For the Benefit of Mankind

March 31, 2026

Cixin Liu is one of the most brilliant sci-fi writers of our time and some of his short stories have been adapted into graphic novels.”For the Benefit of Mankind” is a story I found in the collectiontitled after “The Wandering Earrh” and one of the most particular, as the main character is a contract killer and the whole story has a noir feeling to it. A noir with aliens.

It’s one of my favourite stories from the collection, and I was curious to see how they would adapt the layered timelines, the Elder Brothers and their plan, their background, and how the whole concept unfolds through the main character’s meeting with his targets, alongside the whole noir atmosphere.There are differences. Some of them I understand, while others feel like the authors were a bit too preoccupied that people wouldn’t understand, and the nuances of the original story are a bit tuned down.

My least favourite changes are whose idea was the redistribution of wealth, and who’s commissioning the last job. Also, in the original novel the Last Capitalis was a loner who liked to go jogging, while here he’s a guy with a whole golden court and I don’t think I like that.

My favourite change is probably the epilogue, though it clashes with the noir atmosphere.

Anyway, a highly enjoyable adaptation.

comics and illustration

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books and literature

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