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Transreality
What makes us human? Our body? Our mind? Our experiences?
Imagine a universe where no one dies. The human mind is a digital program that can be copied, saved and reprogramed. The idea of self and identity are completely redefined. This is the world of Transreality.
Transreality is a graphic novel that tells the story of James Watson, a man living his everyday life in 2013 Yorkshire…or so he thinks. As this futuristic story unfolds, James discovers a universe of splintered cultures, artificial intelligences, uplifted animals and virtual worlds. James explores his new universe, his place in it and what it means to be human.
Imagine a universe where no one dies. The human mind is a digital program that can be copied, saved and reprogramed. The idea of self and identity are completely redefined. This is the world of Transreality.
Transreality is a graphic novel that tells the story of James Watson, a man living his everyday life in 2013 Yorkshire…or so he thinks. As this futuristic story unfolds, James discovers a universe of splintered cultures, artificial intelligences, uplifted animals and virtual worlds. James explores his new universe, his place in it and what it means to be human.
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 2, 2013
The funny thing about sci-fi stories is that they can on occasion drown in exposition. I can't count the numbers of times I've picked up a book and struggled with the galactic war between the Thargians and their Spurf technology and the Blah-di-Blahs on their home planet of Poop. For some stories, this is a tragedy as there are story gems simply waiting to be discovered under the layers of crud. For other stories this is necessary as they have nothing else to say beyond exposition.
Not so with this one.
Transhumanism is a tricky subject at the best of times as it directly addresses what it is to be human and (through technology) what happens next. This story cleverly addresses these topics and intertwines it with characters you care about.
Another thing worth mentioning is the sense of joy this book evokes. Other books that cover this sort of material can be a bit dry and soulless, where this one explores the possibility that a world or technological marvels could be fun.
Not so with this one.
Transhumanism is a tricky subject at the best of times as it directly addresses what it is to be human and (through technology) what happens next. This story cleverly addresses these topics and intertwines it with characters you care about.
Another thing worth mentioning is the sense of joy this book evokes. Other books that cover this sort of material can be a bit dry and soulless, where this one explores the possibility that a world or technological marvels could be fun.
September 15, 2014
I won this book in one of the giveaways, so I think it's only fair I review it.
I entered the giveaway because the plot sounded interesting. By the time it arrived in the post I'd forgotten it was a graphic novel, but I wasn't disappointed.
The story was great, and I was glad to find it wasn't overly complicated, like some scifi stories are. The biggest drawback was the artwork. The fact that everything was drawn as simplified realistism, really distracted me. Even though the characters were easily recognisable, I had trouble empathizing with them, as the style seemed too plain.
I feel bad for being so picky, but when reading comics and graphic novels, the artwork is what draws me in.
I will say, however, that anyone who wants a good story about reality and simulated reality would be smart to read this, because the story is quite good.
I entered the giveaway because the plot sounded interesting. By the time it arrived in the post I'd forgotten it was a graphic novel, but I wasn't disappointed.
The story was great, and I was glad to find it wasn't overly complicated, like some scifi stories are. The biggest drawback was the artwork. The fact that everything was drawn as simplified realistism, really distracted me. Even though the characters were easily recognisable, I had trouble empathizing with them, as the style seemed too plain.
I feel bad for being so picky, but when reading comics and graphic novels, the artwork is what draws me in.
I will say, however, that anyone who wants a good story about reality and simulated reality would be smart to read this, because the story is quite good.
January 26, 2014
I am pretty new to the concept of trans-humanism, but this graphic novel was an excellent introduction. Chris Lackey has created a story that everyone will enjoy whether or not hey are into science fiction or not. I read it in one sitting, not being able to put it down, which is and effect that most graphic novels don't have on me.
The writing, with help from editor, Chad Fifer, along with the vibrant illustrations go together in an easily digestible book. Lackey's characters have emotion, not only in their expressions but in the way they move from panel to panel. Great work indeed.
The writing, with help from editor, Chad Fifer, along with the vibrant illustrations go together in an easily digestible book. Lackey's characters have emotion, not only in their expressions but in the way they move from panel to panel. Great work indeed.
November 18, 2013
Was really excited for this book, particularly having watched it develop as a backer on the kick starter. I wasn't disappointed when it arrived. As a real fan of dystopian futures, this foray into transhumanism really intrigued me and I enjoyed where it went.
The artistic style by Chris is well worth a mention too.
My only complaint would be that it was over too soon, but I can't hold that against it.
I strongly recommend it.
The artistic style by Chris is well worth a mention too.
My only complaint would be that it was over too soon, but I can't hold that against it.
I strongly recommend it.
November 11, 2013
My sincerest congratulations to Chris Lackey for creating Transreality. This GN is a great foray into transhumanism and has a rockin' hard sci-fi vibe while remaining totally accessible. Consider me a proud and satisfied Kickstarter backer.
P.S. I love Audrey Gellar. Her facial expressions suit the character so well, and she's such an interesting character in general!
P.S. I love Audrey Gellar. Her facial expressions suit the character so well, and she's such an interesting character in general!
March 26, 2014
Solid writing and nice artwork pair together to support a transhumanist story within a hyper-futuristic background. The kind of thing that would make Philip K. Dick jealous.
June 28, 2014
There's not much that's new here as far as transhumanism goes, but it's a solid entry in the genre.
December 6, 2023
Transreality is fascinating and all the wilder that it's a one man band!
This was another random library find and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm gutted to see the Kickstarter for the second volume didn't fire back in 2015.
The conceit that I don't want to spoil is fascinating and only more intriguing and confusing when you read the four page prelude Lackey used to pitch the project. I absolutely don't pretend to understand the whys and meanings behind the scenes, but the tranhumanist future it explores is a passionate and fun love letter to so many sci-fi greats that have clearly influenced Lackey.
The scope and quality of this being a one person operation is obscene. There are nitpicks around some of the art and script I might have if this wasn't such an indie endeavour, but, frankly, this is a solid and lovingly created future that might not quite live up to some of the comparisons on the back cover and others have said about it. By no means does that not mean this is bloody good!
This was another random library find and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm gutted to see the Kickstarter for the second volume didn't fire back in 2015.
The conceit that I don't want to spoil is fascinating and only more intriguing and confusing when you read the four page prelude Lackey used to pitch the project. I absolutely don't pretend to understand the whys and meanings behind the scenes, but the tranhumanist future it explores is a passionate and fun love letter to so many sci-fi greats that have clearly influenced Lackey.
The scope and quality of this being a one person operation is obscene. There are nitpicks around some of the art and script I might have if this wasn't such an indie endeavour, but, frankly, this is a solid and lovingly created future that might not quite live up to some of the comparisons on the back cover and others have said about it. By no means does that not mean this is bloody good!
March 2, 2015
A friend bought this for me and I really liked the artwork. It was vivid and with decent detail. The story itself was okay, my biggest problem being I ended up not caring about the characters. Things change with little emotion and I felt quite detached from what I was reading. So it wasn't for me but then I know plenty who like this type of work. Therefore a non-descript 3 stars.
December 8, 2015
Cool characters (would like to know Alexis' arc, and backstory. Audrey was fab, plus wonderfully drawn) and an interesting concept.
March 13, 2018
This is such a good concept, so it’s a shame the dialogue is so uneven and the storytelling is, frankly, a little hard to follow—particularly in the first issue.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews