Jody M. (pj) reviewed on 7/31/2006 + 208 more book reviews

It's a sunny afternoon in Boston, and as far as Clayton Riddell is concerned, life couldn't be any better. The Maine-based artist has just inked a lucrative contract for his first graphic novel. But in an instant, his life -- and human civilization -- is turned upside down by an event known as the Pulse, a brain-zapping burst of energy that turns the millions of people with cell phones pressed against the sides of their heads into mindless killing machines. Those lucky enough not to be using a cell phone at the time are spared from the gruesome transformation but must somehow survive the nightmarish aftereffects: cars crashing, planes falling from the sky, hungry gangs of zombies, etc.

It's fitting that King dedicates Cell to Richard Matheson (author of 1954's mutant masterwork I Am Legend) and George Romero (director of the 1968 cult classic Night of the Living Dead) -- two pioneering giants in the "zombie" genre. This post-apocalyptic exploration of the dark side of humanity ("we came to rule the earth because we have always been the craziest, most murderous [expletive]s in the jungle") is chock-full of King's refreshingly sardonic commentary and wit. His newest, a cautionary tale of sorts, brings disturbing new meaning to the popular catchphrase "Can you hear me now?"

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