a 124-page full-color hardback module to the multiple award-winning Tales from the Loop roleplaying game. Made in the UK. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Jules Verne's: Lighthouse #1 (of 5) David Hine, Brian Haberlin, 2021-04-14 At the edge of the galaxy, there is a giant supercomputer known as the Lighthouse. The only brain powerful enough to navigate ships through a sargasso of naturally occurring wormholes, potentially cutting months or even years off a spaceshipÕs journey. Three humans, one alien, and a nanny bot have manned the remote station for years in relative peace until the arrival of Captain Kongre and his band of cutthroat pirates threatens the future of civilization and reveals that each of the Lighthouse crew has been hiding a shocking secret. He who controls the Lighthouse controls this part of the galaxy. From the team that brought you THE MARKED and SONATA comes this double-sized sci-fi thriller set on the high seas of space, based on the work of master storyteller JULES VERNE. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Fifty Shames of Earl Grey Fanny Merkin, Andrew Shaffer, 2012-07-10 Young, arrogant tycoon Earl Grey seduces the naïve coed Anna Steal with his overpowering good looks and staggering amounts of money, but will she be able to get past his fifty shames, including shopping at Walmart on Saturdays, bondage with handcuffs, and his love of BDSM (Bards, Dragons, Sorcery, and Magick)? Or will his dark secrets and constant smirking drive her over the edge? |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Hardware: The Definitive SF Works of Chris Foss Chris Foss, 2011-09-06 Foss’s groundbreaking and distinctive science fiction art revolutionized paperback covers in the 1970s and 80s. Dramatically raising the bar for realism and invention, his trademark battle-weary spacecraft, dramatic alien landscapes and crumbling brutalist architecture irrevocably changed the aesthetic of science fiction art and cinema. Featuring work for books by Isaac Asimov, E. E. ‘Doc’ Smith, Arthur C. Clarke, A. E. Van Vogt and Philip K. Dick, and film design for Ridley Scott and Stanley Kubrick, this volume brings together many rare and classic images that have never been seen or reprinted before. The first comprehensive retrospective of Chris Foss’s SF career. “Chris Foss’ name has become pre-eminent among sf artists... He is in love with the monstrous, with angular momentum, with inertia-free projectiles and irresistable objects.” — Brian Aldiss “[Foss’] creations are real machines, not just an artist’s dreams. They combine the two elements so essential to science fiction: realism and a sense of wonder... A medieval goldsmith of future eons.” — Alejandro Jodorowsky |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Art of Moebius Moebius, Byron Preiss, Jean-Marc Lofficier, Randy Lofficier, 1989 |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Artcore SQP Publishing, 2004 State of the art explicit erotic illustration by the best in the business. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Hellboy Michael Mignola, Mike Mignola, 2013 Young Hellboy runs away from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defence, only to stumble upon a strange and fantastical circus that may or may not have come from Hell.--P. [4] of cover. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Angelarium: Book of Watchers Peter Mohrbacher, 2021-09 Book two in the Angelarium series.This artbook is a chronicle of Enoch, a living man wandering the world of Angels. Seeking a path home, Enoch witnesses a rogue order of Angels invading his home and threatening the existence of humanity. The book includes illustrations, poetry, and short stories centering around the fallen Angels known as the Watchers. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Free Pass Julian Hanshaw, 2022-06-08 Huck and Nadia are enjoying their twenties: working in Big Tech and developing an adventurous sex life. Together they fantasize about opening their relationship with a “free pass” to sleep with certain friends or celebrities. It's all in good fun. But Huck is leading a double life. As a national election looms, he grows more and more uncomfortable with his company’s unelected authority over internet discourse. When the couple receives a bizarre gift—a cutting-edge humanoid sex AI that can morph into anyone—their worlds of fantasy, trust, and consent are thrown into blissful chaos. In a society growing more divided each day, Huck struggles with the pressure to uphold boundaries at work... while everything is collapsing at home. Julian Hanshaw follows his acclaimed graphic novels Tim Ginger and Cloud Hotel with an intoxicating new tale of liberty, privacy, and shame, set in the sticky place where sex, politics, and technology come together. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Art of John Harris: Beyond the Horizon John Harris, 2014-05-27 World-renowned visionary artist John Harris' unique concept paintings capture the Universe on a massive scale, featuring everything from epic landscapes and towering cities to out-of-this-world science fiction vistas. This collection focuses on his wide variety of futuristic art, as well as his striking covers for a variety of esteemed SF authors, including Arthur C Clarke, John Scalzi, Ben Bova, Hal Clement, Jack McDevitt, Frederik Pohl, Orson Scott Card's Enders books and many more. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Mort Künstler Robert Deis, Wyatt Doyle, 2020-11-02 An unequaled selection of illustrator Mort Künstler's finest work from the men's adventure magazine (MAM) era, collected in a bold, colorful collection. Available in both softcover and expanded, deluxe hardcover editions. