In this graphic novel, the main character, Anda, is introduced to an online multiplayer game for the first time and joins the woman-only guild called Clan Fahrenheit. While it’s all just good fun at first, we soon learn that online gaming can be much more complicated. In Real Life is a cute, fast-paced story that focuses on a young teenage girl while making clear the political, economic and social impact of online gaming. With an initial whimsical and almost care-free atmosphere, the story easily leads you into more serious territory when Anda meets a goldfarmer and comes to that realisation that online gaming can have ‘real-life impacts.’ While anyone can and should enjoy this lovely graphic novel, it’s especially interesting for people who game or were avid online gamers when they were younger.
The artwork for this graphic novel is undoubtedly very cute, with a Saturday-morning-cartoon feel. As you can tell by the cover, colour is an intrinsic part of the story as it differentiates panels occurring in ‘real-life’ from panels occurring in-game. The darker, earthier tones used to depict Anda herself and her home contrast nicely with the lighter, more pastel colours of her avatar and the Coarsegold Online game. For a light, fun read with fun art, take In Real Life off the shelf!
Cory Doctorow is a Canadian-British blogger and journalist whose works span a great variety of genres (fiction and non-fiction). Jen Wang is an Asian American cartoonist, writer and illustrator currently based in Los Angeles. In Real Life was highly praised by Felicia Day (creator of The Guild), The New York Times, Publisher Weekly and many others.
