Wiktor Wise
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a 1968 dystopian science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick. The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, where Earth's life has been greatly damaged by a nuclear global war. It follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who has to kill six escaped Nexus-6 model androids. The novel served as the basis for the 1982 film Blade Runner and its 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049. The novel has also been adapted into a 24-issue comic book limited series published by BOOM! Studios and illustrated by Tony Parker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Philip K. Dick |
| Artist | Tony Parker |
| Color Artist | Blond |
| Lettering | Richard Starkings |
| Publisher | BOOM! Studios |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic San Francisco |
| Year of Debut | 1968 |
| Film Adaptations | Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049 |
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What You'll Learn
Rick Deckard's moral crisis
Rick Deckard, the protagonist of Philip K. Dick's 1968 novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is a
In the novel, Deckard is a specialist plainclothes police officer with the San Francisco Police Department in the early 21st century, responsible for "retiring" (killing) androids that have escaped from off-world colonies. Deckard starts as a selfish and self-involved cop who sees no value in android life. However, as the story progresses, he develops empathy for androids and all living things. This transformation is a key aspect of Deckard's moral crisis, as he questions the value and sanctity of life, not only for humans but also for androids.
In the film adaptations, Deckard's moral crisis takes on a different dimension with the introduction of the concept of "replicants". Replicants are bioengineered beings nearly identical to adult humans, and the film explores the ambiguous boundary between human and replicant. Deckard's identity as either a human or a replicant becomes a central question, with subtle hints in the film suggesting he might be a replicant himself. This ambiguity further complicates Deckard's moral crisis, as he grapples with his own nature and the implications it has on his understanding of humanity.
Deckard's relationship with Rachael, a replicant, adds another layer to his moral crisis. In the film, Rachael becomes pregnant with Deckard's child, and her subsequent death in childbirth forces Deckard to confront the consequences of his actions and his responsibility as a father. The pursuit of Deckard's child by different groups drives the plot forward, and Deckard's struggle to protect his daughter becomes a pivotal aspect of his moral dilemma.
Throughout the story, Deckard is forced to confront his own humanity, or lack thereof, and question the fundamental differences between humans and replicants. This crisis of conscience is a defining characteristic of noir fiction, of which 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is an influential example. Deckard's journey, from a cold-hearted bounty hunter to a character capable of love and empathy, reflects the story's exploration of morality and the ambiguous nature of human and android existence.
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Post-apocalyptic San Francisco
The comic book 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by American writer Philip K. Dick. Set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, the story takes place in a futuristic 1992 (2021 in later editions) after a global war that has rendered Earth's atmosphere highly radioactive. Most animal species are now endangered or extinct.
The comic book adaptation, published by BOOM! Studios, includes the full text of the novel and is illustrated by artist Tony Parker. The story follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who has to "retire" (i.e. kill) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids. There is also a secondary plot that follows John Isidore, a man of sub-par IQ who aids the fugitive androids.
The post-apocalyptic San Francisco depicted in the comic is a dark and grim world, with the humans appearing degraded and less vital than the androids. Artist Tony Parker uses a dark palette of blues and browns to portray the irradiated, decaying Earth, with occasional neon lights and the crisp aesthetic of corporate headquarters providing contrast.
The comic garnered a nomination for "Best New Series" from the 2010 Eisner Awards. The success of the comic led to an eight-issue prequel subtitled "Dust To Dust," written by Chris Roberson and drawn by Robert Adler. The story takes place in the days immediately after World War Terminus.
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The nature of God
The graphic novel adaptation of Philip K. Dick's 1968 science fiction novel, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" explores the nature of God through its depiction of a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world. Set in a future where Earth's life has been devastated by nuclear global war, the story raises questions about the role of technology, the essence of humanity, and the relationship between humans and their environment.
In the novel, the protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" (i.e., killing) escaped androids. The androids in the story are so perfect that they develop a will of their own, no longer wanting to be slaves. This blurs the line between what is human and what is not, challenging our understanding of life and sentience. The novel also highlights the artificiality of distinctions used to exclude certain beings from ethical consideration, such as animals and "animalized" humans.
As the story unfolds in a world where technology has encroached upon our definition of "life", it prompts readers to reflect on the increasing presence of machines and artificial constructs in our lives. Dick's work, including "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" often explored the dangers of centralized power and the potential for humans to become "mechanical." This theme is evident in the novel's setting, where the most significant cultural icon is Buster Friendly, a talk show host who may be an android himself.
The novel also delves into the spiritual and religious aspects of its post-apocalyptic world, featuring a prominent religious movement called Mercerism, which was previously introduced in Dick's short story "The Little Black Box." Mercerism is portrayed as competing ideologically with the influence of Buster Friendly, who frequently attacks it on his programs. This dynamic within the story invites readers to contemplate the nature of faith and belief systems in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
Through its exploration of these themes, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" engages with metaphysical questions about the nature of God. By examining the complexities of a world where the boundaries between human and machine are blurred, the novel prompts readers to reflect on the fundamental aspects of existence, the role of technology, and the potential consequences of our increasing reliance on artificial constructs.
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The Voigt-Kampff test
In the comic "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", the protagonist Rick performs the Voigt-Kampff test on several characters, including Rachael Rosen, to determine whether they are androids or humans. The test plays a significant role in the story, as the ability to distinguish between humans and androids is crucial to the bounty hunters' mission of "retiring" the androids. The validity and reliability of the test are questioned at times, highlighting the potential consequences of faulty test results.
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The dangers of centralised power
"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is a 1968 dystopian science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick. The novel explores various themes, including the dangers of centralised power. This theme is reflected in the narrative's dystopian, polluted, man-made setting, where the world is depicted as increasingly artificial and potentially sentient.
The exploration of centralised power is further evident in the secondary plotline of the novel, which follows John Isidore, a man of sub-par IQ who aids the fugitive androids. Isidore's character and actions question the concentration of power in the hands of a select few, typically those in control of the corporations that create the androids. This dynamic reflects the dangers of power centralised in a small group, be it an individual, an organisation, or a government, and the potential consequences when that power is challenged or subverted.
The graphic novel adaptation of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Tony Parker is particularly notable for its visual interpretation of the novel's themes. Parker's artwork brings to life the phenomenon of 'kipple' and the philosophy of Mercerism, which underpins the narrative. By visually depicting a world where technology and artificiality have become quasi-alive, the graphic novel emphasises the dangers of centralised power and the potential loss of agency for individuals within such a world.
In conclusion, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick explores the dangers of centralised power through its narrative and setting. The novel and its graphic novel adaptation invite readers to consider the consequences of a world where technology and artificiality have usurped humanity, and the potential challenges to power dynamics that arise within such a context.
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Frequently asked questions
The comic book is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick.
The plot involves a bounty hunter, Rick Deckard, who hunts androids that have escaped from the off-world colonies and returned to an irradiated Earth.
The comic book was published by BOOM! Studios.
