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.Self
Postscript backs up everything about a person into a file ready to be loaded in a printed body that offers one final chance to wrap up loose ends after they’ve died. Nat Winters has finally achieved something like a perfect life. No more scraping or getting by. She has a home, a husband and a job turning into a career. When Nat’s Postscript gets hacked and her file is torrented, her life gets set on fire by these tweaked copies of her running around the world, chasing down their own versions of her deferred dreams. As more of them begin coming to town, looking for her, Nat will be forced to confront a dozen different sides of herself and try to fix the mess they’ve made. But as she tries to contain things, Nat finds out there’s a contingent of Blanks out there who want to hurt her, even kill her, on the orders of a mysterious enemy who is looking to make this identity theft permanent. Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology and Kindle.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2022
69 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 10, 2022
For a story focusing so much around identity and the self, this had just....so little character development/exploration for me? The art is great and I LOVED the concept of this, but I just felt like I got so little from Nat as a character. Like, I am told she is so cautious and careful and tries to do anything she can to be safe after her tumultuous upbringing, but also...I felt like I was just told this. A lot. It doesn't help that the very first scene I get is of her fighting and of relishing this - there was very little established about who Nat was before I'm told all about how different she is during all of this- which fell pretty flat for me.
At first I was also super interested in all of these other Nats, like, what made them tick differently than Nat 1.0, but really they felt like completely different characters from her for the most part, not just copies with slight adjustments, . I kind of hoped there would be more exploration of the copies since they are...literally the driving force of the comic. But they felt extremely one-dimensional and almost always unrelated to the original Nat.
I also .
I didn't hate this, but I really didn't love it. It felt so 2.5/3 star in the "It was alright but I'm not going to think about this a week from now" way.
At first I was also super interested in all of these other Nats, like, what made them tick differently than Nat 1.0, but really they felt like completely different characters from her for the most part, not just copies with slight adjustments, . I kind of hoped there would be more exploration of the copies since they are...literally the driving force of the comic. But they felt extremely one-dimensional and almost always unrelated to the original Nat.
I also .
I didn't hate this, but I really didn't love it. It felt so 2.5/3 star in the "It was alright but I'm not going to think about this a week from now" way.
August 2, 2022
I really enjoyed my last foray into the graphic novel arena and figured I'd have another run at a title. Amazon Prime is, unfortunately, pretty invaluable as a service for life's essentials for me. And having my partner move in with me meant that it was time to set up the whole 'household' settings. Just so Amazon knows exactly whose data is who's, theirs and mine adding up to the sum of our lives. With that came re-examination of the perks to try balance out some of the privacy concerns.
Look, you get some music... and some games...
This graphic novel was a perk from comiXology because it comes with Prime. An original from comiXology Originals that you can borrow and read for free with your kindle app. So I figured, why not? I'm a huge fan of anything identity related. The self is a real focus of inquiry for me. It won't cost me anything...
I couldn't have been more disappointed. The story lined up with my recent concerns over data harvesting by corporate interests. A sort of speculative fiction experience in copy paste human life. But it just failed on so many levels.
It reminded me of black mirror, but with none of the depth. A great concept poorly fleshed out.
For a story that presents a world where there are countless other versions of Nat... None of them added any layers to her character and at times they actively seemed to single-handedly defeat their own conceit.
The husband was pocket lint... Almost nonexistent.
The ending... obvious.
At almost every step I was thinking up better directions the story could have taken to really give the audience something powerful and gripping.
The artwork was great. That takes it up to two stars... Barely.
I almost wished Amazon did save our lives experiences, so I could delete this one.
Look, you get some music... and some games...
This graphic novel was a perk from comiXology because it comes with Prime. An original from comiXology Originals that you can borrow and read for free with your kindle app. So I figured, why not? I'm a huge fan of anything identity related. The self is a real focus of inquiry for me. It won't cost me anything...
I couldn't have been more disappointed. The story lined up with my recent concerns over data harvesting by corporate interests. A sort of speculative fiction experience in copy paste human life. But it just failed on so many levels.
It reminded me of black mirror, but with none of the depth. A great concept poorly fleshed out.
For a story that presents a world where there are countless other versions of Nat... None of them added any layers to her character and at times they actively seemed to single-handedly defeat their own conceit.
The husband was pocket lint... Almost nonexistent.
