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Transmetropolitan (Collected Editions) #5-6
Transmetropolitan Book Three
Life is not getting easier for Spider Jerusalem, as he is starting to have blackouts and episodes of mental confusion not related to his usual diet of narcotics and whiskey! Can investigative reporter Spider Jerusalem still fight the injustices of the 21st-century Babylon...or has the corrupted city taken one more soul?
Having had enough of the warped 21st-century Babylon that he lives in, Spider escapes into a world of bitterness and pills. As he stumbles through this haze of depression and drugs, he must find a way to cover the biggest story of the year, the presidential election. Armed with only his demented mind and dark sense of humor, Spider embarks on an adventure of political cynicism, horrific sex, and unwelcome celebrity that culminates in a shocking and ruinous ending.
Having had enough of the warped 21st-century Babylon that he lives in, Spider escapes into a world of bitterness and pills. As he stumbles through this haze of depression and drugs, he must find a way to cover the biggest story of the year, the presidential election. Armed with only his demented mind and dark sense of humor, Spider embarks on an adventure of political cynicism, horrific sex, and unwelcome celebrity that culminates in a shocking and ruinous ending.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
16 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Warren Ellis
1,972 books5,771 followersWarren Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE and the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN, as well as the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR. His newest book is the novella NORMAL, from FSG Originals, listed as one of Amazon’s Best 100 Books Of 2016.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 17, 2021
Ellis captures something of the paranoia of a pre-9/11 late 90s and early aughts here where he really moves Spyder Jerusalem into the main political intrigue of the comic. Damaged from the death of the death of Vita Severn, Jerusalem launches into the President Callahan, "The Smiler." There are still bits of world building here, such as Yellena and Channon day away from Spyder, but mostly this moves the comic forward. Darick Robertson's art gets more madcap and someways richer for its grime.
May 11, 2020
Quite obviously twenty years old because it is relentlessly un-woke.
Therefore, it is still edgy.
But not always funny.
Therefore, it is still edgy.
But not always funny.
May 15, 2021
Ovu kolekciju sam malo "razvukao", malo valjda pregoreh nakon što sam prve dve knjige slistio, pa samim tim nekako utisak mora biti lošiji, kada se već detalja sa početka ne sećam sada kada sam je konačno pročitao.
Warren Ellis je dobar strip autor, no kao i kolega mu Gart Enis, nekada previše štrokav i pogan za bilo čije dobro. Dok me je ta neizmerna poganost zabavljala pre desetak godina, danas se već ofucala. Prvo bi svako mogao reći da je to zbog mojih godina i verovatno bi delom bio u pravu. Ipak, dok gledam svet, vaskoliku svetinu tužnih ljudi, vidim da dok je eto maksimum do pre 10-15 godina (i to ako baš nategnemo) takva prljavština mogla da prođe kao kontra-kultura i kontra malograđanštini (no već sada, u retrospekciji, shvatam da je to vreme prošlo bar još koju dekadu pre), danas je prljavština sve što je ostalo.
Transmetropolitan je sajberpank storija o novinaru u društvu poznog, ne-baš-sasvim ekstremnog kapitalizma (može ekstremnije). Glavni junak je narkoman, smrdljiv i lud, ali i besan i idealista. Spženog mozga, na granici svesti kreće u brutalan okršaj sa otuđenom i zlom vrhuškom. Sve to zarad grada i ubogih stanovnika istog koje žali, kojih se i gadi, ali ipak oseća potrebu da ih izvuče iz slepog ropstva koje jeste život u građanskom, demokratskom, liberalnom, kapitalističkom društvu.
Ellis ovde iscrtava, kako on vidi, završnu fazu zapadnog neo-liberalnog kapitalizma, sunovrat ideje o demokraatiji u prostu farsu, no danas njegov svet izgleda ponajviše kao Kina (u svakom suštinskom smislu) + površna i besmislena "sloboda" zapada - demokratski izbori, degenerativni eksperimenti sa genima vanzemaljaca, prostitucija, narkotici, sunovrat svih tradicija i tradicionalnih institucija - sloboda u besmislenom truljenju...
