Description

Welcome to the intriguing world of My Time Machine, a captivating creation by renowned author and illustrator Carol Lay, published by Drawn and Quarterly. This unique narrative combines elements of science fiction, political satire, and humor, all wrapped in a visually stunning package filled with full-color illustrations. The story begins with a silver-haired protagonist, who bears a striking resemblance to the author herself, embarking on an adventurous odyssey that transcends time and space.

Set against the backdrop of the politically charged and environmentally fraught America of 2020, our protagonist finds herself unexpectedly thrust into a distant and foreboding future. Awakening in a glitchy time machine, the first question that races through her mind is not just ‘Where am I?’ but rather ‘When am I?’ The narrative quickly evolves into a tale of survival and exploration as she encounters a bizarre creature banging insistently at the time machine’s door.

As an exhausted amateur time traveler, our heroine has little choice but to embrace the absurdity of her situation. Armed with a concertina, she occupies herself while waiting for the chaos outside to unfold. The story deepens as she reveals her lineage; she has inherited the blueprints from the original Time Traveler of H.G. Wells’ classic tale. With a spark of innovation, she enlists the help of her genius ex-husband to construct a modernized version of this iconic time machine.

However, the journey is not simply about the thrill of time travel. Our protagonist grapples with the profound desire to mend the past while also being irresistibly drawn to the mysteries of the future. As she takes the plunge into the unknown, she hopes that the insights she gains may provide crucial information to avert the impending doom facing civilization. Yet, she anticipates trouble, and it is indeed far worse than she could have imagined.

By the year 2035, humanity has failed to address the existential threat of climate change, leading to a world enveloped in fascism. Fast forward to 2045, and the situation deteriorates further into chaos and anarchy. Intrigued by the possibilities suggested in Wells’ narrative, our daring traveler decides to visit the year 802,701. Her aim is to validate the original Traveler’s accounts, but she soon finds herself immersed in a lush yet perilous landscape, fraught with challenges and adversaries that propel her towards the earth’s final, harrowing days.

Through My Time Machine, Carol Lay expertly weaves together humor and seriousness, crafting a sly yet impactful political satire that engages readers on multiple levels. This rollicking time travel saga is filled with puzzling paradoxes, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and witty banter. Lay’s work invites readers to ponder the complexities of existence, the repercussions of human folly, and the wonder that lies within the universe.

With every turn of the page, readers are treated to stunning illustrations that enhance the storytelling experience, bringing to life the vivid scenarios and diverse characters that populate this extraordinary adventure. Whether you are a fan of science fiction, political commentary, or simply a lover of artful storytelling, My Time Machine promises to be a delightful and thought-provoking addition to your collection.

Join the journey today and discover where time might take you!