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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Electric State is Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated science-fiction book, first published in 2018, and the basis for Netflix’s 2025 film. The book follows a runaway teenager and a small yellow robot across an alternate late-1990s America; the film expands that premise and changes some genre elements rather than reproducing the book scene by scene.
What is Simon Stålenhag’s The Electric State?
Stålenhag’s 2018 book combines narrative prose with full-colour illustrations. Its story is set in late 1997, where a runaway teenager and a small yellow toy robot travel west through an uncanny American landscape. The route passes the remains of gigantic battle drones and discarded objects from a high-tech consumer society absorbed in virtual reality. The publisher describes the journey as eerie and nostalgic, with the world increasingly coming apart.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Electric State | $22.47 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tales From the Loop | $28.92 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Electrical Black Book (2nd USA Edition) | $33.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Things From the Flood | $22.55 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Free League Publishing The Electric State RPG Core Rulebook Tabletop Roleplaying Game for Adults,... | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
That combination gives the work two interlocking forms: a road-trip narrative and an illustrated book whose images build the atmosphere and scale of its world. The US publisher describes almost a hundred full-colour illustrations in the book.
How does the Netflix film relate to the book?
Netflix’s 2025 film adapts the 2018 book but broadens its story concept. In the film, Michelle, played by Millie Bobby Brown, travels with a mysterious robot and teams up with Keats, played by Chris Pratt, to search for Michelle’s younger brother. Netflix credits Anthony and Joe Russo as directors and Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as screenwriters; its title page identifies Stålenhag’s graphic novel as the film’s basis.
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The two works share an emotional foundation, but their form, scope and genre are not identical. Stålenhag told Netflix Tudum, “I’m blown away by the movie.” He also said, “Even though the movie has changed genre from the book a bit, that main core is still the same and has been expanded on beautifully.” Those comments point to an adaptation that develops the source idea, not a scene-for-scene transfer.
Book and film at a glance
| Aspect | 2018 book | 2025 film |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Illustrated science-fiction book combining prose and visual storytelling. | Feature-film adaptation. |
| Story focus | A runaway teenager and small yellow toy robot travel west through a strange late-1990s America. | Michelle travels with a mysterious robot and joins Keats to search for her younger brother. |
| World and tone | Ruined battle drones and the debris of a virtual-reality-absorbed consumer society shape an eerie, nostalgic road story. | Netflix says the film expands the source story concept; Stålenhag says it changes genre while retaining the core. |
Which editions of the book are listed by the publishers?
The US and UK publisher listings identify different editions and ISBNs. Check the format and stock with the seller when buying, since the listings do not establish current availability.
Rank #2
| Edition | Format and publisher | Publication date | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Paper-over-board, Skybound Books | September 25, 2018 | 144 | 9781501181412 |
| UK | Hardcover, Simon & Schuster UK | September 6, 2018 | 144 | 9781471176081 |
Where can you watch the film?
Netflix says The Electric State is streaming on its service. That listing does not confirm availability in every country, so check Netflix in your location for current access.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SIMON STÅLENHAG'S EPIC ADVENTURE: Experience the surreal beauty and haunting dystopia of an alternate 1997 America through an RPG campaign based on the acclaimed art book The Electric State.
- DISCOVER A WORLD IN DECLINE: Navigate a fantasy landscape filled with discarded battle drones and the remnants of a once-thriving tech-driven society, creating a visually and emotionally stunning backdrop for your tabletop roleplaying adventure.
- BUILD STRONG CHARACTER BONDS: Collaborate with your friends as you uncover secrets, face moral dilemmas, and challenge your perceptions of friendship, loyalty, and survival.
- POWERED BY THE YEAR ZERO ENGINE: Enjoy the dynamic, award-winning mechanics from Free League’s popular games like Tales From the Loop and Blade Runner RPG, delivering smooth gameplay and rich storytelling opportunities.
- A JOURNEY-DRIVEN ILLUSTRATED RULEBOOK: This role-playing game quest book emphasizes exploration and personal growth, focusing on the travelers' experiences and how the post-apocalyptic world shapes them along the way.
Rank #4
Sources
- Simon & Schuster / Skybound Books: US edition details and book synopsis
- Simon & Schuster UK: hardcover details and illustration description
- Netflix Tudum: adaptation details, streaming statement and Stålenhag interview
- Netflix Media Center: film title and credits
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
