Product Review

AN ILLUSTRATED TALE OF POWER, BETRAYAL AND REVENGE— welcome to the 21st century version of “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli. SmarterComics has updated what is arguably one of the most influential texts in world history for the digital era.

These crisply illustrated panels explore the relationship between Roxie, a brilliant young computer programmer/hacker, and Theodore, a man who pays for Roxie’s university education by working as a shoeshine boy. When Theodore takes the fall for one of Roxie’s crimes, she agrees to share her future success with him once he gets out of prison.

But as Niccolo Machiavelli knows, nothing is ever quite that simple. When Theodore has at last served out his term, Roxie has gone on to create a successful social media business from scratch. She doesn’t see a reason to split her hard-earned profits with an old ex-con friend. For his part, Theodore has spent years learning how to survive among con-artists, murderers, and thieves.

“The Prince” isn’t just about how to outmaneuver other people in pursuit of power. It’s about the human toll of success. Becoming a “prince” isn’t necessarily going to make you popular, but it will make you powerful. In the realm of kings, friendship is a luxury, strategy is a necessity, and the fear of losing your grip is a constant companion. It may be good to be the King, but it’s never easy.