Blog: “The Oracle Speaks” – Liv Strömquist’s New Graphic Novel on Our Influencer Society

Influencers are omnipresent in our society. They give advice on everything from styling tips to longevity, fitness, health, and even finance. In addition, a high number of self-help books and manuals are published every year, offering guidance. Reflecting on this apparent need for advice, Liv Strömquist dedicates her new graphic novel to exploring why influencers have become such a big phenomenon.

The author interprets an influencer as a concept—a person or institution who gives advice—and traces different examples of this figure throughout history: the Oracle of Delphi in Ancient Greece, Ronald Reagan’s astrologer, Saint Catherine of Siena, an incel influencer, and Meghan Markle. While Strömquist presents these influencers and their traits with a great sense of humor, she adds deeper explanations. For instance, Ronald Reagan’s astrologer, Carroll Righter, was a popular influencer in Hollywood, advising figures like Clark Gable and Grace Kelly. Strömquist introduces the sociologist Theodor Adorno, who analyzed Righter’s methods. According to Adorno, the astrologer’s advice typically fell into two categories: he either told people to be more beautiful or to be happy and have more fun. In this way, individuals were made to feel responsible for their own happiness—a state that is largely dependent on chance. This observation forms the starting point for Strömquist’s work on self-optimization.

Another interesting figure is Meghan Markle, who, during a charity engagement for prostitutes in difficult situations, wrote messages on bananas like “Work hard” or “Be kind” which were then distributed to them. Strömquist uses this example to raise questions about why people give unsolicited advice and who benefits from it. This introduces the study-based finding that giving advice places the advisor in a position of power while those receiving advice tend to feel powerless. This feeling further disempowers people instead of helping them. 

These are just two examples of how Strömquist interweaves philosophical and sociological ideas into her comics. By starting with specific individuals and their unique characteristics, she allows readers to empathize with her characters and engage more deeply with the topic. With her characteristic humor, she provides an accessible approach to complex situations, encouraging critical reflection on everyday phenomena and inspiring deeper thought.

However, Strömquist’s graphic novels are translated into multiple languages, but only two of her books seem to have been translated into English so far. Hopefully, her new graphic novel will be translated soon and become accessible to a broader audience!


Liv Strömquist: Das Orakel spricht, übersetzt von Katharina Erben, 2024. (https://www.avant-verlag.de/comics/das-orakel-spricht/)


English translations of Graphic Novels by Liv Strömquist:

Fruit of Knowledge: Vulva vs. the Patriarchy, translated by Melissa Bowers, 2018. (https://www.fantagraphics.com/products/fruit-of-knowledge)

The Reddest Rose: Romantic Love from the Ancient Greeks to Reality TV, translated by Melissa Bowers, 2023. (https://www.fantagraphics.com/products/the-reddest-rose-romantic-love-from-the-ancient-greeks-to-reality-tv)

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