Elon Musk: American Oligarch
Darryl Cunningham's new graphic biography of Elon Musk is a riveting deep dive into the audacious mind and tumultuous journey of the world's richest man. Using his signature pictographic style clean lines, vivid colours, and lean panel compositions, Cunningham peels back the layers of myth around Musk to deliver a timely portrait that is provocative and informative.
Spanning several generations, the book traces Musk's journey from his family roots in South Africa and his grandfather's role in the anti-democratic Technocracy movement. It follows his rise to the apex of tech education and influence, covering the creation of PayPal and the meteoric success of Tesla and SpaceX – both fueled by millions in government handouts – his acquisition of X.com and his transformation into a “dark MAGA” influencer and kingmaker. Elon Musk: American Oligarch captures the tension, tumult, and chaos in which oligarchs thrive today.
Cunningham's award-winning clarity and style sparkle as hepresents freewheeling financial and engineering concepts used by startups and tech companies. This fast-paced biography reveals the complex interactions of visionary ideas, relentless drive, and unyielding ambition. Elon Musk: American Oligarch offers a fresh, unvarnished look at Musk's rise, aggressive leadership style, and appetite for risk-taking that have propelled him into a unique position as an unelected private business owner with unprecedented access to political power.
"Perfectly timed to coincide with the rapid unscheduled disassembly of the United States, Darryl Cunningham brings us his meticulous study of a Howard Hughes rebooted for the 21st century, but with a much bigger budget and more frightening special effects. In Elon Musk: American Oligarch we have a forensic dissection of this largely talentless but lucky businessman’s ascent to power on what appears to be a ketamine rush and a great, green wave of other people’s money. Cunningham’s focus and lucidity are a searchlight penetrating through the boardroom murk to illuminate a contemporary fascist grotesque in the exquisite detail he deserves. An exceptional piece of work, right when we need it most.”—Alan Moore
“[T]o see Musk’s life story laid out so concisely, highlighted by striking details, makes for a vivid narrative. . . . A rich account of the world’s wealthiest person.”—Kirkus Reviews