Back in 1987, Paramount released a film based on a book by Stephen King. It was called The Running Man and starred Arnold Schwarzeneggar as a man falsely accused of a crime. Because of his now infamous reputation and his physical prowess, he finds himself as part of a futuristic game show where criminals are hunted for entertainment and of course, ratings.
Cancelled
In Mad Cave Studios, You’ve Been Cancelled by Curt Pires and artist Kevin Castaniero, a similar premise is being used. But instead of the hunters being called “stalkers,” they are referred to as Cancellers. Which makes sense for a show called Cancelled. And when it comes to being the best at what he does, Canceller Roland Endo is #1. Of course, because of the highly competitive nature of the show, Roland is naturally paranoid about his status as the top dog. Because there is ALWAYS someone looking to dethrone the King and take the title for themselves. All that requires is eliminating the guy in front of you. If just pursuing those who are their targets wasn’t bad enough.
Latest Episode
In this particular episode, Roland is after a former big shot Hollywood producer who lost everything when accused of several counts of indecent exposure and sexual harassment. The fans voted and chose Harold Toback for Cancellation. Which in itself didn’t seem like a very challenging hunt. Except for the constant barrage of fellow cancellers trying to take Endo out. That includes the #5 ranked competitor Nicky Diamond. A young, lanky punk with delusions of being number #1. Of course, at age 56, Roland is considered an old man by most of his fellow cancellers. A subject that they almost always bring up when taking him on.
The Competition
What they don’t realize is that to be doing this job for a long period of time means you have developed some skills along the way. Not to mention smarts and a toughness that these youngsters haven’t been around enough to develop. Nicky Diamond, AKA “Bad Bitch” found out the hard way when he turned his back on Roland after knocking him to the ground. He assumed “the old man” would just lay there licking his wounds. Instead, Roland pulled out one of his special guns and Nicky took the brunt of it. The kid was good, but Endo was better. He didn’t get to be #1 by luck.
Another Successful Cancellation
And even though the #3 ranked Canceller ALSO attempted to intervene, Roland did what he does best. He got there first and cancelled the target. For everyone to see in all its bloody glory. Just as the fans requested. As far as Endo believed, “that NEVER got old.” Another notch in his belt and more money in his pocket for the finer things. If by finer things he means prostitutes, alcohol and drugs. These days, it is the only things that keep him from dwelling on the past…the dreams. The missions, the deaths. Kids died frequently during that time. Hell, he had killed as many of them as anyone. Not something he wants to dwell on.
Next on Cancelled
The other thing that keeps Roland’s mind off the past is the constant approach of another show. Another opportunity to not only bring justice to some low life, but to entertain the masses who choose who get cancelled. The next morning was no different. In this case, a rich pharmaceutical tycoon who decided that profits were more important than providing drugs to those who depended on them. For some reason, the public felt some kind of way about that, and Michael Sheranko found himself on the next episode of Cancelled. Much to the satisfaction of Roland.
The Encampment
This time, the trail led to Encampment. A place of refuge that started out as tent city and quickly became much more. It is a good story. But it also is a pain to navigate for the Cancellers. Especially when it distracts from keeping tabs on your fellow Cancellers. Endo, once again meet the #3 ranked player Big Boy. If there’s anything to be said for him, he is persistent. However, he fries just like anyone else when zapped by a high voltage tether line. When will these guys learn?
Lessons Received
With Big Boy out of the way, Roland continued to his target. However, there is always someone else in line to try to accomplish what the last guy didn’t. In this case, it is Jimmy Jewel, Seventh ranked Canceller and only 27 years of age. The one problem with these youngsters is that they don’t REALIZE they are out of their depth. That makes them unpredictable and dangerous. Not unbeatable, but still a massive pain in the ass. So, while Roland took some damage, it was he who walked away. Jimmy now had a few less teeth and an up close and personal relationship with the cement. Just like everyone else, he should have left Endo alone.
The Shoes on the Other Foot
With no one else in the way, Roland was ready to cancel another target. But something happened. Upon his weapon discharge, the lights went out. At least for him. Nothing but white noise and a claxon going off inside his head. When he finally came to his senses, everyone was gone and all he could hear was his handler through his earpiece. The message was urgent. He needed to run. Somehow, someone had hacked into the system. Because now, Roland Endo was on the Cancelled board. Soon, everyone would be in pursuit. With 100 million sitting on his head. WTF!??
Thoughts
As I mentioned in the beginning, Curt Pires You’ve Been Cancelled pays a special homage to a film like The Running Man where “justice” is done violently for all the world to see. It also shares some resemblance with a film like Death Race 2000, where the premise is that viewers NEEDED to see death and dismemberment as entertainment. But in that films case, it didn’t matter if the victims were innocent. In fact, you got extra points for those. At least in You’ve Been Cancelled, there is guilt involved. At least as far as the public is concerned.
Cancel Culture to the Nth Degree
Another part of the “Entertainment” is the need to be number 1 amongst the “Cancellers.” This was almost as important, and just as bloody as the justice meted out to the criminals selected. It makes one wonder how many “cast members” the show goes through in a season. There must be an open curtain call for players at all times. It is also a reflection of the disrespect for the justice system as the general public votes and decides who needs to be “Cancelled.” No courts necessary in this scenario. Pires satire of this version of “Cancel Culture” is not subtle. Nor should it be in this narrative. It is Cancel Culture to the Nth Degree.
Perfectly Reflecting the Dystopian Future
In such stories involving such violent dystopian futures, the art needs to reflect that violence in gritty vignettes and bloody conflict. In this case, Pires is teamed with artist Kevin Castaniero who appears to excel at that assignment. This is especially true with the different Cancellers, starting with main character Roland Endo and continued through the unfortunate contenders: Nicky Diamond, Big Boy and Jimmy Jewell. None of these guys would you have wanted to date your sister. They were rough and tumble and the kind of people you tended to stay away from. Even if you WEREN’T on the cancelled list. Just as they should have been. Which makes for a great job by Mr. Castaniero.
You’ve Been Cancelled
Speaking of Cancelled, Roland has found himself on that list. Why hasn’t been revealed. But between the money being offered and the resentment he has built up from his competitors, Roland is in some deep shit. It will take all his skills to survive and even more so to find out who hacked the system. Because if he doesn’t, he will be the next victim of You’ve Been Cancelled.
Mad Cave Studios You’ve Been Cancelled by Curt Pires, Kevin Castaniero, Jason Wordie, and letterer Micah Myers is available now at Mad Cave’s Subscription site or where great digital comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
