I've always seen Transmetropolitan as Warren Ellis' counterpart to Grant Morrison's The Invisibles. Both outrageous, experimental fruits of 90's punk-rock rage spilling into the violent birth of the 00's starring a cynical, acerbic bald-headed man (Spider and King Mob) conducting some kind of campaign against the proverbial status quo. The difference in their philosophies and worldviews shape both stories to be completely different though, and Morrison's work (IMO) tackles the idea of the meaning of "Revolution" with much more complexity.
Yeah. King Mob actually has an arc that leads him to become way less cynical and macho. Spider is ultimately always justified in his hypocrisy. I think that says a lot about their respective creators.
I think he's a mix of Moore's arrogance (as he is visually depicted in the 1st issue) and Morrison's chaotic flare. It's all superficial borrowing but still entertain.
The panel were King Mob is meditating “I’m cool as Bruce Lee” as in he has to ease down his easy trigger finger is what makes the Invisibles a must for me.
I'd say it's still pretty unique. It's the only COHESIVE political rambling comic. The "political" ramblings of today are just poorly quoted scrawlings from college bathroom stalls.
This is my favorite Comic book series ever. I think it tows a very thin line with the funny cynicism and ponderous thoughts on society and the human condition. Unlike the some the other edgelord-type comics, I think there are actual authentic emotions that occur, like the story about the reservations, Channon dealing with her boyfriend's transition, that frozen photographer or Spider being unsettled after going to that rally. As funny as it can be, it takes honest looks a bleak things, and manages to have a balance of sorts.
I think it's important to note that Spider is not someone anyone wants to (or should) emulate. He's a crude, sexually repressed, drug addict that anyone who spends enough time with, hates by default. His only truly positive characteristic the heart mentioned buried beneath it all. He gets pissed off by injustice and proceeds to apply the same injustice to those committing it, aiming to unbalance the power that commits exploitation regardless of the results. He's a runny nose and diarrhea, disgusting and irritable, but a necessary reaction to an infection. Anyone trying to suppress him is just perpetuating the need for him. You want to fix the things he's bitching about so he'll go away.
Transmetro was one of the first comic series that I read all the way through and I loved it. Not only is the story great but the characters are realized fairly well for what they are. I don't think any bigger compliment could have been given to the book than Steve Gerber featuring a homage to Spider in his HTD MAX book
I have the first 3 trade paperbacks of this series. I bought them without knowing much about it. The lady at the comic store I attend , said that her "non comic nerd" sister loved it. So that intrigued me tremendously. I'll dive in soon. I hope.
He wrote one of the intros to a collected volume as well. I no longer have that, but remember being very impressed by Stewart's writing ability and his love of the comic.
Transmet has always had a special place in my heart, and likely ranks among my top five from the Vertigo imprint. You make an interesting case regarding the series, but having read through it several times, I'm not sure I agree; You claim that Spider is just as corrupt and hypocritical as those he exposes, manipulating others to get what he wants. Perhaps, but what does he want, and ultimately achieve? A life of seclusion, out of the city. He wants nothing to do with the society he is coerced into writing about. I can't say I blame him. You also claim that a a social commentary (or satire) it's not very deep. My response is that it's as deep as it needs to be. If the ultimate message is that those in power exploit the lower and middle classes, that leaders in business, politics, and religion are soulless and corrupt, that cynicism, paranoia, and nihilism are not only understandable reactions to modern society, but possibly even required for survival, how much deeper need one dig? Trust no one in power seems to be the ultimate mantra, and I'm not sure it's bad advice. If Spider were somehow portrayed in a heroic light, I might see more merit in your argument: but he's not. He is constantly dismissive to his assistants, flippant to his editors, cruel and petty to his targets, and barely functional as a human being. Nowhere are these traits shown as admirable, or is Spider seen as someone to emulate (outside of the cartoon versions, which I read as comedy) Had your argument been "Spider Jerusalem is a flawed protagonist", I would have been on board. As it stands, I believe the narrative works because of Spiders flaws, not in spite of them. There are no heroes here. That's kind of the point.
Transmet is highly irregular, and though the political intrigue and satire felt a bit flat, the science fiction tone it achieves (as the life in the City feels both contemporary and futuristic) and the darkly humorous concepts it brings (the reservations, the Transients, the Long Pig fast food joint, the displaced cryos) give the series a lot of color. Also, while almost all of the run Spider is clearly being the most Mary to ever Sue, the moments in whcih Ellis allow him some vulnerability are the series best (one panel of one of those splash page specials always stuck with me, where he wonders "Sometimes I want to be someone else so much it hurts")
I have this entire series but never finished reading it. I think I liked Ellis better in short run stuff. How about doing a survey of the Helix imprint? I liked a lot of what it put out.
@@TitularHeroine My favorites were the ones written by Christopher Hinz - Gemini Blood and Dead Corps. I liked them enough that I tracked down his novels.
Warren Ellis' Spider Jerusalem is a personification of what everyone perceives journalists to be: people who seek to change society by showing their biases. In truth, until the 1990s (and even the 2010s), nobody cared about a journalist's opinion, the least of all their editor. Journalists aren't meant to have opinions, they are supposed to be detached. There's even an issue where Spider complains about it, that it's a wrong view of journalism (the phrase "possessed by ancient volcano gods" was used as the desirable state). But as journalism shifted into an "ass in chair" model, instead of Perry White's correct "get out there and bring me news" assessment (because nothing actually happens inside a bullpen), opinion became easier to sell to an audience, instead of actual reporting and verifying (picture a newspaper owner complaining to the editor "why did the journalist take a cab somewhere?" -- it was true by 2008), especially in the internet age of clickbait. So, yeah, I guess Warren perfectly foretold what the journalist of the future would look like.
And also it might change opinion about entire idea of Spider Jerusalem as well. Like Ellis said that Spider isn’t supposed to be idolized, but the way you stated along with the video’s critique show why. Same with Light Yagami (a narcissistic honor student with delusion of grandeur but worshipped as hero by fans. Even Sage Bennett dissected him and Death Note as a series).
Very good analysis. I would add that the whole arc of Yelena going from assistance to female version of Spider (complete with similar glasses and tattoos) while also having sex with him is pretty creepy, knowing what we now know about Ellis.
