Numbercruncher

by Si Spurrier, P.J. Holden (Illustrator)

Overview

Dying young, a brilliant Mathematician enters the afterlife and discovers a way to cheat the terrifying Divine Calculator. He schemes to be endlessly reincarnated within the lifespan of the woman he loves, no matter how often the violent bailiffs of the Karmic Accountancy cut-short each life. It falls to one such agent - the surly Bastard Zane - to put a stop to the time-twisting romance!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782760047
Publisher:	Titan
Publication date:	01/14/2014
Pages:	90
Product dimensions:	12.80(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Writer Si Spurrier has written numerous stories for British flagship sci-fi comic, 2000 AD and its spin-off, Judge Dredd Magazine. He is currently writing X-Men: Legacy for Marvel.

Editorial Reviews

02/03/2014
In this SF noir romp, the afterlife is not run by a lyrical angel or demon judging people, but by a cranky accountant wearing an eye shade and doting on his cat as he adds up the numbers of good and bad deeds we commit on the terrestrial plane. Bastard Zane is one of the “number crunchers” for the accountant, carrying out judgments until he can find a dying man to replace him at his post. When math genius Richard Thyme dies young, he figures out a way to game this system so that he can be reincarnated, in order to spend more quality time with his girlfriend. Thus begins a multidimensional, time-traveling chase, as Zane chases Thyme through a variety of lives and situations, and Thyme keeps finding different ways to jigger the equations of the afterworld. Spurrier transforms what could be a mess of ideas into a multileveled story filled with unexpected turns. Holden’s art is occasionally a little cramped—he could have let some of the story points breathe more—but he makes up for it with great expressions that keep the motivations clear. Fun ideas executed with verve. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"Spurrier’s storytelling is crisp and straightforward, while having complex workings beneath the main narrative that explore quite comprehensively the concepts of life, death, predetermination, free will, and reincarnation. Artist Holden (Judge Dredd) provides expressive artwork that demarcates life in lustrous color and the afterlife in stark black-and-white illustrations accentuated by flowing grey ink washes. Tensions run high in this volume, setting up a truly engrossing read." - Library Journal - starred review

“Finally, the head-spinning adventure ‘Numbercruncher’ is collected for the first time ever in this single gorgeous hardback volume!” - The Cult Den

"Numbercruncher is one of the sleeping giants of recent comics and if you like clever stories that are fantastical and deal in high concepts while remaining earthy and humorous, and even managing to be disarmingly violent, then don’t miss this book." -  Bleeding Cool 

"I was thoroughly impressed with Si Spurrier’s storytelling." - Comic Bastards  

"I highly recommend Numbercruncher to anyone who is looking for a dark, smart story." - Hero Nuggets

"One hell of a story." - Nerdophiles

"The ending so cleverly and so beautifully wraps everything up in a nice little bow, that you can’t help but be impressed. It’s surprising and fresh and a whole lot of fun." - Fanboy Comics

"PJ Holden’s pencils and Jordie Bellaire’s colors combine in an imaginative fashion. Holden’s pencils really get a chance to shine in the world of numbers." - Comicosity

"If you find yourself bored with tights and capes and looking for a sweet and sour take on love, NUMBERCRUNCHER adds up in every way imaginable." - AICN

"This is one clever comic book. If you like fiction that makes you think this might be exactly what you’re looking for, because there are layers upon layers in this book that’ll keep you guessing as to the intentions and actions of the protagonist. By book’s end you’ll find yourself enjoying one hell of a love story and one complex, intricate science fiction story." - Adventures in Poor Taste

"A comic book that actually makes you think and reflect on life." - Retrenders

"It is brilliant, thoughtful, complex and an amazing work of artistic expression as well. A great collaborative work that I’m thrilled to have in my library." - SciFi Mafia

"Numbercruncher confirms that Spurrier is emerging a major talent" - Nerds Unchained 

"A deep, moving and even surprising love story that will shake the foundations of the universe it occupies." - Pop Cults 

"One of the more interesting graphic novels I’ve read in awhile." - Awkward Geeks

"Compelling reading" - Borg

"Spurrier's spiky, ruthless story and the best work of Holden's career make NUMBERCRUNCHER a sheer dirty joy."
- Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Red, Gun Machine)

"Holden's art is a strange mash-up of Steve Parkhouse and John Romita
Jr., and colorist Jordie Bellaire's artistry is just gorgeous - deep and rich colors that make each page just pop out. Numbercruncher #1 is inventive, unpredictable and engaging! 4 out of 5 stars!" – Comic Book Resources

"A severely interesting new series that bucks your expectations at nearly every turn. If you’re a fan of books like Punk Rock Jesus, The
Filth, or The Unwritten, give Numbercruncher a shot. 8.4 out of 10!" – IGN

"I can say with the utmost statistical certainty I’m intrigued to read more this summer." – Ain't It Cool

From the Publisher