Review of Mickey7, by Edward Ashton: A critical examination of the novel Mickey7 by author Edward Ashton
The novel "Mickey7" by Edward Ashton, set in the distant future, presents a chilling exploration of interstellar colonization and the cloning of humans for the purpose of dangerous tasks. The story follows Mickey Barnes, a historically-minded Expendable, who faces the psychological and existential challenges of repeated deaths and resurrections in the hostile environment of Niflheim.
The narrative delves deep into the complexities of identity, social stigma, and the moral implications of disposability, as Mickey grapples with his repeated deaths and the burden of being considered an expendable resource. The book's pacing is somewhat slowed by the background information provided by Mickey Barnes, but it maintains a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged.
However, the movie adaptation, titled "Mickey17" and directed by Bong Joon-ho, introduces several key differences. The plot follows Mickey Barnes, who escapes debt on Earth by volunteering for the Expendable program and joining a colonization mission. After one death and resurrection, complications arise when one Mickey becomes stranded and rescued by mysterious native aliens, while the colony creates a new clone, resulting in two Mickeys alive simultaneously.
This duplication leads to tension with the colony's authoritarian leader, adding a religious undertone to the conflict. The movie, released in 2024, departs significantly in tone and story details from the book, feeling uneven and more absurd than the original. However, it offers a more visually striking and action-packed experience, extending the narrative by introducing multiple Mickey clones alive simultaneously and more external conflict and spectacle.
| Aspect | Book "Mickey7" | Movie "Mickey17" | |-------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Title | Mickey7 | Mickey17 (name change, linked to increased deaths) | | Core Premise | Cloned expendable human on deadly colonization | Similar, but adds the plot device of two Mickeys alive | | Tone | More existential and awkward, internal focus | More absurd, visually striking, with darker conflicts | | Key Plot Point | Repeated deaths, cloning, identity | Stranded Mickey rescued by aliens, two clones live | | Additional Elements | Mickey's girlfriend present | Colony leader with religious overtones, more tension |
The book received a 5/5 star rating from reviewers, who praised the well-executed concept of Expendables and the exploration of their role in interstellar colonies. However, the movie adaptation is met with mixed reviews, with some finding it uneven and less engaging than the book.
In the world of "Mickey7", organic materials can be recycled into resources like food or bodies for Expendables. This is necessary for the survival of the colonies, as Expendables perform tasks that would otherwise require metal resources, like drones or robots. Some religious groups view Expendables as an abomination, while others fetishize them due to their repeated nature.
Upon returning to the dome, Mickey finds Mickey8 already sleeping in his bed, presenting a dilemma for Mickey. He must choose between hiding the fact that he is a multiple and risking permanent death, or killing Mickey8 for the good of the colony and himself. This moral dilemma adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, exploring the depths of human nature and the lengths one might go to survive in a hostile environment.
In contrast to the intricate debate and societal implications discussed in the book "Mickey7", the movie "Mickey17" also delves into technology as it portrays a future where organic materials are recycled for resources, blurring the line between human life and disposable Expendables. Moreover, the movie showcases entertainment through its action-packed visuals and absurd plot twists, such as the simultaneous existence of multiple Mickey clones.