Warren Ellis je dobar strip autor, no kao i kolega mu Gart Enis, nekada previše štrokav i pogan za bilo čije dobro. Dok me je ta neizmerna poganost zabavljala pre desetak godina, danas se već ofucala. Prvo bi svako mogao reći da je to zbog mojih godina i verovatno bi delom bio u pravu. Ipak, dok gledam svet, vaskoliku svetinu tužnih ljudi, vidim da dok je eto maksimum do pre 10-15 godina (i to ako baš nategnemo) takva prljavština mogla da prođe kao kontra-kultura i kontra malograđanštini (no već sada, u retrospekciji, shvatam da je to vreme prošlo bar još koju dekadu pre), danas je prljavština sve što je ostalo.
Transmetropolitan je sajberpank storija o novinaru u društvu poznog, ne-baš-sasvim ekstremnog kapitalizma (može ekstremnije). Glavni junak je narkoman, smrdljiv i lud, ali i besan i idealista. Spženog mozga, na granici svesti kreće u brutalan okršaj sa otuđenom i zlom vrhuškom. Sve to zarad grada i ubogih stanovnika istog koje žali, kojih se i gadi, ali ipak oseća potrebu da ih izvuče iz slepog ropstva koje jeste život u građanskom, demokratskom, liberalnom, kapitalističkom društvu.
Ellis ovde iscrtava, kako on vidi, završnu fazu zapadnog neo-liberalnog kapitalizma, sunovrat ideje o demokraatiji u prostu farsu, no danas njegov svet izgleda ponajviše kao Kina (u svakom suštinskom smislu) + površna i besmislena "sloboda" zapada - demokratski izbori, degenerativni eksperimenti sa genima vanzemaljaca, prostitucija, narkotici, sunovrat svih tradicija i tradicionalnih institucija - sloboda u besmislenom truljenju...
November 28, 2015
Moram priznati da me iznenadio "uvodni" sarkastično-nadahnuti uvod sir Patricka Stewarta, ton teksta, kao i činjenica da prati jedan strip serijal tipa Metropolitan. Dojam čovjeka, očito, ponekad vara. ;)
Što se tiče Spidera Jeruzalema, on i dalje mlatara poganom jezičinom, seroganom ispisuje anale istine o Metropoli, obračunava se sa licemjerjem, zločinom, korupcijom na najvišem nivou i promovira sve osobine istraživačkog novinarstva. Njegove metode su neortodoksne, nerijetko vrlo verbalizirane, no njegov vrhunski ideal je istina, čista i neprikosnovena. A sve ostalo je sranje i hipokrizija. "Nasmijani" precjednik i dalje je numero uno na njegovoj listi za odstrjel, a to se prenosi i u sljedeću knjigu.
Ellis ponekad skreće sa zacrtanog puta raznim digresijama, mijenjajući strukturu kadrova ili naracije, tako da se na nekoj metarazini sama forma stapa s karakteristikama lika. Specifični smisao za humor, sadržaj na razini otrovne satire, brutalne činjenice o životu i vremenu, svega toga ima.
Fraza za kraj, ako ste već pomislili da je Spider pokleknuo pred sveprisutnom korupcijom, uplašio se za svoj život kad mu policija pokuca na vrata, ili priznao sve do unatrag kad je kao mali krao bombone u dućan...
"Nitko neće sjebati istinu."
Što se tiče Spidera Jeruzalema, on i dalje mlatara poganom jezičinom, seroganom ispisuje anale istine o Metropoli, obračunava se sa licemjerjem, zločinom, korupcijom na najvišem nivou i promovira sve osobine istraživačkog novinarstva. Njegove metode su neortodoksne, nerijetko vrlo verbalizirane, no njegov vrhunski ideal je istina, čista i neprikosnovena. A sve ostalo je sranje i hipokrizija. "Nasmijani" precjednik i dalje je numero uno na njegovoj listi za odstrjel, a to se prenosi i u sljedeću knjigu.