Or worse, the former assistant, Indira, that when 16 and helping him with a story gets the equivalent of being drugged with an aphrodisiac, get's porn of her distributed against her will ruining her life, and he doesn't even remember her. As much as I like the series, that always struck me as very ick.
“A lot of Spider’s traits are present in today’s pundits and commentators” and by the end of the video “in the end he cares little about his audience and feels no responsibility towards them” and “has become an self serving hypocrite”. I should have read Transmetropolitan when it came out, nowadays I already have enough of contemporary, actual media vampiric whores.
Feel free to use whatever words you want, but I bristle at that usage of "whores." I think of sex workers, who aren't really responsible for the harm done by toxic media personalities, and even as a metaphor, I think it's a bit unfair to the skin trade. Opinions: Everyone's got 'em, I guess.
I think that part of the video ignores a reoccurring aspect of the character. Spider is continuously expressing a deep empathy for the disenfranchised and mistreated, and tries to convey it to his audience in his columns. It's definitely overshadowed by the edge lord crap, which is a shame, but it's undeniably there.
And why should they be the first place your mind goes to when using the word? Prostitution is a word stemming side by side with prostate. Rhetorical question, because you always go first to an image of what is ultimately victimization, in order to alleviate SOME workers for their decisions to make ends meet. Even when the draft is still exclusively making prostitutes of men, and children, over even a single woman. Not that the enforcement of draft makes a dent into the lines of men making ends meed BY making that decision. They quite enjoy keeping the supply line of Nestle cocoa moving, by prostituting themselves and pushing that GDP through $6000 office chairs for the military. Not that they've done aything to offend YOU.... that's the "media", like anti-war Tucker Carlson talking about self-sustenance and domestic production, over goods imports and trash exports.
Interesting. What you find "wrong" I find to be the "point" of the entire series. I know I've mentioned it before but, I'd really love to sit down and chat with ya. You are a very important voice in the current cacophony of the comic "industry" and while I disagree with you a lot, I've only ever gotten the sense that you love and respect this medium. Much more than the people that currently "control" it. For lack of better words.
I know he's supposed to be a pastiche of Hunter S. Thompson, but for some reason I've always read Spider's dialogue in my head with the voice of Tom Kenny putting on like a Jack Nicholson impression.
You really should discuss the art. Darrick Robertson does career defining work in this book perfectly suited to the material. I think it’s the cause of a lot of the book’s success. I saw Spider before I ever read it, and his look was instantly iconic.
Very true. The art kind of counter balances the extreme cynicism of the script. I always enjoyed how, many of the sequences occurred in very pleasantly, illustrated daylight. As far as world building goes, Transmetropolitan is one of the memorable ones to me.
@@bweeptabop3944 Yeah it's look is wonderful. Also good point, it's cool that it's a dark and disturbing world that's generally well lit, bright and colorful.
I found Transmet' to be a lot of fun for the first few arcs. Spider's attitude to the crazy sci-fi world around him and how fucked up it made people, that sort of thing. When it becomes ALL about the election and his war against The Smiler, the book loses the anarchic zaniness and (for me) it's earlier identity. It just turns into a game of one-upmanship, which I knew Spider would win. The lack of stakes, and lack of amusing diversions, made the latter half of the run far less enjoyable a read. As an idiosyncratic asshole commenting on and getting tangled up in the madness of the world, it worked. Like Futurama with more swearing. As a political takedown, it failed. At least for me.
I sorta wish we got that "Transmetropolitan" film with Sir Patrick Stewart as Spider Jerusalem. There's a good chance it would've been crap, but he would've been perfect for the role. If anyone wants to see Stewart give a crazed performance in live-action, look up the 1998 made-for-TV film "Safe House".
Transmetropolitan is one of my all time favorite comics this along with Garth Ennis preacher and grant Morrison's the invisibles showed me what comics can be. Transmet is angru political and social satire and science fiction at its finest.
despite its dated edge-lord meanness, you have to give it to Ellis for his futurism. Perfectly understood how social media would effect journalism and American fascist movements. Really astounding.
I was collecting comics when this came out and got the first 30-40 issues. Never finished it though. I've liked plenty of Ellis' other stuff though so I'll have to go back and finish it.
I remember loving Transmet when I first read it, even if it didn't capture my heart quite like Planetary and Authority. It'll be interesting when I finally come back for a reread with these points on my mind. Especially since my first read was before 2016.
I need to revisit Transmet, it was the first big non-cape series I ever started. It pulled me into the broader Vertigo worlds of Preacher, Sandman, Hellblazer. Also I read it at a time when I was on a huge Hunter S Thompson kick, and when someone told me there was a comic that was What if Hunter S Thompson was basically the star of Futurama, and there's copious nudity and sex puppets. Well yeah I had to check it out. I actually have replica Spider glasses, and the first 2 Absolute editions. One thing I am a little afraid of is that politically at the time, my biggest political concern was legalizing pot. Now I'm an extremely politically minded, bordering on activist level of engagement. So i get the feeling that a lot of the political stuff won't hold up as well. That and the issue with Warren Ellis, which feels like it shouldn't be a thing. By everyone's admission, he never did anything too series. But he chose to be a dick about it, like Ellis could have made a public apology, and he'd still be writing Netflix Castlevania. At this point he's really brought his problematic status on himself..
I used to love this series so much. I would reread it at least once or twice a year for a loooong time. A few years ago something stopped feeling right about it. It seemed more thin and superficial. I haven't picked it up since. I think I probably aged out of the series and what it was trying to say.
I honestly think this comic was ahead of it's time. Lot more relevant nowadays. I think people overlook it, seeing has too edgy and missing the big picture of it. Truthfully, I think the word "edgy" is overused and people apply it to things that aren't truly that edgy anyway. People like to throw around words and mess up the actual meaning of it. There was way more to it than people think. Lots of the things they discussed ended up coming to pass.
Personally, I think that the idea of a public that is not looking for a new perspective over a topic, but rather validation of what they already believe while taking opinions as facts, is the aspect of the comic that has age the best. Also that part at the end on how spider is a hypocrite that ended up being similar to the people he critics really reflects with how Ellis ended up being in real life, if the aqusations towards him are true.
Speaking of Uncle Duke, have you ever made a video about Doonesburry? I haven’t bought a newspaper in years so I don’t even know if it’s still in print.
