Soma

Soma
Micah Gunnell often hides the word "soma" in the graphic novels.
First reference:	Aftermath
"Soma" on Wikipedia

The word soma appears frequently in comics illustrated by Micah Gunnell.

About

"Soma" is the Greek word for "body". It is used in anatomy to refer to cell bodies, such as the soma of neurons, and is the root of the words "somatic" and "psychosomatic". "Soma" is also the name of a hallucinegenic drink used ritualistically by early vedic and Persian cultures. The exact plant used is no longer known, but it has been hypothesized to be either a hallucinegenic mushroom or cannabis. "Soma" is also a Hindu god, often depicted by a bull, bird, or embryo. The god evolved into a lunar deity, and is often identified with the Hindu moon god "Chandra".

In a question-and-answer session on the Aspen Comics website forum, Micah declined to reveal what his reference to "soma" means.

Real-World References

• "Soma" is the name of a fictional drug in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.
• "Soma" is the title of songs by The Strokes and Smashing Pumpkins.
• "Soma" is a brand-name of the drug carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant.

References by Graphic Novel

• 
  The word "soma" appears on Claire's sneaker.
  (Aftermath)
• 
  The word "soma" appears in the graffiti on the wall into which Claire crashes Brody's car.
  (Aftermath)
• 
  The word "soma" appears on the armed robber's license plate. Earlier references to and depictions of the car use different plate numbers.
  (Control)
• 
  The word "soma" appears on Mr. Bennet's cell phone. (Wireless, Part 2)