It is not unusual in more primitive cultures to permit fascinations with Large Odd Objects (LOOs). This is especially commonplace of the American male (see LOOser). Large cars, large stereo speakers, large computer monitors, large TVs, even large hamburgers are only a few examples of this fascination with "BIGNESS." But these are only ordinary objects.

SYMPTOMS

Macromancy goes beyond cultural inculcation. It is a neurosis based on a false assumption that LOOs make one feel bigger and more "special." The bigger the LOO the greater it's perceived efficacy in eliminating feelings of insignificance in an over communicated and complicated society. It is a fantasy of overcoming feelings of being just another puny worker ant. This addiction by LOOsers to LOOs is ranked on the Cypher scale from -100 to zero. Zero being, of course, a total LOOser.

Macromancy, simplified, is an inverse ego projection on an inanimate, but large, desired "thing." The larger the LOO; the smaller the individuals superiority and mastery.

Many LOOs are portrayed in the graphic novel Cypher. This is deliberate but non-toxic. With repeated short exposure to imagery of LOOs, the obsession is significantly reduced.

PRESCRIPTION & CURE

Have a qualified first-grader read "Cypher" outloud to you once through with your eyes closed. This serves as "stress inoculation" for the future encounters with the actual LOO illustrations. No peeking.

A few days later, read the novel by yourself but not alone. A public place will curtail any overexcitement at the brief glimpses of LOOs in Cypher.

With repeated and gradual exposure, the reader realizes there are other insignificant people in the world. The knowledge there is someone "out there" of lesser importance, such as in the Cypher novel, acts as a psychological cushion for Macromancy.

WARNINGS

The very first frame of Cypher has a large poster of a large bosomed woman smoking a large cigar. Be forewarned. This particular image is known to trigger abrupt onset of Macromancy.

Other pages to be alert to are: page 8 frame 4- large odd statute and frame 5 large odd art museum. Page 14 frame 7 has a large primeval odd stone arch. Page 15 last frame shows a large odd city. Page 23 second frame shows a large odd car. Page 24, a large odd sign in the last frame. Page 26, frame six; large odd stone heads. Page 27, a potent overexposure of odd immensity in frame one. It only gets worse. Page 28 frame one, a huge odd monolith.

These are only the large oddities in the very first adventure. The novel is packed with odd examples. These are, of course, necessary odd images to communicate the inadequacy of the odd and pudgy main character whatzisname.

On rare occasions, Cypher can cause Macromancy overdose. Do not read this book unless under the supervision of a qualified artist. Check for overly worn pages with LOOs for signs of abuse.