Graphic Novel Review: Syphon - Diamond BookShelf

Published by: Image Comics
Written by: Mohsen Ashraf, Patrick Meaney
Illustrated by: Jeff Edwards
ISBN: 9781534320734
Ages: 15+

We all have pain. It’s part of what makes us human. We also have sympathy and empathy to help us relate to each other in our times of pain. But what if you could actually take away another’s pain? Physically make it so the burden of pain would no longer affect them, and only calm and happiness would remain?

This is the idea behind the story of Syphon.

“We all carry the sight to see the pain in others. And the power to syphon it from them. To give them solace. To carry their burdens. And now you carry ours…”

Sylas is an EMT and he sees a lot of pain every day. One night, while trying to rescue someone on the street, he is fused with a purple spirit entity. Suddenly able to syphon pain from others, he begins to do amazing at his job, but all that pain takes a toll. What will happen when Sylas can no longer take the pain? And who is the man who claims he can teach Sylas to syphon joy and happiness from people?

SYPHON, is the debut graphic novel for new author Mohsen Ashraf and is co-authored by Patrick Meaney (LAST BORN). They’ve done a great job taking an idea that most of us have thought of at one time or another, and making it occupy the page with an execution usually reserved for video game storytelling. I look forward to seeing more from the author, hopefully soon.

Ages 15+

ADAM FISHER, Reference Associate

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Adam Fisher

Adam Fisher has worked for more than a decade at Lane Libraries in Fairfield, Ohio, where he is a Reference Associate. He creates and leads programming for all ages, manages the graphic novel, sci-fi/fantasy, and magazine collections at his branch, and has recently seen great success with his self-created Escape Room programs. He writes reviews for everything he reads and can be found on Goodreads @FisherAd80 and on Twitter @adamreadscomics.

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