Reza Negarestani's Chronosis: Cosmos and Philosophy in Comics

Contents:

• Overview of the comic strip "Chronosis"
• Significant figures in philosophy and art
• The history of the creation of philosophical comics
• The uniqueness of the style in the graphic novel "Chronosis"
• The philosophy of time in comics

Chronosis Comic Review

Chronosis offers a gripping story about three unique space civilizations separated not only by millions of years, but also by vast distances. The narrative centers on the awakening of time personified, Chronos, who serves as a link between these worlds. The story explores themes of time, space, and the interaction between civilizations, creating a deep and engaging plot that will capture the attention of readers. Chronosis promises to be a true discovery for fans of comics and science fiction, combining elements of adventure and philosophical reflection.

Readers are immersed in the world of highly advanced reptilians known as the Laskarians. These creatures face an unexpected threat that forces them to leave their home planet and seek a safe new home. Throughout their journey, the Laskarians explore different worlds, face new challenges, and discover the secrets of the universe. Their drive to survive and find a new home becomes a central element of their story, highlighting the importance of hope and adaptation in times of crisis.

The plot centers on the mysterious Monazzein order, consisting of monks and time travelers. Their actions create space-time paradoxes and present a unique concept of time in which the boundaries between past, present, and future are blurred. This order explores the complex interactions of time and space, making it a key element of the story.

The third storyline is the fascinating story of multi-billionaire con man Jeremy Charles, who has achieved incredible success by convincing people of the existence of reptilians. The intriguing irony is that his beliefs, initially perceived as fiction, ultimately prove true. This paradoxical situation raises important questions about the boundaries of reality and mind manipulation, making this storyline particularly relevant for modern audiences.

The writers initially didn't consider introducing Jeremy's storyline, but they soon realized it was crucial to grounding the narrative. Without it, the plot risked becoming too abstract and difficult to grasp. Jeremy's introduction made the story more accessible and relatable to the audience by adding the necessary emotional and narrative elements.

The novel features a subplot dedicated to Chronos, who at the beginning of the story appears as a mysterious wanderer in a black robe with a shining face. His monologues play a key role, serving as important commentary on the events unfolding in the narrative. These reflections not only deepen understanding of the plot, but also give it additional context, enriching the reader's perception.

Significant Figures in Philosophy and Art

Reza Negarestani is a renowned Iranian philosopher and writer who skillfully conveys his ideas through artistic imagery inspired by Nietzsche and the existentialists. His most significant work, the 2008 novel Cyclonopedia, is a unique blend of brutal horror narrative and profound concepts of posthumanism, incorporating elements of Persian religions. Negarestani skillfully explores questions of human identity, existence, and moral dilemmas, creating a multi-layered text that engages readers and critics alike.

In recent years, Negarestani has gained popularity in Russia, attracting the attention of various communities – from intellectuals and geeks to supporters of Eurasianism. His ideas resonate with young people, active participants in cultural discourse, and social movements, demonstrating growing interest in his concepts. Negarestani offers a fresh perspective on modernity and pressing social issues, making his work important for cultural discussion.

Keith Tilford is a talented artist and theorist who successfully combines various disciplines, including drawing, animation, geology, and the philosophy of knowledge. His project "Chronosis" has brought him widespread recognition, but in professional circles, he is also recognized as a participant in the Fixing the Future initiative, focused on developing sustainable solutions for the modern world. Tilford continues to influence art and science, exploring their interrelationships and their applications to current problems.

Robin Mackay, the renowned director and editor-in-chief of Urbanomic, has become a significant figure in the fields of philosophy and contemporary art. His work attracts attention due to his unique approach to presenting information and his willingness to experiment with new formats. Mackay is unafraid of complex topics and challenges, making him one of the most relevant and sought-after authors in the contemporary philosophical community. His texts are not only informative but also provocative, promoting deep understanding of current issues and trends in art and philosophy.

The History of the Philosophical Comics

The idea for a philosophical comic arose ten years ago during personal conversations between Tilford and the team at Urbanomic. At the time, he lacked the resources and time to undertake a project requiring the participation of numerous philosophers, theorists, and designers. However, from the outset, he knew he wanted to collaborate with Negarestani, which became a key element in the development of this unique project.

In 2018, the editors of e-flux magazine revisited the idea of ​​creating a comic strip, inviting Tilford and Negarestani to develop a black-and-white version to celebrate the publication's tenth anniversary. This collaboration proved successful and generated considerable interest. As a result, Urbanomic's editor-in-chief, Robin McKay, proposed creating a full-length color comic strip, marking the next step in the project's development.

Negharestani and McKay wrote the script, but their lack of experience with comics resulted in a lengthy text without a clear scene structure. This, in turn, required a significant investment of time in editing and cutting down the material.

Tilford took on the entire task of illustrating and coloring the "Chronosis" project. This was less challenging for him than for his partners, as he had been fascinated by comics since childhood and always paid attention to visual style. However, he hoped for clearer direction from his colleagues, as working within a certain framework significantly simplified the process. Often, instead of detailed descriptions, he received only screenshots from films or no materials at all.

The creators of the "Chronosis" comic originally intended to complete the project in one year. However, the development process dragged on for three years, and as a result, the comic was published in 2021. The Russian translation was released a year later, allowing a wider audience to become acquainted with the fascinating plot and unique artistic style.