Ellis ponekad skreće sa zacrtanog puta raznim digresijama, mijenjajući strukturu kadrova ili naracije, tako da se na nekoj metarazini sama forma stapa s karakteristikama lika. Specifični smisao za humor, sadržaj na razini otrovne satire, brutalne činjenice o životu i vremenu, svega toga ima.
Fraza za kraj, ako ste već pomislili da je Spider pokleknuo pred sveprisutnom korupcijom, uplašio se za svoj život kad mu policija pokuca na vrata, ili priznao sve do unatrag kad je kao mali krao bombone u dućan...
"Nitko neće sjebati istinu."
September 11, 2023
Definitely the best book of the series so far, the first story arc in here was very interesting and then seeing spiders life almost fall apart before getting back at the president was great. All in all a fun read and looking forward to reading the next one!
June 18, 2024
Warren Ellis is a writer for writers with a lot of balls and this is yet another example. The story arc in this one had its ups and downs but ended really well. Can’t wait to read the next.
December 20, 2020
So wrong but so right in many ways..I'm really digging this series.
May 1, 2021
(Zero spoiler review for the series as a whole) 4.5/5
I haven't read a lot of Warren Ellis, although I rather quite like what I have read so far. This was the first long running series that I finished earlier this year when my love affair with comic books started. My local library somehow had all ten TPB's on hand, and so I voraciously consumed them, and have since bought books 1,2,3 and am awaiting 4 and 5 upon release. That is about as big of an endorsement as I can provide, going out and purchasing a series of books that I have already read. The only downside is that DC comics is releasing them in softcover larger trades, rather than in a hardcover omnibus, which is of course what they should be doing. Although DC comics is a cesspool of apathy and illogical decisions of late, so I'm disappointed, although hardly surprised.
Transmetropolitan (don't let the name fool you, this is about as far from a modern PC tale as you could get). It tells the tale of Spider Jerusalem, which may just be one of the coolest character names ever. A former journalist who fled New York City years ago for a secluded life in the wilderness, is dragged back into the neon vibrance and soul shattering dystopia of his former life. Over the course of the 60 issues, we follow Spider's exploits as he tirelessly works to expose the embedded corruption within the political system, and indeed every aspect of life. Dozens pf pages could be filled, dissecting the hideous and hilarious world that Ellis created over the course of the run, although I'll endeavour not to tumble down that rabbit hole and keep things as brief as possible. Spider is a mixed bag of a character. one minute championing the plight of the forgotten and downtrodden as he tears down the establishment in his own, enigmatic style, yet the next minute, will be stomping on a puppy in the street, or cursing humanity as a whole, and wanting to damn the whole fetid lot of them into some dark abyss so he can finally have some peace. It should be noted here, that although the book deals with some very serious and relevant issues we still face nowadays, the entire story is done with tongue cemented firmly in cheek. so the idea of stomping dogs in the street (cause Spider Jerusalem is a cat person) is no reason at all to turn away from this title. This book tries ridiculously hard to upset every single person who picks it up, yet you are so busy being entertained by it, that you'll likely never be bothered by it. It is a sad indictment on the modern comic industry, and society as a whole, that this book would never get published these days. This makes it even more precious and important. Something that should be savoured. this is how artists used to be able to create. Freely and liberally.
Darick Robertson, who does the art for the majority of the run was the first artist that I fell in love with since picking up a comic book. His detailed yet deranged style suits the series down to the ground, and is perhaps even more a part of the series than Ellis' writing, which is mostly very strong throughout. Ellis manages to blend the continuous, irreverent humour of the series with some at times, very meaningful revelations and character twists. Whilst the fairly simple premise and narrative can become a tad jumbled or repetitive at times, for the most part, Ellis has created an amazingly detailed world, that will have you shaking your head and smiling all at once.
Spider is followed by a small yet wonderful cast of characters, the stars of which is his two 'filthy' assistants. Two complex, engaging and attractive (Oh no!) women, whom admire and despise Spider in equal measure. Several slimy political figures feature as the main antagonists throughout the run, which were obviously needed as something to ground the story and give Spider something to work towards, though Transmetropolitan for me, was at its strongest when Spider was simply opining the world he sees around him. Looking at it all through his grimy rose tinted glasses, and wondering where it all went wrong.
In closing, you definitely should read Transmetropolitan. You really should. Not only is it a fantastically written and drawn comic book, but it is also a signpost for what the medium used to be. When content creators were given free reign, without fear or reproach or reprisal from any minority source, which Ellis recently became the unfortunate victim of himself. Seriously, go out there and read this book and reminisce at the former beauty of this medium. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
I haven't read a lot of Warren Ellis, although I rather quite like what I have read so far. This was the first long running series that I finished earlier this year when my love affair with comic books started. My local library somehow had all ten TPB's on hand, and so I voraciously consumed them, and have since bought books 1,2,3 and am awaiting 4 and 5 upon release. That is about as big of an endorsement as I can provide, going out and purchasing a series of books that I have already read. The only downside is that DC comics is releasing them in softcover larger trades, rather than in a hardcover omnibus, which is of course what they should be doing. Although DC comics is a cesspool of apathy and illogical decisions of late, so I'm disappointed, although hardly surprised.
Transmetropolitan (don't let the name fool you, this is about as far from a modern PC tale as you could get). It tells the tale of Spider Jerusalem, which may just be one of the coolest character names ever. A former journalist who fled New York City years ago for a secluded life in the wilderness, is dragged back into the neon vibrance and soul shattering dystopia of his former life. Over the course of the 60 issues, we follow Spider's exploits as he tirelessly works to expose the embedded corruption within the political system, and indeed every aspect of life. Dozens pf pages could be filled, dissecting the hideous and hilarious world that Ellis created over the course of the run, although I'll endeavour not to tumble down that rabbit hole and keep things as brief as possible. Spider is a mixed bag of a character. one minute championing the plight of the forgotten and downtrodden as he tears down the establishment in his own, enigmatic style, yet the next minute, will be stomping on a puppy in the street, or cursing humanity as a whole, and wanting to damn the whole fetid lot of them into some dark abyss so he can finally have some peace. It should be noted here, that although the book deals with some very serious and relevant issues we still face nowadays, the entire story is done with tongue cemented firmly in cheek. so the idea of stomping dogs in the street (cause Spider Jerusalem is a cat person) is no reason at all to turn away from this title. This book tries ridiculously hard to upset every single person who picks it up, yet you are so busy being entertained by it, that you'll likely never be bothered by it. It is a sad indictment on the modern comic industry, and society as a whole, that this book would never get published these days. This makes it even more precious and important. Something that should be savoured. this is how artists used to be able to create. Freely and liberally.
Darick Robertson, who does the art for the majority of the run was the first artist that I fell in love with since picking up a comic book. His detailed yet deranged style suits the series down to the ground, and is perhaps even more a part of the series than Ellis' writing, which is mostly very strong throughout. Ellis manages to blend the continuous, irreverent humour of the series with some at times, very meaningful revelations and character twists. Whilst the fairly simple premise and narrative can become a tad jumbled or repetitive at times, for the most part, Ellis has created an amazingly detailed world, that will have you shaking your head and smiling all at once.
Spider is followed by a small yet wonderful cast of characters, the stars of which is his two 'filthy' assistants. Two complex, engaging and attractive (Oh no!) women, whom admire and despise Spider in equal measure. Several slimy political figures feature as the main antagonists throughout the run, which were obviously needed as something to ground the story and give Spider something to work towards, though Transmetropolitan for me, was at its strongest when Spider was simply opining the world he sees around him. Looking at it all through his grimy rose tinted glasses, and wondering where it all went wrong.
In closing, you definitely should read Transmetropolitan. You really should. Not only is it a fantastically written and drawn comic book, but it is also a signpost for what the medium used to be. When content creators were given free reign, without fear or reproach or reprisal from any minority source, which Ellis recently became the unfortunate victim of himself. Seriously, go out there and read this book and reminisce at the former beauty of this medium. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
May 13, 2025
Stars: 4.25 (rounded to 4)
“There’s all the good things on this ticket, and pure f*cking evil too. And all the same, I’m going down with you.”
For once, I wanted more story and less one-shots. The individual tales were fun and wild, but the main plot of how Spider was going to take down the Smiler was what I wanted. And boy, did those parts deliver. There was also another random moment of kindness again from Spider to a kid, so maybe he just has a soft spot for kids.
This collection had single issues with multiple artists, which were fantastic art-wise but again, were distractions from the main plot. Not that I didn’t love anime Spider or action-hero Spider. Hilarious concepts.
I loved Issue 33 that was Channon and Yelena focused. They kick ass!
I can’t wait to continue the series, especially since we’re left with a crazy cliffhanger ending.
“There’s all the good things on this ticket, and pure f*cking evil too. And all the same, I’m going down with you.”
For once, I wanted more story and less one-shots. The individual tales were fun and wild, but the main plot of how Spider was going to take down the Smiler was what I wanted. And boy, did those parts deliver. There was also another random moment of kindness again from Spider to a kid, so maybe he just has a soft spot for kids.
This collection had single issues with multiple artists, which were fantastic art-wise but again, were distractions from the main plot. Not that I didn’t love anime Spider or action-hero Spider. Hilarious concepts.
I loved Issue 33 that was Channon and Yelena focused. They kick ass!
I can’t wait to continue the series, especially since we’re left with a crazy cliffhanger ending.
September 21, 2020
I like the concept of 'Transmetropolitan,' but there's always something a little bit unsatisfying about being TOLD how Spider Jerusalem is an amazing gadfly journalist who writes stories that can shake the very powers that rule the nation...but never really fully SEEING it. This collected volume features one story titled 'Monstering' in which Spider and his assistants follow a guy around, asking him the same difficult questions about a pornography racket he's been involved in. It's played mainly for laughs--Spider and crew appear in crowds wearing old-timey reporter outfits, they emerge holographically from the guy's toilet, and eventually they get the story, but it didn't feel entirely earned. Still worth reading, and I expect I'll continue the series.
July 19, 2020
La mayor parte de este tomo está compuesta por historias independientes que sirven para que Ellis de rienda suelta a sus locuras y escupa lo que le rota por la cabeza al tiempo que las tramas principales siguen avanzando. Tres de los cuatro últimos números, por otro lado, forman un arco completo en el que Spider lanza un órdago que hará temblar al presidente Callaghan, al cuerpo de policía, y a todos los corruptos que osen oponerse a él. Para terminar un número especial en el que un montón de dibujantes invitados aportan su visión de la ciudad y elluniverso de transmetropolitan.
November 3, 2025
“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
-H.L. Mencken:On Politics: A Carnival of Buncombe (1919)
Yes - 1919.
It is mind-boggling that this series was written as a post-911 reaction to events in the world. One can dive into this volume and believe it to be speaking to an audience that is post-2017 or post-2025.
It is a sad thought that Ellis can cites Mencken from 90 years ago and that the discussion on the press and government can still hit the same tones, a dirge that spans a century - or perhaps we are always cycling towards an inevitable, repeated verse?
The previous book dealt with the presidential election, the murder of Vita Severn, and Spiders' attempt to convince the masses to vote for the lesser evil (or the evil you know).
The Word is getting hit with D-Notices by the new administration due to Spider's material revealing the truth of President Callahan's (aka. The Smiler) administration, specifically the bed of lies and corruption that it is based upon.
Soon emough, it becomes time for The Press to become more unpredictable, more feral, to continue to act as the check it is meant to be, the Fourth Estate as the watchdog against the previous three.
There are plenty of moments where Ellis is speaking directly to the reader through one of Spider's monologues.
One of the issues features becoming super popular in the media, with his necessary edge being made more palatable for the masses - each of these feedd programs is penned and illustrated by a different team, and their inclusion is a welcome break from all the seriousness.
