Eight Billion Genies (Image Comics) – Comic Series Review

This story is best experienced through the pages of the quick read, since a description does not do its creativity much justice. Beginning in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, a small corner spot called The Lampwick Bar and Grill is a local favorite for suds, chow and music. 

Mr. Williams runs the outfit, and he likes pleasing his customers, however few there are. As a pair of Chinese tourists come in, he is even able to speak in their native tongue to help them realize they found the wrong spot, and Lamplighter’s Tavern is across town. Young 12-year-old Robbie is there on his birthday also, drug along by his dad, who is passed out at the bar. What a special day. As the Bada-Bangs setup their instruments, they lament the small crowd, but are happy for most any gig. 

This group of people deals with their small-time lives; however, this is all about to change. Moments later, genies pop up, materializing out of thin air. They quickly explain: every person on Earth now has a genie! Each person will receive one single wish. They may wish for anything they like! But… be careful when the wish is chosen, for the intentions will be reflected in how the wish is fulfilled. Simple… right?

What happens in the first eight seconds alone is pure madness. And this is just the beginning… What happens to the world when everyone on the planet is trying to get their wishes fulfilled? What kind of wishes will materialize? How will they effect the surrounding planet? How will society be affected, and how will humankind proceed after this event?

This creative idea is pushed to the limits, and as more time passes, more zany side-effects pop up. As wishes go from simple to life-and-reality-altering, it is clear that not everyone will survive this genie apocalypse. How will our small group of people at the Lampwick handle things? There are really just so many questions to ask as you read this story. It plays out very quickly however, and dumps new concepts and ideas in every issue, and relatively non-stop.

Fun, creative, interesting, and enthralling, Eight Billion Genies will keep you zooming through pages until the end. Come find out how long the Earth’s population can last.