The ending... obvious.
At almost every step I was thinking up better directions the story could have taken to really give the audience something powerful and gripping.
The artwork was great. That takes it up to two stars... Barely.
I almost wished Amazon did save our lives experiences, so I could delete this one.
May 17, 2023
I enjoyed this! It's not perfect, but it was fun to read. It's an interesting story, and while I don't know if the premise - a device that backs op everything about your life so that "you" can be downloaded into a body blank when you die, allowing family and friends to have closure - is actually possible (or rather, will be possible at any point), I'm sure somebody out there is trying to work out how to do it, and the story doesn't feel all that far-fetched. The execution, though... I don't know, something felt lacking. It needed to be a bit longer, given more space to breathe. Some parts got a bit rushed, and I would've liked to have seen the whole idea of the story explored more. Still, I enjoyed the bones of it. The art though! The art and coloring were gorgeous, just, wow! Crazy good.
So, in short, fun read, story could've been longer, frickin' great art. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
So, in short, fun read, story could've been longer, frickin' great art. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
November 25, 2024
This was a fun read. It's an interesting premise and I enjoyed the art work. I do think it could have been...MORE. It's a fairly short story so things ramp up and then wrap up pretty quickly and you don't get a whole lot of answers. But it held my attention and I would read it again
October 17, 2023
Self (stylized ".Self," but that would play havoc with my review) opens with an interesting premise: your life and memories are archived to a cloud subscription service called Postscript. Upon your death, Postscript uploads your memories into a near-perfect robotic clone of you so that you can wrap up any loose ends within the clone's 48-hour lifespan.
What's funny is that this isn't a story about closure at all. No, it's about how one woman's Postscript file is hacked and copied, and the fallout from an extremely thorough identity theft. By the end of the first chapter, the plot has most definitely thickened and only builds from there.
The story is an intense character study, so if you were expecting a globe-trekking adventure, you might be disappointed. However, this doesn't mean it's uninteresting: main character Nat might have a lot of baggage, but she spends more time in car chases and fights than she does brooding over her past. She is quite focused on remedying the problem at hand, which cleverly advances the plot while also building a key aspect to her character development.
By the end of the book I was quite happy with the story I got, even if it wasn't the one I was expecting. The Postscript premise is a great idea that has plenty of potential for future stories about other people, and I'd love to see it explored with other characters.
What's funny is that this isn't a story about closure at all. No, it's about how one woman's Postscript file is hacked and copied, and the fallout from an extremely thorough identity theft. By the end of the first chapter, the plot has most definitely thickened and only builds from there.
The story is an intense character study, so if you were expecting a globe-trekking adventure, you might be disappointed. However, this doesn't mean it's uninteresting: main character Nat might have a lot of baggage, but she spends more time in car chases and fights than she does brooding over her past. She is quite focused on remedying the problem at hand, which cleverly advances the plot while also building a key aspect to her character development.
By the end of the book I was quite happy with the story I got, even if it wasn't the one I was expecting. The Postscript premise is a great idea that has plenty of potential for future stories about other people, and I'd love to see it explored with other characters.
May 23, 2023
The main reason I decided to read this was because I wanted to see all the funny, amazing, catastrophic hijinks that resulted from your personality and identity being torrented to masses of unknown people. However compelling the premise was, though, the execution of the story itself was lacking.
The main character’s only real challenges are her marriage and being chased by violent people who mean trouble—and I didn’t care. Because these problems didn’t feel like real threats to her health or well-being. The author missed out on opportunities to explore Nat’s psyche, her fears and anxieties, insecurities and disappointments. She definitely expressed a dissatisfaction with her life, but it sounded more like the solipsistic ramblings of a teenager than the moral and existential crisis of a grown woman.
Yes, she is dissatisfied with life and she hasn’t used any opportunities she had to get to where she wants to be. But WHY? And what exactly were these opportunities and dreams? The reader knows she wants to be something she wanted to be a long time ago, and that it was a dream she neglected or let go. But… WHAT was the dream?
Nat’s character is relatable in the sense that everyone experiences doubts and regrets about “what could have been.” But she isn’t a well-defined character at all. She’s more like a receptacle for an ambiguous personality rather than a real person with a distinct personality. Was this the intention of the author? To make the main character seem just like the “Blanks” who have been imbued with her personality? If so, it’s a clever idea, but seeing a real character with a lot to lose based on specific aspects of their lives would have hit home much more.