Let's leave off with a 2nd hit of pure Mencken:
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself, without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane and intolerable, and so, if he is romantic, he tries to change it. And even if he is not romantic personally he is very apt to spread discontent among those who are.”
March 19, 2023
Following the previous volume, Spider Jerusalem has found himself as a major political target creating much higher stakes for his column. Spider seeks justice (and vengeance) for his fallen friend, Vita Severn, and begins to take actions to take down the perpetrators. Spider's growing infamy has also served to be a double-edged blade - he's now routinely caricatured across all forms of media, showing up as a cartoon character, a fictional character in films (both mainstream and of the adult variety), and as a general piece of political satire. Spider laments this satirization as he feels somewhat defanged.
This volume continues the heavy political themes, and adds a heavy dose of civil unrest and police brutality in the mix with the "Lonely City" arc. The take on it leans satirical though under the veneer of Spider's crass dialogue, it is clear that the sentiments are reflective of the time the book is written (though still pretty timely).
Continuing on with this volume is the great worldbuilding elements to tie things together, along with the development of secondary characters. The issue where Yelena and Channon get to take a day off to themselves was an endearing issue and also allows us a better appreciation of how Spider is viewed through the lens of his comrades. It's some subtle character work that'll go a long way towards making the roster of characters from Transmetropolitan that much more memorable. Another great volume.
This volume continues the heavy political themes, and adds a heavy dose of civil unrest and police brutality in the mix with the "Lonely City" arc. The take on it leans satirical though under the veneer of Spider's crass dialogue, it is clear that the sentiments are reflective of the time the book is written (though still pretty timely).
Continuing on with this volume is the great worldbuilding elements to tie things together, along with the development of secondary characters. The issue where Yelena and Channon get to take a day off to themselves was an endearing issue and also allows us a better appreciation of how Spider is viewed through the lens of his comrades. It's some subtle character work that'll go a long way towards making the roster of characters from Transmetropolitan that much more memorable. Another great volume.
September 13, 2020
As irreverent and socially charged as ever. It feels like this comic single handily pushed socio-cultural comics to a whole new level and yet no one really knows or talks about it. This still takes the piss outta things like Rick and Morty and Futurama for my money- it did it first and better. (If only because it wasn't afraid to do anything and everything between character development and some of the most beautiful artwork I've ever seen).
I kinda hate how much I enjoyed this- especially given Warren Ellis being revealed as kind of an awful person (it makes a lot of the material in this book feel ironically uncomfortable in hindsight).
I can't not give it 5 stars though. I ate this book up like it was nothing. You ever have that book you keep on backup when everything else you read kinda sucks and you need something to remind yourself why reading is fun in the first place? Yeah, this is one of those books.
I kinda hate how much I enjoyed this- especially given Warren Ellis being revealed as kind of an awful person (it makes a lot of the material in this book feel ironically uncomfortable in hindsight).
I can't not give it 5 stars though. I ate this book up like it was nothing. You ever have that book you keep on backup when everything else you read kinda sucks and you need something to remind yourself why reading is fun in the first place? Yeah, this is one of those books.
September 30, 2020
This was a step up from book 2 which did not work for me. There is more focus in the character's motivations and therefore more focus in the stories. Instead of the rambling diatribes from Book 2 we see Spider go on attack after the newly appointed President tries to kill him.
Overall, I enjoyed this. As a huge Warren Ellis fan I would still put this series low on my list of my "favourite stories by Ellis" but that is because the genre of "future out of control with excess!!" isn't a genre I gravitate to.
Overall, I enjoyed this. As a huge Warren Ellis fan I would still put this series low on my list of my "favourite stories by Ellis" but that is because the genre of "future out of control with excess!!" isn't a genre I gravitate to.
June 15, 2020
Per the back cover: Pugnaciously predictive series.
"Because you need to know, now, that CPD have finally come unglued. They cannot survive this act of ultimate brutality. We cannot let them survive it."