Watching this reminded me of an issue of Planetary that focused on alternate versions of Swamp Thing and Constantine, and ended with the Constantine slowly changing into Spider Jerusalem. I wouldn't doubt that Ellis was trying to say something there, but whatever it was, it flew over my head. I read this years after it ended, and had only read it because it was highly recommended. What I can remember was story empathising with cryonic survivors and the raw deal that they got, a rather pointless story about how the historical preserves were throwing countless lives away in pursuit of "historical preservation", and a short plot about Spider and the remains of his late ex-wife, and possibly someone trying to revive her. Not much to write home about. Recently, I've been thinking of collecting some trades of this, but currently I'm leaning towards 'no'. There's alot more from the 60s-80s that I'm more interested in.
I finally finished the whole series. Started reading 16 years ago and just never finished it, but now it's done. I enjoyed the sci-fi universe more than Spider himself.
I'd say you were a bit harsh on Transmet, but I can't imagine that Ellis or Spider would want it any other way. At the same time, I'm not sure if it was right to gloss over Ellis' ethical troubles over the past few years which large spun out of the Transmet fame. It's still one of the best comic books I've ever read. I feel like maybe you didn't enjoy the ride as much as some of us, as you didn't focus on how much fun Transmet is. Personally, I find Transmet to be a very enjoyable read that stokes my fires of discontent while also reminding me that there are others in the world just as weird and gonzo, yet still attached to the idea that maybe society could be a little better, and its citizens a little kinder. 10/10 comic, would recommend to anybody who isn't a piece of crap. It's the rare piece of fiction that might just make you a better person. If you've got the right kind of eyes to read it right.
"At the same time, I'm not sure if it was right to gloss over Ellis' ethical troubles over the past few years which large spun out of the Transmet fame." Why? The video's about the series, not bio of Ellis. Why do people insist that a person's work needs to be tied to their personal life in all media coverage? Who's goddamn business is Ellis' personal life? Being a fan of somebody's work doesn't entitle you to their life story.
Upon first reading I was pretty much elated and couldn't get enough of it. On second reading I started to see what's mentioned in the video: 1) he's always unquestionably right and 2) things seem to always happen to his favor even when he gets beaten down. But I still liked it. On third read I only finished for nostalgia sake... it now seemed to have lost all that drawn me to it and felt quite childish to be honest... but I still like it even if for nostalgia only 🙂
I think comparing Transmetropolitan to "similar works" such as The Thick of It or The Newsroom misses the point of what it's meant to be. The Newsroom is an incredibly dry Sorkin dialogue driven drama; Spider Jerusalem shoots people with a diarrhea gun. Observations that it is shallow, puerile and bombastic are correct, but those are ultimately a big part of its charm.
Unlike Mark Millar or Garth Ennis, I don't get the idea that Ellis thinks he's smarter than everyone or is proving some self aggrandizing superiority. He's pissed off at the world, and the powerful people at that. He's not just pissing downward on superhero comics for some weird reason and acting like that makes him jesus.
I've read and collected all of Transmet, and while it is one of my favourite comics for its acerbic wit and gritty sociopolitical satire, I will admit it is very much a product of its time, and has doubtless aged poorly in a number of aspects. However, while I can't really disagree with any of the video's observations off-hand, I do think there is more to the narrative than this brief overview discusses, and I would be interested in seeing a more in-depth analysis.
Absolutely agree with most of what you're saying. I've glanced at transmetropolitan but quickly discarded it because it very quickly came across as being so poorly written/structured. Seemed like his whole point was as you said preaching very loudly to the already established audience.
I agree with some of the critique in this video. Sure, Spider swung at strawmen and easy villians. Had this been a more complex, well-thought-out work, it likely wouldn't be as visceral. It plays with strong forces and fast motion. I don't think every work has to support itself on all four legs. It's just not possible. I love the series for what it is, and accept what it isn't. It's a crowded, colorful, filthy look at a potential world that awaits us; it's punk on paper and a great creative mind working toward its apex. It may offend, it may assume, it may attack, but it entertains and it asks questions.
It's not vary vague, it's stated explicitly, that he is the 1% that survives. Did you even read it? Any benefit to others is a side effect? He takes care of people who feel lost in time, he appreciates everyone, no matter how they are made.
So part of me wonder if it can be compared to Idiocracy. Like both did have a satirical tone, but Transmetropolitan seems to have more depth than just "poor people are dumb" (at least showing lack of empathy, even smart people can do worse if they are cruel or asshole, and things will only improve if you are willing to take action...the "next winter" being surpisingly optimistic despite coming from a cynical and rude Spider, who even stated that city in his childhood is smoggy and lizards are only food they have in contrast to more cleaner and well-fed present).
I feel like Spider was an absolute nail-on-the-head prediction to todays internet trolls. but he's more eloquently worded, does professional burns. instead of like, "thats not what your mom was saying last night lol", he's more "one day ill shit in your moms lungs and let her choak on my fecal matter so when she spits on my face it feels even better" and that is entirely why this is one of my favorite series. Spider is such a vibe. need to re-read this lol after so long because I bet its even better all these years later 😂 If netflix or whatever ever tries to make a transmetropolitan series i will burn this entire world
@@BCWasbrough looool you're not wrong. I will say "It was the way things were back then" but IMO the actual reason is that it was a symptom of what happens when a very narrow and tired out demographic ends up at the helm of nearly everything. If there was less gatekeeping in comics, this would be avoided entirely because things would be able to grow beyond this sophomoric POV
@@DiodeMilliampere When I say "product of their times", it's because I read a LOT of Ellis, Ennis, Millar, Morrison, and Gaiman then. The "edgy" crap was a reaction to needing to stand out from all the Marvel and DC stuff dominating the market.
Here comes the pseudo-intellectual talking about cringe when he spends more time interacting with midi controllers and soldering irons than other human beings lol
Transmet is one of my favourite series, a real shame that Ellis did not return for a prequel special that takes place before he moved to the mountain and grew a beard (maybe titled ‘PayBack’?). I think that Ellis was afraid to make it longer and more realistic/nuanced because it could bore or alienate many readers, we have to remember that it’s not an adventure comic with supernatural elements and a serialised story about journalism with some kind of action isn’t easy.
As far as I know Thompson didn’t dislike Kennedy, so when we assume that the Beast represents Nixon I’m wondering who the Smiler is supposed to be. When I look at him Blair really comes to mind but does anyone have a better idea?
