The Eightfold Path

In a graphic novel anthology, Charles Johnson and Steven Barnes present interconnected Afrofuturistic parables based on Buddhist teachings. Eight strangers are trapped in a cave and told morality tales that represent the aspects of final enlightenment. The stories are influenced by pop-culture morality anthology series and classic social narratives, remixing them through an edgy, contemporary, and spiritually centered lens. The travelers must heed the lessons in each tale to unveil the future of the human race.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Abrams

From the acclaimed minds of Charles Johnson and Steven Barnes, comes a captivating graphic novel anthology that weaves together a tapestry of interconnected Afrofuturistic parables, drawing inspiration from the profound teachings of the Buddha. Eight individuals, embarked on a quest for enlightenment from an ancient spiritual master, find themselves ensnared in a cave nestled high in the mountains, their path hindered by a fierce snowstorm that blocks the entrance. In this dire situation, one of the master's acolytes suggests that each traveler shares a story, hoping that these tales will provide them with valuable lessons as they endure the treacherous storm. Little do they know, these stories are in fact moral vignettes, each representing a fundamental aspect of the path to ultimate enlightenment as imparted by Buddhism. As the wind howls through the night, the travelers unfold symbolic narratives that encompass a range of genres, including horror, dystopia, high adventure, cyberpunk, and urban fantasy. Each story serves as a spoke on the intricate symbolic Dharma wheel, gradually drawing the group closer to their destined fate—unveiling the future of humanity. This extraordinary collection pays homage to the traditions of pop-culture morality anthology series like The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Night Gallery, Lovecraft Country, and the works of E.C. Comics. Drawing heavily from the science fiction pulps of the 1950s and 1960s, it reimagines classic social narratives such as Plato's Allegory of the Cave, Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, and The Arabian Nights through a fresh, contemporary lens, yet firmly rooted in spiritual essence. Within the pages of The Eightfold Path, our destinies lie in embracing the lessons imparted in each enchanting tale, as we navigate the intricacies of life and seek enlightenment on our spiritual journey.

Weight: 784g
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419744471