Hello, 2020.
Oh man.
A f'ing hero journalist comic book.
I like to think Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair would be smitten.
"Nobody fucks with the truth."
"Because you need to know, now, that CPD have finally come unglued. They cannot survive this act of ultimate brutality. We cannot let them survive it."
Hello, 2020.
Oh man.
A f'ing hero journalist comic book.
I like to think Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair would be smitten.
"Nobody fucks with the truth."
April 30, 2021
Всё еще скучновато, но Спайдер начинает заниматься журналистикой в этом томе (журналистикой в его представлении, разумеется, внешне больше похоже на выбивание признаний :). Всё для того, чтобы наказать виновных в убийстве Виты. С середины тома (после событий на улице Данте) повествование разгоняется и следить за Спайдером становится поинтереснее: появляются заговоры, киллеры, копы и многоходовочки. Лучший момент комикса — это кооптация образа Спайдера в поп-медиа. Все вариации там хороши, но три страницы от Квайетли — гениальны. Это то, чем мог бы быть этот комикс, если бы он действительно старался.
June 11, 2020
Involving police-cover ups and a lack of accountability, as well as corruption at the very top of the government, the timing of me reading this couldn't have been more perfect.
I absolutely love this series.
I absolutely love this series.
January 11, 2023
After a deliberate lull in the action, Spider goes for the jugular in spectacular fashion.
Seriously Warren Ellis is a timelord.
There are too many oddly specific things that he is drawing on to write this story...
Seriously Warren Ellis is a timelord.
There are too many oddly specific things that he is drawing on to write this story...
October 11, 2020
Several issues feel phoned in, and though the political and social satire is still strong, the shock value dialogue seems increasingly masturbatory.
January 11, 2021
More relevant today than ever!
I wish I had read this 20 years ago! It feels like it was written in 2020. Sadly, it can still guide us.
I wish I had read this 20 years ago! It feels like it was written in 2020. Sadly, it can still guide us.
February 21, 2021
4.5 Stars
July 21, 2022
Best American cyberpunk since Gibson. Brutal, interesting, and hyper modern. The whole series makes my bones burn for The City and yearn for the next winter.
January 25, 2023
Filthy, corrupt, dark, and sexy as ever. Love it.
September 27, 2024
The best one so far! Unfortunately, the rest of the series is hard to locate, so 4 and 5 tend to be $200+ each.
October 7, 2024
“Trust the fuckhead.” Spider on a mission to avenge Vita & filthy assistants more loyal than ever! Viva La Spider Jerusalem! 🕷️
September 6, 2025
The hate crime stuff is the most urgent and exciting the series has been since the transient story.
April 20, 2025
The plot thickens, indeed! With the new American administration making good on their promise to discredit and emasculate Spider Jerusalem both personally and professionally, he doubles down on his battle for the truth—going even more violently balls-to-the-wall in this installment.
This issue features a greater focus on Jerusalem’s journalistic pieces, offering deeper insight into who he is and why he’s willing to risk everything for his cause. It’s a smart choice, especially given the new obstacles thrown his way and the beginnings of his counteroffensive—a move that’s bound to land him in immense danger.
Onward, filthy assistants! This series is only going to get better from here.
This issue features a greater focus on Jerusalem’s journalistic pieces, offering deeper insight into who he is and why he’s willing to risk everything for his cause. It’s a smart choice, especially given the new obstacles thrown his way and the beginnings of his counteroffensive—a move that’s bound to land him in immense danger.
Onward, filthy assistants! This series is only going to get better from here.
April 12, 2025
Still one of the greatest works of political satire of the last few decades. Smart, funny, weird as hell and not afraid to ask why you're not paying attention when politicians screw you over. Absolutely fantastic.
November 8, 2023
Este tomo contiene historias autoconclusivas que sirven como expansión y establecimiento con ejemplos concretos de la labor periodística de Spider Jerusalem en temas muy diferentes. Es muy interesante para verlo en temas que no son tan grosos como los anteriores. Muy bueno en general.
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