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XeLuS Mind Studio #1

By Deborah Andersson

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A graphic novel approach to the collegiate text, where Heavy Metal meets academic rigor.

Synopsis

XeluS Mind takes place at a talk show studio and features six anchors inspired by Paul Mclean’s Triune Brain. The anchors discuss a range of topics from Communications to Sustainability. On some occasions these topics are explored through the lens of the Present, whilst on others, they are explored historically or futuristically.

The concept behind the XeLuS characters is inspired by McLean’s Triune brain from the 1960’s. His model is comprised of three brains: the reptilian, proto-mammalian and mammalian brain. Although the scientific merits of this model are now widely disregarded, however, it remains iconic because of its strong explanatory power. At XeLuS, we converting these brains to the concepts of survival, learning and reasoning. Using these concepts, each XeLuS anchor was created to embody a different arc of being human.

The shorts in this issue are adapted from blogs or essays authored by subject matter experts and researchers that XeLuS Studio works with. Assimilating the XeLuS anchors with the blogs, the content is presented here as conversations... Conversations that we could have with ourselves if we are confused or conflicted, but also, conversations that we could observe among others about topics we are interested in.

Deborah Andersson’s 2024 graphic comic series XeLuS Mind Studio #1, introduces a cast of other worldly characters who have come together to discuss the evolution of the mind as topics for a fictional podcast program. The podcast characters include:


* Hugh, a computer dude with a laptop and a bit of gut

* Zara, a reptilian female who is chic and very cool

* Nicky, a teenage monkey

* Moses, an older dignified monkey

* Manaia, an academic version of mother earth

* Li, a chill semi hipster reptilian male


The book begins with an introduction to the theory of McLean’s Triune brain, proposed by American physician and neuroscientist Paul D. MacLean, who theorized about a triune brain, that comprises the reptilian complex (basal ganglia), the paleomammalian complex (limbic system), and the neo mammalian complex (neocortex).


Issue #1 is a collection of thematic topics and essays from various experts and bloggers, which are presented as conversations by the aforementioned podcast team in the following chapters.


* Rapport - Forming it, Building it & Breaking it & The 4 C’s of Communication by Ronald C. Hughes

* The Death of Humanism by Deborah Andersson

* An introduction to Cyanotype Art History by Kelly Carberry

* The Lithium Loophole & From Landfill to Landscape, Episode 1 by Dr. Rabiah Ryklief


In turn, each vignette is paired with one of three graphic artists, Bachan, Thodoris Laourdekis, and Beth Clayton. Bachan is the most accomplished among the artists, with strong lines and color work you might see in Heavy Metal Magazine. In comparison, Laourdekis and Clayton are novice illustrators striving to emulate the standard set by Bachan, who is a clear step above.


It would be fair to say that Xelus Mind Studio throws away the classic textbook format and presents scientific and philosophical topics in a completely modern and unique style. However, I give the book three out of five stars (3 of 5) because the graphic elements are split between several voices that make the book feel disjointed, rather than seamlessly blended. Typically, the first book in a series defines the format and style for the series. Using different contributors and artists results in multiple versions of key characters, which leaves the reader doubtful of what to expect for future issues.

Reviewed by
D.R. Martin

Oh sure, you'll read this, but you won't leave a comment, fine. D.R. Martin is the mind behind the Grim Chronicles series, which he dreamt up in Bangkok, TH. Youngest of 8 kids in a navy family, he has a BA in Film, an MA in Media, and lives with his wife, teenage son, and two cats in Chicago-land.

XeLuS Mind Studio #1

Written by Deborah Andersson

Buy it nowBuy nowBuy
Read preview

Synopsis

XeluS Mind takes place at a talk show studio and features six anchors inspired by Paul Mclean’s Triune Brain. The anchors discuss a range of topics from Communications to Sustainability. On some occasions these topics are explored through the lens of the Present, whilst on others, they are explored historically or futuristically.

The concept behind the XeLuS characters is inspired by McLean’s Triune brain from the 1960’s. His model is comprised of three brains: the reptilian, proto-mammalian and mammalian brain. Although the scientific merits of this model are now widely disregarded, however, it remains iconic because of its strong explanatory power. At XeLuS, we converting these brains to the concepts of survival, learning and reasoning. Using these concepts, each XeLuS anchor was created to embody a different arc of being human.

The shorts in this issue are adapted from blogs or essays authored by subject matter experts and researchers that XeLuS Studio works with. Assimilating the XeLuS anchors with the blogs, the content is presented here as conversations... Conversations that we could have with ourselves if we are confused or conflicted, but also, conversations that we could observe among others about topics we are interested in.

XeLuS Mind Studio #1

Written by Deborah Andersson

Buy it nowBuy nowBuy
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About the author

Deborah Andersson is the creator behind XeLuS MinD Studio. She is an aspiring futurist interested in a range of topics from anthropology to technology and ecology. Deborah believes that learning is the ultimate personal pursuit, but is openly critical of modern educational institutions. view profile

Published on December 10, 2024

4000 words

Genre:Comics Non-Fiction

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