I gave this 3 stars because it was a mildly entertaining way to pass the time and I don’t regret reading it. The art was good enough, but nothing remarkable.
The main character’s only real challenges are her marriage and being chased by violent people who mean trouble—and I didn’t care. Because these problems didn’t feel like real threats to her health or well-being. The author missed out on opportunities to explore Nat’s psyche, her fears and anxieties, insecurities and disappointments. She definitely expressed a dissatisfaction with her life, but it sounded more like the solipsistic ramblings of a teenager than the moral and existential crisis of a grown woman.
Yes, she is dissatisfied with life and she hasn’t used any opportunities she had to get to where she wants to be. But WHY? And what exactly were these opportunities and dreams? The reader knows she wants to be something she wanted to be a long time ago, and that it was a dream she neglected or let go. But… WHAT was the dream?
Nat’s character is relatable in the sense that everyone experiences doubts and regrets about “what could have been.” But she isn’t a well-defined character at all. She’s more like a receptacle for an ambiguous personality rather than a real person with a distinct personality. Was this the intention of the author? To make the main character seem just like the “Blanks” who have been imbued with her personality? If so, it’s a clever idea, but seeing a real character with a lot to lose based on specific aspects of their lives would have hit home much more.
I gave this 3 stars because it was a mildly entertaining way to pass the time and I don’t regret reading it. The art was good enough, but nothing remarkable.
August 2, 2025
Self had a very interesting concept, the Black Mirror vibes were strong, but it was missing something. The whole story is about Nat discovering herself again and finally doing the things she’s always wanted to do (after discovering the copies of her are doing them first), but it felt like she had no development. The copies of her were far more interesting, which feels like a very harsh insult but it’s true. They looked cooler and had more personality, to the point where I kept forgetting they were technically Nat.
Speaking of the copies looking cooler, I really liked the art style of Self. Every single character design had so much detail and the personalities of all of them shone through. I liked that pretty much none of them looked exactly like Nat because that would have been visually quite boring.
I don’t want to complain too much but considering the whole graphic novel is based on Nat’s personality, she was SO boring. You’re not given much backstory for her but even the bits you do get are just bland. She works in retail and has a husband she clearly doesn't like. That’s about it.
I did enjoy the explanation of ‘Postscript’. It sounds completely wild and is never something I’d do, but the concept is interesting. I’m surprised this world isn’t more of a dystopia though. The idea of copies of people that have died walking around for a little bit so they can say goodbye is crazy. I don’t know how this would actually help people deal with grief? You’re just going to lose them for a second time.
I’d say Self is an interesting and entertaining graphic novel, despite the blandness of the main character. The personalities of the side characters really shine and the illustrations are great.
Speaking of the copies looking cooler, I really liked the art style of Self. Every single character design had so much detail and the personalities of all of them shone through. I liked that pretty much none of them looked exactly like Nat because that would have been visually quite boring.
I don’t want to complain too much but considering the whole graphic novel is based on Nat’s personality, she was SO boring. You’re not given much backstory for her but even the bits you do get are just bland. She works in retail and has a husband she clearly doesn't like. That’s about it.
I did enjoy the explanation of ‘Postscript’. It sounds completely wild and is never something I’d do, but the concept is interesting. I’m surprised this world isn’t more of a dystopia though. The idea of copies of people that have died walking around for a little bit so they can say goodbye is crazy. I don’t know how this would actually help people deal with grief? You’re just going to lose them for a second time.
I’d say Self is an interesting and entertaining graphic novel, despite the blandness of the main character. The personalities of the side characters really shine and the illustrations are great.
November 18, 2023
“Self”, by Sebela
Scary scenario with the vibe of ‘Hitchcock’ or ‘P.K. Dick’ where you find your normal life suddenly spinning out when you get stalked and assaulted and accused! 3-D printed artificial bodies (not looking the same) called BLANKS have access to your personality and memories. It started out with genuine suspense but turned into a rather farcical comedy. Cool illustrations. ****
#1 – “I started building my library for real. Simon said old books were a good investment.”
#2 – “Where was I? Oh, right. Destroying my Postscript unit.
#3 – “So what’s the next step? Bring me in? Because I need protection while you clean up this mess.”
