Review - Transmetropolitan: graphic novels that redefine journalism

Written by Warren Ellis with illustrations by Darick Robertson, the Transmetropolitan series is sure to leave you thinking. With introductions written by actor Patrick Stewart and Darren Aronofsky, director of Pi and Requiem for a Dream, these are not your kids' comic books. These are brutally drawn, intensely written graphic novels designed to appeal to intelligent and free-thinking adults.

Spider Jerusalem, the anti-hero of the Transmetropolitan series, does not immediately inspire confidence in his character or his journalistic methods. Having sequestered himself in his private compound on a lushly wooded mountain, Spider is not so politely informed by his editor that he must complete his contract for two books. He must return to the city he escaped from because Spider can only write in the bustle and dysfunction of a gritty urban environment. In the meantime, Spider must go back to work for the "Word," the city's high-profile newspaper, to support himself and gather material.

And so Transmetropolitan begins.

The city Spider returns to (presumably New York) is not any city we recognize. Set some undefined distance in the future, the city represents the worst of cities as we know them today and the path they might be following should poverty, corrupt politics and unbridled technological advancements proceed without intervention.

Spider is not pretty to look at, either. Temperamental, violent and fond of mood enhancers and firearms, Spider seems set for self-destruction. He proves himself a highly capable investigative reporter, though, and sets about uncovering the truth behind the city's dehabilitating ills in a world run by despotic politicians and corporate media.

As Spider begins to uncover a series of events that threaten to undo the presidency, he is censored, fired, forced to write on the run from government assassins and diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder.

But Spider will not give up his quest for Truth with a capital T and believes the people of his beloved city deserve not only to know the truth but also be governed by politicians who exact positive change.

This is what makes Transmetropolitan so hopelessly addictive. The quests for truth in media and caring public officials, as well as journalists willing to do the leg work to make it happen, are things we all would like to see more of in today's world. Transmetropolitan and Spider's obsessive devotion make us believe it possible.

Although Transmetropolitan came to its grand conclusion in 2003, the graphic novels remain widely available by DC Vertigo. There are 10 books in the series, as well as two supplemental books of Spider's articles for the "Word."

This story was produced by Happynews Citizen Journalist, Cortney Philip. Philip lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan and works as a freelance writer.

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