How to Survive a Pandemic
By Benbo
£3.99
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During this crazy time, Benbo (UK based author/illustrator) has created a handy ‘How To’ guide.
I must admit I haven’t heard of or know his work, but given the current state of the nation albeit the World, this promised to be more useful than my current past times: loft clearing or gardening. How To Survive a Pandemic is an in your face 60 page, parody survival manual for anyone experiencing the demise of their rational brain function during the ongoing lock down.
Benbo observes the world sliding off the edge of the universe with witty comments and dark observational angst with cartoons that match. Think Charlie Brooker meets Salvador Dali on a crazy day. Various characters appear throughout – Captain Wassock and my personal favourite Anthony AKA Doctor Death, complete with FEAR emblazoned PPE.
All the advice you will need for the duration is helpfully summarised in such pithy truncations as ‘APPRECIATE KEY WORKERS’, ‘PREPARE YOUR MEALS AT HOME’ and ‘FREELY DISCLOSE PERSONAL INFORMATION TO GOVERNMENT AND GLOBAL CORPORATIONS.’ Armed with the information herein, you will finally be able to release yourself from the tyranny of the daily COVID-19 news briefing and return to your work as the globe’s premier furloughed social media influencer. He touches on the underlying global takeover of certain organisations and figure heads. He doesn’t touch on it, he blatantly points it out with a sharp pointy witty stick.
This book is the latest in his ongoing series of failures, which now include art projects, businesses and personal relationships. If you are easily offended, (especially by genital cartoons) best you don’t read this, if not and are a fan of David Shrigley and Modern Toss you’ll love this.
Words: Jasper Haze
How To Survive a pandemic is available here