An overhyped tech history, and a new graphic novel from Charles Burns

Richard Powers The playground it is a novel of comparison: the great unknown of the oceans of the Earth, an area that is always found and amazing creatures that seem to play constantly, compared to the technological development and the growth of AI; the unlikely friendship between a young poet and a boy whose life revolves around coding; a remote island with a few people who still feel the effects of a history of exploitation, and technologists who see it as a stepping stone to their utopia.

Through the visions of four characters brought together in Makatea, an island in the South Pacific, The playground explores friendship, play, the wonders of the natural world and humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Power writing is great, too The playground promises to leave you with a lot to think about.

A Long History of the Future: Why Tomorrow’s Technology Isn’t Here a surprisingly entertaining look at the failed promises of long-rumored space technology, and the good intentions of the innovators behind them. Tech and science journalist Nicole Kobie takes us on a journey through the decades to trace the origins of some of the biggest ideas that never quite came to fruition – flying cars, the hyperloop, robotics that could really succeed. He has done all our work for us, etc. Kobie provides insightful analysis and a wealth of rich anecdotes, making for an informative deep dive that’s also a lot of fun to read.

It’s a big week for anyone who’s been waiting years for Charles Burns’ English-language release. Dédales – The Final Cutas the English version is called, here it is. The Final Cut follows a group of friends, led by aspiring filmmaker Brian, who set out to make a sci-fi horror film Attack of the Body Snatchers, Brian’s favorite movie. But obsession traps Brian in a nightmarish combination of longing for love (the film’s star, Laurie) and extreme art, and things take a dark and disturbing turn. As is characteristic of Burns, The Final Cut surreal and unsettling, made more impactful by his vivid imagery. In a way it feels like a spiritual successor The Black Holeand I expect this to be one of those jobs I keep coming back to.