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The art of Tim Burton Leah Gallo, Holly C. Kempf, Derek Frey, 2009 |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Art of Doom Bethesda Softworks (Firm), Id Software, Inc, 2016 Doom is unquestionably one of the most influential videogames ever created, widely regarded as the original FPS (First-Person Shooter) and remains a touchstone for countless action games today. The Art Of Doom brings together concept artwork, sketches and screenshots from every classic instalment of the series, including Bethesda's most recent addition, Doom 3 (2012). |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Radio Spaceman #1 Mike Mignola, 2022-03-02 When a ship crashes and lands on a mysterious planet and some of the surviving crew go missing, the mysterious mechanical hero Radio Spaceman is called to investigate. But the planet hides much more than the missing crew, and Radio Spaceman may be stumbling into more than even he can handle. Based on Mignola's viral pencil sketches, Radio Spaceman is a steampunk space adventure full of mystery, monsters, and awesome gadgets. Featuring the amazing art of Greg Hinkle (The Beauty, Black Cloud) and colors by longtime Mignolaverse collaborator Dave Stewart, this new series is perfect for Mignola fans old and new! |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Moebius Library: The World of Edena Moebius, 2016-11-08 Working closely with Moebius Productions in France, Dark Horse is putting the work of a master storyteller back in print--with some material in English for the first time! Stel and Atan are interstellar investigators trying to find a lost space station and its crew. When they discover the mythical paradise planet Edena, their lives are changed forever. The long out-of-print Edena Cycle from Moebius gets a deluxe hardcover treatment! Moebius's World of Edena story arc is comprised of five chapters--Upon a Star, Gardens of Edena, The Goddess, Stel, and Sra--which are all collected here. A storyboard artist and designer (Alien, Tron, The Fifth Element, among many others) as well as comic book master, Moebius's work has influenced creators in countless fields. “Moebius is a master draftsman, a superb artist, and more—his vision is original and strong.” —George Lucas |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Lost at Sea Bryan Lee O'Malley, 2014-01-22 Raleigh doesn't have a soul. A cat stole it – at least that's what she tells people – at least that's what she would tell people if she told people anything. But that would mean talking to people, and the mere thought of social interaction is terrifying. How did such a shy teenage girl end up in a car with three of her hooligan classmates on a cross-country road trip? Being forced to interact with kids her own age is a new and alarming proposition for Raleigh, but maybe it's just what she needs – or maybe it can help her find what she needs – or maybe it can help her to realize that what she needs has been with her all along. This special hardcover edition of Bryan Lee O'Malley's classic coming-of-age graphic novel includes previously uncollected shorts and extra bonus material. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Electric Century Mikey Way, Shaun Simon, Z2 Comics, 2021-11-23 Johnny Ashford, former sitcom-star, drives drunk through a storefront andgets tossed in jail. His aspiring actress girlfriend bails him out and he begins seeing a hypnotherapist, who sends him to his happy place: 1980's Atlantic City, where he relives his childhood on the boardwalk and the Electric Century casino, hardly noticing shadowy specters all around. His addiction shifts from alcohol to his hypnotic trips to the boardwalk. When his girlfriend winds up there, Johnny has to figure out how to save their lives and escape the Electric Century ... |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Art of War Strategic Puzzles Richard Wolfrik Galland, 2019-09 |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Inside Broadmoor Jonathan Levi, Emma French, 2019-08 Broadmoor. Few place names in the world have such chilling resonance. For over 150 years, it has contained the UK's most violent, dangerous and psychopathic. Since opening as an asylum for the criminally insane in 1863 it has housed the perpetrators of many of the most shocking and appalling crimes in history; including Jack the Ripper suspect James Kelly, serial killers Peter Sutcliffe, John Straffen and Kenneth Erskine, murderer and rapist Robert Napper, the teacup poisoner Graham Young, armed robber Charles Bronson, East End gangster Ronnie Kray, child killer Ian Brady, London nail bomber David Copeland and cannibal Peter Bryan. The truth about what goes on behind the Victorian walls of the high-security hospital has largely remained a mystery, but now with unprecedented access investigative journalist Jonathan Levi and cultural historian Emma French reveal all, after spending 12 months observing and speaking to those on the inside. Based on research from Broadmoor's closely guarded archives, interviews with the staff that work there - including nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, security guards - and above all the patients themselves, Inside Broadmoor is the most comprehensive study of the institution to-date. Published on the dawn of a new era as a £242m, state-of-the-art new building opens, this is the full story of Broadmoor's past, present and future and a dark but enlightening journey into the minds of Britain's most evil and how they are treated. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: In the Labyrinth of Drakes Marie Brennan, 2016-04-05 In the Labyrinth of Drakes, the thrilling new book in the acclaimed fantasy series from Marie Brennan, the glamorous Lady Trent takes her adventurous explorations to the deserts of Akhia. Even those who take no interest in the field of dragon naturalism have heard of Lady Trent's expedition to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia. Her discoveries there are the stuff of romantic legend, catapulting her from scholarly obscurity to worldwide fame. The details of her personal life during that time are hardly less private, having provided fodder for gossips in several countries. As is so often the case in the career of this illustrious woman, the public story is far from complete. In this, the fourth volume of her memoirs, Lady Trent relates how she acquired her position with the Royal Scirling Army; how foreign saboteurs imperiled both her work and her well-being; and how her determined pursuit of knowledge took her into the deepest reaches of the Labyrinth of Drakes, where the chance action of a dragon set the stage for her greatest achievement yet. The Lady Trent Memoirs 1. A Natural History of Dragons 2. The Tropic of Serpents 3. Voyage of the Basilisk 4. In the Labyrinth of Drakes 5. Within the Sanctuary of Wings At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Steam Reverie in Amber Kuroimori, 2022-11-22 A full-color steampunk artbook & manga collection hardcover--includes all 22 Major Arcana as removable tarot cards! Don't miss this beautiful release from an award-winning Japanese artist who contributed to Final Fantasy art. In a world wedged somewhere between past and future, an airship drifts gently among pillow-soft clouds. This is the Tomeship--purveyor of used books and fresh coffee across the skies. It can only be seen by those who bear the Gearform Scar on their hearts. Are you one such soul? Immerse yourself in a gorgeously illustrated magical realm and find out! |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Mutant Year Zero - Mechatron Modiphius Entertainment, 2018-10 10/07/2153, 0617. All human personnel is to be evacuated immediately from Production Facility Mechatron-7, on direct orders from the Noatun Central Command. Control over Mechatron-7 is to be temporarily transferred to A.I. construct NODOS, to secure continued production. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The FLCL Archives GAINAX, 2019-03-26 Produced by legendary studios GAINAX and Production I.G, FLCL took anime to places it had never been with its spectacular off-the-wall animation, outrageous storyline, and endearing characters. This mesmerizing 6-episode series features everything from giant destructive robots to a crazy pink-haired alien woman, and its influence on the anime industry is felt to this day. The FLCL Archives collects artwork from this landmark production, including key promotional art, character and location designs, rough sketches, and more. Included are plenty of illustrator notes and even a look at early proposal documents for the series. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Things from the Flood 90s Era Rpg, Hardback Free League Publishing, 2019-06-18 Simon Stålenhag is back. In his new art book Things From The Flood, Stålenhag continues the stories of Tales From the Loop, memories of a Nordic childhood infused with strange machines and weird creatures from other dimensions. In Things From The Flood, Stålenhag moves his focus from the '80s to the '90s, the decade of great change when the outside world truly came to Scandinavia. These are tales of the trials of youth, of schoolyard hazings, of first kisses, of finding yourself -- and robots.. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: DUNE: The Graphic Novel, Book 1: Dune Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, 2020-11-24 The first book in the definitive graphic novel adaptation of Dune, the groundbreaking science-fiction classic by Frank Herbert. A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism, and politics, Dune is a powerful, fantastical tale that takes an unprecedented look into our universe, and is transformed by the graphic novel format. Frank Herbert’s epic science-fiction masterpiece set in the far future amidst a sprawling feudal interstellar society, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides as he and his family accept control of the desert planet Arrakis. In the first volume of a three-book trilogy encompassing the original novel, New York Times bestselling authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s adaptation retains the story’s integrity, and Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín’s magnificent illustrations, along with cover art by award winner Bill Sienkiewicz, bring the book to life for a new generation of readers. “A much-needed addition to the series started by Frank Herbert decades ago.” —The Nerd Daily |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: The Labyrinth Simon Stålenhag, 2021-10-28 The Labyrinth is a unique vision of a dystopian future from one of the most sought-after visual storytellers in the world and internationally acclaimed author of The Electric State. |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Haunted West Chris Spivey, 2021-10-20 One moment sets the course of destiny. But what if that one moment was changed in the smallest of ways? What if one madman's plan actually were to succeed beyond our known history? The Old West-The Wild West, The American Frontier-is one of the world's most familiar modern myths. The time was draped in ruggedness; there was an idealized dream of freedom, and a notion that just one person could shape the world. That myth belongs to all of us. Yet so many stories of truth, justice, and the American Way have been stolen, erased, and never recorded. Haunted West is a game about hope through struggle. It is a game that pieces together the stories of the largely forgotten people of the Old West, the people who have been whitewashed by history. Discover the American experience in the Weird West. Grab your rifle, jet pack, and spurs to battle traitorous rebels in the defense of freedom, join the fight against temporally displaced dinosaurs, rustle cattle to make ends meet, and hijack a train full of illicit Confederate gold! |
| simon stlenhag the labyrinth: Beginner's Guide to Creating Portraits Publishing 3dtotal, 2022-01-14 Meet modern portraiture head-on with this step-by-step beginner's guide to creating stylized portrait, written by the industry's leading character designers. |
