Soul Machine

Debut creator Globerman spins a surreal sci-fi odyssey about connection, commodification, and the nature of the soul in this bold and contemplative graphic novel. Ever since mega conglomerate MCorp bought out all the breth—raw material used to create souls—siblings Lacey and Chloe have been unable to procure any for their own soul-making business. Running out of options to make ends meet, brash and impulsive younger sister Chloe travels into the city of M-tropolis seeking new suppliers. As she searches M-tropolis, Chloe must navigate the sleek spiritual consumerism MCorp fosters; cooperate with covert Nuspiritualists, rebels standing against MCorp; and confront shocking revelations about her family. Emotive characters, whose skin tones echo the shifting pastel colors of the pages, paired with inventive paneling highlights the narrative’s expressionistic, dreamlike quality. Negative space and fluid, sometimes distorted line art mirrors the protagonist’s disorientation as she contends with existential ruminations on ethical living and consumption. It’s a layered, lyrical, and darkly funny tale that balances emotional vulnerability with philosophical inquiry. Ages 12–up. (June)