Can someone become a fan of a welfare state initiative similar to the way some fanaticise and romanticise pop-cultural entities such as bands, comic books and movie stars? Universal Credit Otaku is a tour of otaku level fanaticism for a lost welfare state through examples of British New Towns, Basildon’s own Depeche Mode and their deep fandom in post-soviet Eastern Europe. From mundanity to aspiration. From love to loss. Written by Chris Michael and illustrated throughout by Jo Baaklini. Published by Metafauna.

Limited run of 100.