Why would there be a better idea? Spider being based on Thompson doesn't necessarily mean that Spider is a 1:1 representation of Thompson. Not everything is an allegory.
Considering how well-loved this series is, having a critical perspective on it is wonderfully bracing. Focusing on the straw-man quality to Spider's opponents is particularly striking. When the world is being otherwise portrayed as 'grim,' which often is connected to 'realistic' for reasons that are worth unpacking elsewhere, this kind of 'easy heroism' from Spider is thankfully examined. That said, I think this analysis may have overly focused on and been judged by the political-parody-satire of the series. The 'weird sci fi' is nearly as important as the politics, and in many cases are wrapped up within it. I also wonder if it's worth considering this as 'superheroic journalism.' Which is to say, it wasn't trying to be a political parody of a particular moment so much as it had the 'power fantasy' of speaking 'Truth' to power. Consider how often Spider evokes 'Truth.' The aesthetic experience it's providing isn't one of engaged critique of the current climate, so much as it is the escapism of a power fantasy, mixed with the heady, weird sci fi ideas." There's also a kind of gonzo comedy, watching this unbridled character let loose on people around them in often darkly hilarious ways. Many others have noted that Darick Robertson's art is also key to this series, and that needs to be said! He helps bring the comedy, the weirdness, and the passion of the character that many fell in love with. (I think a shorter essay addendum on Darick's art would be a great coda to this analysis!)
Bruh, yet another Strange Brain Parts video I have to skip because I only found books 1-5 of 10 at my half priced books until some troglodyte took 6 and 7 and I don't want to spoil this comic.
I really like ellis' writing so might check this one out. Always avoided it because it screamed old man boomer angst. Also random thought but there are so so many comics left to read that I stopped complaining that their quality fell off (at least with the big 2) I'm yet to finish some of my favorite IPs. I'll probably die before I do.
a Warren Ellis series that I did not care for at all. It had no appeal to me. also, Hunter S. Thompson had no appeal to me... except as Uncle Duke in Doonesbury. lol Nice Video.
DC sci-fi imprint. Most of the comics there were misses. Transmetropolitan lucked out with its over-the-top gonzo journalism in addition to transhumanism.
What I don't like about the video is that it doesn't look at the story alone. You're looking at it from a political lense almost, the real life one. And judging spider as a real person, he's an interesting character not a perfect person.
I'll admit, when I listened to this I genuinely thought I was listening to rambling and someone straw-manning about late 90's comments with a lot of "bad language", and "edgy situations". Both of those arguments hit like someone trying to hit me in the face with paper. That of course being annoying, accomplishing absolutely nothing, and overall being utterly meaningless, because subjectivity is not objective, especially if your words wreak of subjectivity without a very good reason. Edgy is an irritating word I often hear, although I think it is mostly in service of terrible stories anyway. Ah well, I at least hope there isn't some double-standard against profanity or "offensive" content. I mean, how unfortunate would that be? Or maybe, it just isn't a double-standard, and I was most likely forced to think about everything only in reference to swearing and stuff? I simply can't say. No seriously, what can I say?
There's a massive difference between Spider as a character and today's political jokes. It's that Spider doesn't actually take himself seriously, he doesn't project the stance of superiority you claim that he does. At no point in the course of series does Spider insinuate that he's "better" in any way than those he is in constant conflict with, except for off-handed jokes. It's interesting that you've projected your personal views into your perception of the series, though. It shows how difficult it is for us to separate the intentions of others(creators, friends, family, politicians, characters) from our own world-views.
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I've always seen Transmetropolitan as Warren Ellis' counterpart to Grant Morrison's The Invisibles. Both outrageous, experimental fruits of 90's punk-rock rage spilling into the violent birth of the 00's starring a cynical, acerbic bald-headed man (Spider and King Mob) conducting some kind of campaign against the proverbial status quo. The difference in their philosophies and worldviews shape both stories to be completely different though, and Morrison's work (IMO) tackles the idea of the meaning of "Revolution" with much more complexity.
Yeah. King Mob actually has an arc that leads him to become way less cynical and macho. Spider is ultimately always justified in his hypocrisy. I think that says a lot about their respective creators.
I think he's a mix of Moore's arrogance (as he is visually depicted in the 1st issue) and Morrison's chaotic flare. It's all superficial borrowing but still entertain.
The panel were King Mob is meditating “I’m cool as Bruce Lee” as in he has to ease down his easy trigger finger is what makes the Invisibles a must for me.
Interesting. I may have to track down some copies of Morrison's Invisibles to have a read for myself.
This explains why I keep thinking that Transmetropolitan was written by Grant Morrison.
When I read this I had Thompson’s voice in my head when Spider spoke. Probably one of my favorite series of that decade
Now this brings good memories, this comics was very unique 20 years ago.
I'd say it's still pretty unique. It's the only COHESIVE political rambling comic. The "political" ramblings of today are just poorly quoted scrawlings from college bathroom stalls.
Great comment!
This is my favorite Comic book series ever. I think it tows a very thin line with the funny cynicism and ponderous thoughts on society and the human condition. Unlike the some the other edgelord-type comics, I think there are actual authentic emotions that occur, like the story about the reservations, Channon dealing with her boyfriend's transition, that frozen photographer or Spider being unsettled after going to that rally. As funny as it can be, it takes honest looks a bleak things, and manages to have a balance of sorts.
I think it's important to note that Spider is not someone anyone wants to (or should) emulate. He's a crude, sexually repressed, drug addict that anyone who spends enough time with, hates by default. His only truly positive characteristic the heart mentioned buried beneath it all. He gets pissed off by injustice and proceeds to apply the same injustice to those committing it, aiming to unbalance the power that commits exploitation regardless of the results. He's a runny nose and diarrhea, disgusting and irritable, but a necessary reaction to an infection. Anyone trying to suppress him is just perpetuating the need for him. You want to fix the things he's bitching about so he'll go away.
Transmetro was one of the first comic series that I read all the way through and I loved it. Not only is the story great but the characters are realized fairly well for what they are. I don't think any bigger compliment could have been given to the book than Steve Gerber featuring a homage to Spider in his HTD MAX book
I'm old enough to have read Gerber before Ellis, and I was immediately taken with Spider sounding a lot like a Gerber character.