#4 – “So even when I slept, I saw my BLANKS out there, doing things I’d never considered doing.”
#5 – STILL Nat hasn’t figured out who are the real bad guys. C’mon girl!! “There’s something freeing about everything going bad all at once.”
Scary scenario with the vibe of ‘Hitchcock’ or ‘P.K. Dick’ where you find your normal life suddenly spinning out when you get stalked and assaulted and accused! 3-D printed artificial bodies (not looking the same) called BLANKS have access to your personality and memories. It started out with genuine suspense but turned into a rather farcical comedy. Cool illustrations. ****
#1 – “I started building my library for real. Simon said old books were a good investment.”
#2 – “Where was I? Oh, right. Destroying my Postscript unit.
#3 – “So what’s the next step? Bring me in? Because I need protection while you clean up this mess.”
#4 – “So even when I slept, I saw my BLANKS out there, doing things I’d never considered doing.”
#5 – STILL Nat hasn’t figured out who are the real bad guys. C’mon girl!! “There’s something freeing about everything going bad all at once.”
December 13, 2023
Interesting concept. take the metaphor of "the fig tree" and the film "mr. nobody" and the idea of parallel lives, and you get the graphic novel.
the art is nice, there was a lot of effort going into making this technolody seem like a real thing, as each issue ended with some exposition about it, but it felt lacking some depth, especially when it comes to the relation with Simon. It drops you into the action and by the end of issue 2, you're gathering what's happening.
the art is nice, there was a lot of effort going into making this technolody seem like a real thing, as each issue ended with some exposition about it, but it felt lacking some depth, especially when it comes to the relation with Simon. It drops you into the action and by the end of issue 2, you're gathering what's happening.
August 11, 2023
Enjoyable and raised some thoughts on what really is the self.
But nothing that was really new on that front.
And somewhat glossed over the fact that with technology like this there is no way people would only be using it to say their regards after death.
Plus, big one for me, the husband....disappears at the end. Like, we aren't even going to address his presence in the wrap up. Dang, cold.
But nothing that was really new on that front.
And somewhat glossed over the fact that with technology like this there is no way people would only be using it to say their regards after death.
Plus, big one for me, the husband....disappears at the end. Like, we aren't even going to address his presence in the wrap up. Dang, cold.
September 17, 2023
How many you's is too many?
Good color artwork. Technology creates new crimes and new criminals. A mind loading technology gets abused hundreds of times before the illogical conclusion.
Good color artwork. Technology creates new crimes and new criminals. A mind loading technology gets abused hundreds of times before the illogical conclusion.
December 9, 2022
What an unexpected and exciting ride!
Loved the story. Like said in the title, unexpected but exciting plot with twists in every volume. Loved also the “post” script pages.
Loved the story. Like said in the title, unexpected but exciting plot with twists in every volume. Loved also the “post” script pages.
July 8, 2023
This comic makes you revaluate your life choices in the best possible way. It is rare for a comic’s art and writing to both be outstanding. This is an exception.
did-not-finish
September 4, 2023Didn’t make it through the first chapter. Thrillers like this aren’t for me.
September 7, 2023
DNF @ P63 (43%)
May 7, 2025
Interesting premise but not executed well in my opinion.
May 28, 2024
Distorting visuals have become common now? I see lazy frames here in this comics but it doesn't seem to be a distraction since the story is suspenseful till the end. Following a female protagonist the readers are constantly kept baffled about the reality of this world and the peculiar technology that it had churned up. The stunning colors play a vital role in overlooking the lazy sketches. One must appreciate the manga artists for those readers who aspire delineated sketching more.
Digital safety and security is already in perilous state right now in 2024 and we're all as nonchalant as one can be about it. Catastrophe from Global warming is impending and so does this story from .Self. We'll have to be more careful with our .selves as they are going to hacked in the future. Or has it been hacked already in the past? Are we all just disoriented replicas of "THE GOD"?
Digital safety and security is already in perilous state right now in 2024 and we're all as nonchalant as one can be about it. Catastrophe from Global warming is impending and so does this story from .Self. We'll have to be more careful with our .selves as they are going to hacked in the future. Or has it been hacked already in the past? Are we all just disoriented replicas of "THE GOD"?
December 20, 2024
Out of all the comiXology comics I've read this one was the most interesting by far.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews