Faker

This is a weird and interesting story, and had it been written by anyone else other than Carey then it would not have worked. He delves deep into what makes up memory, and looks at the game face that we show to the world, whilst lacing the story with an hallucinogenic quality so, in a way, it's "Beverley Hill 90210" meets "Fire Walk With Me" and is a very compulsive read. I'd love to know how he got the idea for this story.

It's a giant leap from the other comics I've read of Mike Carey's, which looks at the more fantastical side of science and pharmaceuticals, but like he rest of Carey's work it focuses heavily on the characters and their reactions and behaviour are very real despite what happens to them. Carey's work is always grounded in, what I would probably call, the mundane reality and therefore very believable. Even when things start getting very confusing in the second and third chapters you know that you are simply sharing the characters confusion as they try to come to terms with their own lives and events.

This is a very absorbing read that does not give its answers easily - it requires at least two readings, I think. Once you get it then you'll appreciate that this is a rare find - a tpb with real depth, which allows you to question your own sense of self. We all have the ability to see this game-self in operation and change it - before it's too late.