@@aldinbaroza9640 I agree, especially after reading Gerber's 90's Foolkiller book
@@tripdefect87 Foolkiller as written by Gerber? Now I regeret only HEARING about the caharcter.
I have the first 3 trade paperbacks of this series. I bought them without knowing much about it. The lady at the comic store I attend , said that her "non comic nerd" sister loved it. So that intrigued me tremendously. I'll dive in soon. I hope.
Sir Patrick Stewart wanted to play Spider Jerusalem for the longest time, but the film never got off the ground. What could have been...😕
Patrick Stewart? You're blowing my mind,man!
He wrote one of the intros to a collected volume as well. I no longer have that, but remember being very impressed by Stewart's writing ability and his love of the comic.
Personally I think Jim Carrey would make a better Spider Jerusalem but to each there own.
It shouldn't be a film then, but a series. Just like the boys back in the days, when someone tried to make a movie out of it in 2012
Just wanna say.....I miss the old jingle you tend to have when the intro plays
Transmet has always had a special place in my heart, and likely ranks among my top five from the Vertigo imprint. You make an interesting case regarding the series, but having read through it several times, I'm not sure I agree;
You claim that Spider is just as corrupt and hypocritical as those he exposes, manipulating others to get what he wants. Perhaps, but what does he want, and ultimately achieve? A life of seclusion, out of the city. He wants nothing to do with the society he is coerced into writing about. I can't say I blame him.
You also claim that a a social commentary (or satire) it's not very deep. My response is that it's as deep as it needs to be. If the ultimate message is that those in power exploit the lower and middle classes, that leaders in business, politics, and religion are soulless and corrupt, that cynicism, paranoia, and nihilism are not only understandable reactions to modern society, but possibly even required for survival, how much deeper need one dig? Trust no one in power seems to be the ultimate mantra, and I'm not sure it's bad advice.
If Spider were somehow portrayed in a heroic light, I might see more merit in your argument: but he's not. He is constantly dismissive to his assistants, flippant to his editors, cruel and petty to his targets, and barely functional as a human being. Nowhere are these traits shown as admirable, or is Spider seen as someone to emulate (outside of the cartoon versions, which I read as comedy)
Had your argument been "Spider Jerusalem is a flawed protagonist", I would have been on board. As it stands, I believe the narrative works because of Spiders flaws, not in spite of them. There are no heroes here. That's kind of the point.
Cool🗿🍷
Pseudo-profound
Transmet is highly irregular, and though the political intrigue and satire felt a bit flat, the science fiction tone it achieves (as the life in the City feels both contemporary and futuristic) and the darkly humorous concepts it brings (the reservations, the Transients, the Long Pig fast food joint, the displaced cryos) give the series a lot of color. Also, while almost all of the run Spider is clearly being the most Mary to ever Sue, the moments in whcih Ellis allow him some vulnerability are the series best (one panel of one of those splash page specials always stuck with me, where he wonders "Sometimes I want to be someone else so much it hurts")
I have this entire series but never finished reading it. I think I liked Ellis better in short run stuff.
How about doing a survey of the Helix imprint? I liked a lot of what it put out.
Aw man, yeah, I think my favorite Ellis work might be Supergod (singular).
I really liked Helix's *Vermilion* but was able to find it only sporadically. I'd love to read that whole print run eventually.
@@TitularHeroine My favorites were the ones written by Christopher Hinz - Gemini Blood and Dead Corps. I liked them enough that I tracked down his novels.
Warren Ellis' Spider Jerusalem is a personification of what everyone perceives journalists to be: people who seek to change society by showing their biases. In truth, until the 1990s (and even the 2010s), nobody cared about a journalist's opinion, the least of all their editor. Journalists aren't meant to have opinions, they are supposed to be detached. There's even an issue where Spider complains about it, that it's a wrong view of journalism (the phrase "possessed by ancient volcano gods" was used as the desirable state). But as journalism shifted into an "ass in chair" model, instead of Perry White's correct "get out there and bring me news" assessment (because nothing actually happens inside a bullpen), opinion became easier to sell to an audience, instead of actual reporting and verifying (picture a newspaper owner complaining to the editor "why did the journalist take a cab somewhere?" -- it was true by 2008), especially in the internet age of clickbait. So, yeah, I guess Warren perfectly foretold what the journalist of the future would look like.
And also it might change opinion about entire idea of Spider Jerusalem as well. Like Ellis said that Spider isn’t supposed to be idolized, but the way you stated along with the video’s critique show why.
Same with Light Yagami (a narcissistic honor student with delusion of grandeur but worshipped as hero by fans. Even Sage Bennett dissected him and Death Note as a series).
I just re-read this series for the first time in probably 5 years and I still love it. It's just overall silly and that's great.
WHERE IS THE INTRO MUSIC
Very good analysis. I would add that the whole arc of Yelena going from assistance to female version of Spider (complete with similar glasses and tattoos) while also having sex with him is pretty creepy, knowing what we now know about Ellis.
Or worse, the former assistant, Indira, that when 16 and helping him with a story gets the equivalent of being drugged with an aphrodisiac, get's porn of her distributed against her will ruining her life, and he doesn't even remember her. As much as I like the series, that always struck me as very ick.
@@vitalvisionary Yikes. I don't remember that part at all.
“A lot of Spider’s traits are present in today’s pundits and commentators” and by the end of the video “in the end he cares little about his audience and feels no responsibility towards them” and “has become an self serving hypocrite”. I should have read Transmetropolitan when it came out, nowadays I already have enough of contemporary, actual media vampiric whores.
Feel free to use whatever words you want, but I bristle at that usage of "whores." I think of sex workers, who aren't really responsible for the harm done by toxic media personalities, and even as a metaphor, I think it's a bit unfair to the skin trade. Opinions: Everyone's got 'em, I guess.
@@profjeff9 you are right: ladies of that profession have done nothing to me, so I take the comparison back.
I think that part of the video ignores a reoccurring aspect of the character. Spider is continuously expressing a deep empathy for the disenfranchised and mistreated, and tries to convey it to his audience in his columns. It's definitely overshadowed by the edge lord crap, which is a shame, but it's undeniably there.
And why should they be the first place your mind goes to when using the word? Prostitution is a word stemming side by side with prostate. Rhetorical question, because you always go first to an image of what is ultimately victimization, in order to alleviate SOME workers for their decisions to make ends meet. Even when the draft is still exclusively making prostitutes of men, and children, over even a single woman.
Not that the enforcement of draft makes a dent into the lines of men making ends meed BY making that decision. They quite enjoy keeping the supply line of Nestle cocoa moving, by prostituting themselves and pushing that GDP through $6000 office chairs for the military. Not that they've done aything to offend YOU.... that's the "media", like anti-war Tucker Carlson talking about self-sustenance and domestic production, over goods imports and trash exports.
Its astonishing how Transmetropolitan has aged like the film Idiocracy- no longer fiction, now a documentary of the present society.
Interesting. What you find "wrong" I find to be the "point" of the entire series. I know I've mentioned it before but, I'd really love to sit down and chat with ya. You are a very important voice in the current cacophony of the comic "industry" and while I disagree with you a lot, I've only ever gotten the sense that you love and respect this medium. Much more than the people that currently "control" it. For lack of better words.
I know he's supposed to be a pastiche of Hunter S. Thompson, but for some reason I've always read Spider's dialogue in my head with the voice of Tom Kenny putting on like a Jack Nicholson impression.
Darrick Robertson try to not make an edgy story impossible challenge. Kinda disappointed there is no mention of the art
Agreed. The art was quite noteworthy, especially in an era when 90s Image aesthetics were dominating the market.
I know people tend to be very divisive about Darrick Robertson's art but to be honest I think Transmetropolitan is his best of what I've seen.
Sorry Jubilee, Chamber, M. But this comic is the actual “generation X” generation x distilled into comic book form
Your criticisms of Ellis’ writing here seems to indicate that you haven’t read much Hunter S. Thompson.
You really should discuss the art. Darrick Robertson does career defining work in this book perfectly suited to the material. I think it’s the cause of a lot of the book’s success. I saw Spider before I ever read it, and his look was instantly iconic.
Very true. The art kind of counter balances the extreme cynicism of the script. I always enjoyed how, many of the sequences occurred in very pleasantly, illustrated daylight. As far as world building goes, Transmetropolitan is one of the memorable ones to me.
@@bweeptabop3944 Yeah it's look is wonderful. Also good point, it's cool that it's a dark and disturbing world that's generally well lit, bright and colorful.
I found Transmet' to be a lot of fun for the first few arcs. Spider's attitude to the crazy sci-fi world around him and how fucked up it made people, that sort of thing. When it becomes ALL about the election and his war against The Smiler, the book loses the anarchic zaniness and (for me) it's earlier identity. It just turns into a game of one-upmanship, which I knew Spider would win. The lack of stakes, and lack of amusing diversions, made the latter half of the run far less enjoyable a read.
As an idiosyncratic asshole commenting on and getting tangled up in the madness of the world, it worked. Like Futurama with more swearing. As a political takedown, it failed. At least for me.
I have a pitch for Ellis.
Present Chimp: Let Freedom Fling.
😂😂
I sorta wish we got that "Transmetropolitan" film with Sir Patrick Stewart as Spider Jerusalem. There's a good chance it would've been crap, but he would've been perfect for the role. If anyone wants to see Stewart give a crazed performance in live-action, look up the 1998 made-for-TV film "Safe House".
2nd best comic book series I ever read. What a wonderful strange trip full of ideas and concepts.
From what I remember, some of the transhumanism came over from something Ellis did in the UK called Lazarus Churchyard.
Transmetropolitan is one of my all time favorite comics this along with Garth Ennis preacher and grant Morrison's the invisibles showed me what comics can be. Transmet is angru political and social satire and science fiction at its finest.
This is one of my favorite comics of all time
I have no idea why, but I kept thinking of Grant Morrison as the lead in this series.
Spider and Grant are look-alikes. I occasionally mistake him and King Mob (who was visually a self-insert of Grant) for each other
I've got a few ideas on why.
despite its dated edge-lord meanness, you have to give it to Ellis for his futurism. Perfectly understood how social media would effect journalism and American fascist movements. Really astounding.
Ellis is definitely in my top 10 creators.
I've always had one voice in k
mind for Spider. Hunter Gathers from the Venture Bros, as well as a mix of Elvis.
I always wanted to know your opinion about this comic. Thanks for the great video, Overlord. ✌🏻
I was collecting comics when this came out and got the first 30-40 issues. Never finished it though. I've liked plenty of Ellis' other stuff though so I'll have to go back and finish it.
I remember loving Transmet when I first read it, even if it didn't capture my heart quite like Planetary and Authority. It'll be interesting when I finally come back for a reread with these points on my mind. Especially since my first read was before 2016.
I never really got into this series; it was like Warren Ellis turned up to eleven and I wasn't there for it.
I need to revisit Transmet, it was the first big non-cape series I ever started. It pulled me into the broader Vertigo worlds of Preacher, Sandman, Hellblazer.
Also I read it at a time when I was on a huge Hunter S Thompson kick, and when someone told me there was a comic that was What if Hunter S Thompson was basically the star of Futurama, and there's copious nudity and sex puppets. Well yeah I had to check it out. I actually have replica Spider glasses, and the first 2 Absolute editions.
One thing I am a little afraid of is that politically at the time, my biggest political concern was legalizing pot.
Now I'm an extremely politically minded, bordering on activist level of engagement. So i get the feeling that a lot of the political stuff won't hold up as well. That and the issue with Warren Ellis, which feels like it shouldn't be a thing. By everyone's admission, he never did anything too series. But he chose to be a dick about it, like Ellis could have made a public apology, and he'd still be writing Netflix Castlevania. At this point he's really brought his problematic status on himself..
When I first read Transmetropolitan it became my favorite comic. I really would like to reread it.
I used to love this series so much. I would reread it at least once or twice a year for a loooong time. A few years ago something stopped feeling right about it. It seemed more thin and superficial. I haven't picked it up since. I think I probably aged out of the series and what it was trying to say.
Ten years ago I probably would've loved Transmetropolitan, don't think I got the stomach for it nowadays but I appreciate your examination of it.
I honestly think this comic was ahead of it's time. Lot more relevant nowadays. I think people overlook it, seeing has too edgy and missing the big picture of it. Truthfully, I think the word "edgy" is overused and people apply it to things that aren't truly that edgy anyway. People like to throw around words and mess up the actual meaning of it.
There was way more to it than people think. Lots of the things they discussed ended up coming to pass.
Spider, the hero(?) you hate to love. Death by bowel disruptor!
Personally, I think that the idea of a public that is not looking for a new perspective over a topic, but rather validation of what they already believe while taking opinions as facts, is the aspect of the comic that has age the best. Also that part at the end on how spider is a hypocrite that ended up being similar to the people he critics really reflects with how Ellis ended up being in real life, if the aqusations towards him are true.
Speaking of Uncle Duke, have you ever made a video about Doonesburry? I haven’t bought a newspaper in years so I don’t even know if it’s still in print.
Watching this reminded me of an issue of Planetary that focused on alternate versions of Swamp Thing and Constantine, and ended with the Constantine slowly changing into Spider Jerusalem.
I wouldn't doubt that Ellis was trying to say something there, but whatever it was, it flew over my head.
I read this years after it ended, and had only read it because it was highly recommended. What I can remember was story empathising with cryonic survivors and the raw deal that they got, a rather pointless story about how the historical preserves were throwing countless lives away in pursuit of "historical preservation", and a short plot about Spider and the remains of his late ex-wife, and possibly someone trying to revive her. Not much to write home about.
Recently, I've been thinking of collecting some trades of this, but currently I'm leaning towards 'no'. There's alot more from the 60s-80s that I'm more interested in.
I still think about Transmetropolitan to this day. A lot of what I thought were just crazy, entertaining sci fi ideas have become eerily true today.
Yes!! Thank you for this!
I finally finished the whole series. Started reading 16 years ago and just never finished it, but now it's done. I enjoyed the sci-fi universe more than Spider himself.
I'd say you were a bit harsh on Transmet, but I can't imagine that Ellis or Spider would want it any other way. At the same time, I'm not sure if it was right to gloss over Ellis' ethical troubles over the past few years which large spun out of the Transmet fame.
It's still one of the best comic books I've ever read. I feel like maybe you didn't enjoy the ride as much as some of us, as you didn't focus on how much fun Transmet is. Personally, I find Transmet to be a very enjoyable read that stokes my fires of discontent while also reminding me that there are others in the world just as weird and gonzo, yet still attached to the idea that maybe society could be a little better, and its citizens a little kinder.
10/10 comic, would recommend to anybody who isn't a piece of crap. It's the rare piece of fiction that might just make you a better person. If you've got the right kind of eyes to read it right.
"At the same time, I'm not sure if it was right to gloss over Ellis' ethical troubles over the past few years which large spun out of the Transmet fame."
Why? The video's about the series, not bio of Ellis. Why do people insist that a person's work needs to be tied to their personal life in all media coverage? Who's goddamn business is Ellis' personal life? Being a fan of somebody's work doesn't entitle you to their life story.
Upon first reading I was pretty much elated and couldn't get enough of it. On second reading I started to see what's mentioned in the video: 1) he's always unquestionably right and 2) things seem to always happen to his favor even when he gets beaten down. But I still liked it.
On third read I only finished for nostalgia sake... it now seemed to have lost all that drawn me to it and felt quite childish to be honest... but I still like it even if for nostalgia only 🙂
you know a book is questionable when it's extremely popular on 4chan
I think comparing Transmetropolitan to "similar works" such as The Thick of It or The Newsroom misses the point of what it's meant to be. The Newsroom is an incredibly dry Sorkin dialogue driven drama; Spider Jerusalem shoots people with a diarrhea gun. Observations that it is shallow, puerile and bombastic are correct, but those are ultimately a big part of its charm.
Unlike Mark Millar or Garth Ennis, I don't get the idea that Ellis thinks he's smarter than everyone or is proving some self aggrandizing superiority. He's pissed off at the world, and the powerful people at that.
He's not just pissing downward on superhero comics for some weird reason and acting like that makes him jesus.
I've read and collected all of Transmet, and while it is one of my favourite comics for its acerbic wit and gritty sociopolitical satire, I will admit it is very much a product of its time, and has doubtless aged poorly in a number of aspects.
However, while I can't really disagree with any of the video's observations off-hand, I do think there is more to the narrative than this brief overview discusses, and I would be interested in seeing a more in-depth analysis.
Absolutely agree with most of what you're saying. I've glanced at transmetropolitan but quickly discarded it because it very quickly came across as being so poorly written/structured. Seemed like his whole point was as you said preaching very loudly to the already established audience.
Comparing Transmetropolitan to Veep is wild
I agree with some of the critique in this video. Sure, Spider swung at strawmen and easy villians. Had this been a more complex, well-thought-out work, it likely wouldn't be as visceral. It plays with strong forces and fast motion. I don't think every work has to support itself on all four legs. It's just not possible. I love the series for what it is, and accept what it isn't. It's a crowded, colorful, filthy look at a potential world that awaits us; it's punk on paper and a great creative mind working toward its apex. It may offend, it may assume, it may attack, but it entertains and it asks questions.
Truly amazing
It's not vary vague, it's stated explicitly, that he is the 1% that survives. Did you even read it?
Any benefit to others is a side effect? He takes care of people who feel lost in time, he appreciates everyone, no matter how they are made.
Marvel B&W video im still waiting for anyone to tackle the topic
Great review! Also, the Newsroom is so underrated too.
One of the best fictions ever created
So part of me wonder if it can be compared to Idiocracy. Like both did have a satirical tone, but Transmetropolitan seems to have more depth than just "poor people are dumb" (at least showing lack of empathy, even smart people can do worse if they are cruel or asshole, and things will only improve if you are willing to take action...the "next winter" being surpisingly optimistic despite coming from a cynical and rude Spider, who even stated that city in his childhood is smoggy and lizards are only food they have in contrast to more cleaner and well-fed present).
It was a pretty dang good series.
Nice video
Great video!
I feel like Spider was an absolute nail-on-the-head prediction to todays internet trolls. but he's more eloquently worded, does professional burns. instead of like, "thats not what your mom was saying last night lol", he's more "one day ill shit in your moms lungs and let her choak on my fecal matter so when she spits on my face it feels even better" and that is entirely why this is one of my favorite series. Spider is such a vibe. need to re-read this lol after so long because I bet its even better all these years later 😂
If netflix or whatever ever tries to make a transmetropolitan series i will burn this entire world
My Brother really liked the series when he read it decade or so ago, but it just didn't appeal to me.
It was such a fun comic tbh
i tried to get into this and I just couldn't . Neat concept with an incredibly cringe and puerile execution
"Neat concept with an incredibly cringe and puerile execution" describes a LOT of indie comics of that era. :(
@@BCWasbrough looool you're not wrong. I will say "It was the way things were back then" but IMO the actual reason is that it was a symptom of what happens when a very narrow and tired out demographic ends up at the helm of nearly everything. If there was less gatekeeping in comics, this would be avoided entirely because things would be able to grow beyond this sophomoric POV
@@DiodeMilliampere When I say "product of their times", it's because I read a LOT of Ellis, Ennis, Millar, Morrison, and Gaiman then. The "edgy" crap was a reaction to needing to stand out from all the Marvel and DC stuff dominating the market.
Here comes the pseudo-intellectual talking about cringe when he spends more time interacting with midi controllers and soldering irons than other human beings lol
@@PropsOutProductions I take it you're an expert on cringe. I defer to your obviously elevated levels of cringe
My big problem with the series was the dragged out ending over three issues where it only needed one. That's an Ellis hallmark.
Transmet is one of my favourite series, a real shame that Ellis did not return for a prequel special that takes place before he moved to the mountain and grew a beard (maybe titled ‘PayBack’?).
I think that Ellis was afraid to make it longer and more realistic/nuanced because it could bore or alienate many readers, we have to remember that it’s not an adventure comic with supernatural elements and a serialised story about journalism with some kind of action isn’t easy.
Could he be referring to the 1% who don't give a shit or even despise thier audience but were still able to maintain it?
Can't help myself but thinking the Smiller prefigure in some way president Macron.
I remember reading a few issues and not liking it one bit.... I found it trying to be SO EDGY.... the 90s was a joke compared to the 70s and 80s...
🤙
Transmetropolitan is cyberpunk at its most nihilistic.
As far as I know Thompson didn’t dislike Kennedy, so when we assume that the Beast represents Nixon I’m wondering who the Smiler is supposed to be. When I look at him Blair really comes to mind but does anyone have a better idea?
Why would there be a better idea? Spider being based on Thompson doesn't necessarily mean that Spider is a 1:1 representation of Thompson. Not everything is an allegory.
Considering how well-loved this series is, having a critical perspective on it is wonderfully bracing.
Focusing on the straw-man quality to Spider's opponents is particularly striking. When the world is being otherwise portrayed as 'grim,' which often is connected to 'realistic' for reasons that are worth unpacking elsewhere, this kind of 'easy heroism' from Spider is thankfully examined.
That said, I think this analysis may have overly focused on and been judged by the political-parody-satire of the series. The 'weird sci fi' is nearly as important as the politics, and in many cases are wrapped up within it.
I also wonder if it's worth considering this as 'superheroic journalism.' Which is to say, it wasn't trying to be a political parody of a particular moment so much as it had the 'power fantasy' of speaking 'Truth' to power. Consider how often Spider evokes 'Truth.' The aesthetic experience it's providing isn't one of engaged critique of the current climate, so much as it is the escapism of a power fantasy, mixed with the heady, weird sci fi ideas."
There's also a kind of gonzo comedy, watching this unbridled character let loose on people around them in often darkly hilarious ways.
Many others have noted that Darick Robertson's art is also key to this series, and that needs to be said! He helps bring the comedy, the weirdness, and the passion of the character that many fell in love with.
(I think a shorter essay addendum on Darick's art would be a great coda to this analysis!)
Cool shout out to Armando Ianucci!
Can you do one for Astro City?
Bruh, yet another Strange Brain Parts video I have to skip because I only found books 1-5 of 10 at my half priced books until some troglodyte took 6 and 7 and I don't want to spoil this comic.
Fair enough! This will spoil the overall story, so I don't blame you for putting it to the side for now.
I really like ellis' writing so might check this one out. Always avoided it because it screamed old man boomer angst. Also random thought but there are so so many comics left to read that I stopped complaining that their quality fell off (at least with the big 2) I'm yet to finish some of my favorite IPs. I'll probably die before I do.
I read trade paperback likes today news
a Warren Ellis series that I did not care for at all. It had no appeal to me. also, Hunter S. Thompson had no appeal to me... except as Uncle Duke in Doonesbury. lol Nice Video.
Helix?
DC sci-fi imprint. Most of the comics there were misses. Transmetropolitan lucked out with its over-the-top gonzo journalism in addition to transhumanism.
Transmet is an all time great. Warren Ellis is problematic though...
I've only read the first volume of Transmetropolitan. Should I bother?
Yes, it,'s great
I couldn't get into this book
Sadly the most accurate HST analogs are Spider’s extreme abuse of anyone in range & subfunctional addiction issues
Ive been saying this(to myself) for years
planetary/authority castlevania are warren ellis' only good work
and dead space i guess
What I don't like about the video is that it doesn't look at the story alone. You're looking at it from a political lense almost, the real life one. And judging spider as a real person, he's an interesting character not a perfect person.
I've never read this, but judging by the artwork the guy comes off more as a cringelord rather than "cool"
I mean, shouldnt one mention the storytelling? This was about as cynical and myopic a take as one of Spiders own ;)
Just for the record. Warren Ellis did nothing wrong.
I'll admit, when I listened to this I genuinely thought I was listening to rambling and someone straw-manning about late 90's comments with a lot of "bad language", and "edgy situations". Both of those arguments hit like someone trying to hit me in the face with paper. That of course being annoying, accomplishing absolutely nothing, and overall being utterly meaningless, because subjectivity is not objective, especially if your words wreak of subjectivity without a very good reason. Edgy is an irritating word I often hear, although I think it is mostly in service of terrible stories anyway. Ah well, I at least hope there isn't some double-standard against profanity or "offensive" content. I mean, how unfortunate would that be? Or maybe, it just isn't a double-standard, and I was most likely forced to think about everything only in reference to swearing and stuff? I simply can't say. No seriously, what can I say?
He's so edgy. I bet it is spelled Spyder.
There's a massive difference between Spider as a character and today's political jokes. It's that Spider doesn't actually take himself seriously, he doesn't project the stance of superiority you claim that he does. At no point in the course of series does Spider insinuate that he's "better" in any way than those he is in constant conflict with, except for off-handed jokes. It's interesting that you've projected your personal views into your perception of the series, though. It shows how difficult it is for us to separate the intentions of others(creators, friends, family, politicians, characters) from our own world-views.