The history of overhyped tech, and a chilling new graphic novel from Charles Burns

Hype in technology is a double-edged sword. It fuels anticipation, promises a future where everything is faster, smarter, and more connected. But often, the higher the expectations, the harder the fall. Over the years, we’ve seen a slew of innovations hailed as “game-changers” that, in hindsight, didn’t quite live up to their promise. From Google Glass to 3D televisions, these once-heralded technologies now serve as cautionary tales of what happens when the dream outpaces reality.

At the same time, in another corner of the cultural landscape, graphic novelist Charles Burns has been exploring similar themes in his work—particularly how obsession, mutation, and the dark side of transformation can lead to unexpected consequences. His latest release, a chilling graphic novel, dives deep into the eerie connections between technology, identity, and control.

Overhyped Tech: A Parade of Promise and Disillusionment

If there’s one thing the tech industry has mastered, it’s the art of hype. Consider Google Glass—introduced in 2013, this sleek, futuristic wearable was supposed to change the way we interact with the world. The idea of having real-time information projected right in front of your eyes was something straight out of a sci-fi movie. But as The Verge aptly points out, Google Glass quickly fizzled. Privacy concerns, a clunky user experience, and a lack of practical applications led to its downfall, leaving behind a trail of shattered expectations.

Then there was the hype surrounding 3D televisions. Back in 2010, 3D TV seemed like the next logical step in home entertainment. Movie theaters were seeing success with 3D blockbusters like Avatar, and consumers were promised that they could replicate that experience from the comfort of their own couches. Yet, as CNET notes, 3D TVs never quite caught on. Between the uncomfortable glasses, the limited amount of 3D content, and the hefty price tag, consumers quickly lost interest. What was marketed as the future of entertainment turned out to be a short-lived gimmick.

The Hype Cycle: Expectation vs. Reality

These are just two examples in a long list of overhyped technologies that failed to meet the soaring expectations they generated. The tech industry thrives on the idea of progress, constantly selling consumers the next big thing. But according to the Gartner Hype Cycle, many technologies go through a predictable pattern—beginning with inflated expectations, followed by a crash into the “trough of disillusionment” when reality sets in. Think about blockchain or AI. While artificial intelligence has made impressive strides, it hasn’t fully lived up to the sci-fi fantasies we were sold a decade ago. As Forbes explains, AI is a slow burn, gradually transforming industries in ways that are far less glamorous than anticipated.

Quantum computing is another innovation currently riding the wave of inflated expectations. We’re told it will revolutionize industries from healthcare to finance, but quantum tech is still years away from widespread application. Will it live up to the hype, or will it be another chapter in the saga of overpromised technology?

Charles Burns: A Master of Darkness

While the tech world is busy promising the future, Charles Burns has been quietly exploring its more unsettling implications. Burns, the author behind the hauntingly surreal Black Hole, is back with a new graphic novel that taps into society’s darkest fears about technology, mutation, and control. The Hive, his latest work, is a chilling dive into a dystopian world where the lines between human and machine blur, and the consequences of unchecked experimentation are devastating.

Much like the overhyped technologies that fizzle out after raising our expectations, Burns’ characters often grapple with the unforeseen fallout of transformation. Publisher’s Weekly calls The Hive “a masterclass in tension,” weaving together elements of body horror and societal breakdown to create a nightmarish vision of the future. Burns doesn’t just tell stories—he creates visual worlds that seep into your subconscious, leaving you unsettled long after you’ve closed the book.

The Parallels Between Hype and Horror

What’s fascinating about both the world of tech and Charles Burns’ graphic novels is their shared focus on transformation—and the dangers that come with it. In tech, we’re often promised that new gadgets or platforms will revolutionize our lives. But the reality is rarely so clean-cut. Many of these innovations come with unintended consequences—whether it’s privacy concerns, ethical dilemmas, or just a failure to meet expectations.

In Burns’ work, transformation is never straightforward. His characters undergo physical and psychological mutations that reflect deeper societal anxieties—much like how overhyped tech promises to improve our lives but often leaves us grappling with new problems we never anticipated.

Take The Hive, for instance. In this story, Burns creates a world where technology is both a tool and a trap. The characters are drawn into a labyrinth of control, where their every action feels predetermined by forces they don’t fully understand. It’s a haunting reminder of how, in the real world, our obsession with technology can sometimes lead us down similarly dark paths.

Conclusion: Cautionary Tales in Tech and Art

The history of overhyped technology is littered with cautionary tales. From Google Glass to 3D TVs, these innovations remind us that not every technological breakthrough is destined to succeed. In the same way, Charles Burns’ graphic novels serve as warnings about the consequences of unchecked experimentation and transformation—whether in our personal lives or in society at large.

As we look to the future, it’s important to keep these lessons in mind. Whether we’re embracing the latest tech trend or getting lost in the pages of a dystopian graphic novel, we must remember that every innovation comes with a cost. The question is: Are we prepared to pay it?

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