The Uniqueness of the Style in the Graphic Novel "Chronosis"

The graphic novel "Chronosis" stands out from other works thanks to its original concept. Author Keith Tilford is not a typical comics artist. His work began with a passion for Marvel series, but over time he delved into the study of contemporary art and high modernist movements. In "Chronosis", he seeks to combine his two passions: classic comic book art and complex artistic ideas. This work not only attracts attention with its visual style, but also offers readers deep reflections on time, art, and their relationship.

In "Chronosis", readers will discover three parallel storylines, enriched by a variety of visual styles. Vibrant color spreads featuring cosmic landscapes harmoniously combine with black-and-white abstractions and monochromatic images inspired by the works of the French artist Moebius. This play of styles adds a new level of chaos, making the narrative more layered and engaging for the reader. Chronosis not only captures attention but also offers a unique visual experience that highlights the complexity and depth of the plot.

The comic begins with a thrilling scene in which an astronaut is swallowed by a vortex of emptiness. This moment is visualized using numerous small white strokes on a black background, a tribute to Harry Clarke, an Irish illustrator known for his monochrome style of the early 20th century. Clarke's richly detailed works have found wide application in children's book illustrations, combining elements of horror and fantasy. This approach in the comic creates an atmosphere of tension and mystery, captivating the reader and immersing them in a world of mysticism and unknown spaces.

As the story unfolds, the emptiness of space is filled with fiery flashes, symbolizing the birth of new worlds. In this context, Tilford pays homage to John Romita Jr., the legendary Marvel artist who created comics about such icons as Spider-Man and Iron Man for more than 30 years. His unique style, full of vibrant colors and spiral shapes, is reflected in his work "Chronosis." This project continues the tradition of Marvel comics, enriching them with new visual and plot elements, which allows viewers to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the superhero world.

When it comes to the diversity of galaxies and planets, Tilford looks to the work of John Buscema, a prominent mastermind at Marvel Comics. Buscema, known for his bright, saturated colors, has created many iconic series like The Avengers and Conan the Barbarian. His artistic style is characterized by flat figures and minimal use of deep shadows, giving his works a sense of dynamism and movement. Bussema's influence on the world of comics cannot be overstated; his work continues to inspire new generations of artists and readers.

Readers are immersed in the "inside out" of the world, where Tilford applies the style of Frank Miller, known for the cult work "Sin City." Miller's rough and contrasting approach, an abundance of clear contours and empty spaces give the work an atmosphere of surrealism and a distortion of reality. This style creates a unique perception, allowing readers to more deeply understand the internal conflicts of the characters and the atmosphere of the surrounding world. Tilford masterfully uses these elements to draw attention to the key themes of his work.

The final chord of Tilford's visual symphony embodies the style of George Perez, famous for his work on the Avengers and Wonder Woman comics. Perez's work is distinguished by its brightness and saturation, but is often overloaded with detail and a multitude of characters. Tilford conveys this unique style through the use of elongated vertical panels, each with its own dominant color, creating a sense of depth and dynamism. This approach not only emphasizes the individuality of each element but also highlights the interactions between the characters, making the visual experience more captivating and multilayered.

The combination of different styles in the work "Chronosis" emphasizes the change and diversity of the world, focusing on how perception depends on the observer's point of view. This diversity helps to deeper understand how different perspectives influence the interpretation of events and the surrounding reality. "Chronosis" becomes an ideal example of how stylistic devices can enrich the text and create a multi-layered perception.

The Philosophy of Time in Comics

The comic "Chronosis" is a profound study of time, which plays a key role in the plot. In this work, time is not simply personified, but becomes the main structural element connecting different civilizations separated by light-years and millennia. The Monazzeans, possessing the ability to rewind time by just five minutes, find themselves trapped in a time ring. In "Chronosis" time is described as an inseparable fabric of the world and a form of thinking capable of changing the perception of space and ensuring true liberation. This is confirmed by the philosophical concept of Negarestani, who considers time as the shroud of being. The comic immerses the reader in a unique interpretation of time, forcing them to consider its meaning and influence on the lives of various civilizations.

The second key aspect of the comic is the interaction between different beings, which is impossible without openness to new perspectives. People, exploring endless worlds, encounter only themselves if they do not expand their consciousness and accept a diversity of opinions. In this process, time plays a catalyst, shaping thinking and helping beings overcome internal barriers. Openness to new ideas and experiences contributes not only to personal growth but also to harmony in interaction with the surrounding world.

Time in "Chronosis" is perceived as an infinite "now", which emphasizes the relativity of our perception of time. For one tribe living in an eternal forest, an event that will occur in nine billion years may be perceived as the future, while for another tribe the same event may be considered to have occurred nine billion years ago. Thus, "Chronosis" illustrates how different cultures and societies can interpret and perceive time differently, creating unique perspectives on our existence and historical context.

Negharestani offers reflections on the fact that the world in all its temporal dimensions exists simultaneously. This understanding opens the way to true freedom of thought and expands the horizons of our perception. Understanding the multidimensionality of time and space allows us to more deeply comprehend our reality, and also stimulates intellectual and spiritual growth. It is important to realize that such a perspective can change the way we approach life and the world around us.

For a more complete understanding of this topic, I highly recommend studying the following sources:

• The World Through the Eyes of a Sand Lycanthrope. Bitter.
• Keith Tilford. DAI.
• Chronosis: Exordium. e-flux.
• Chronosis. MIT Press.
• Lost In Space-time: Keith Tilford On Chronosis. The Comics Journal.
• Chronosis Original Edition. Urbanomic.

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