Monday 16 July 2012

Transmetropolitan Vol. 7 and 8

Vol. 7: Spider's Thrash, Vol. 8: Dirge
Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson 2000/2001
(June 2012)



Ah, Spider, my old friend. Nice to have you back.

Still stuck in the same story arc. ‘Stuck’ isn’t right though; I’m quite enjoying this. I don’t know if I’m just falling for the old trick of making a character seem more sympathetic by giving them a terminal illness, but this time round it really felt like we got a bit more character development beyond the usual drugs, swearing, and violence. I’m actually starting to like this little crew, beyond merely puerile enjoyment at their antics.

It’s probably an effect of the longer story as well. Less need to cram everything into a few dozen pages, more room to breathe. In fact it’s notable just how many panels are completely dialogue free. This is shaping up very nicely indeed.

And, with a tip of the hat to Bobby, I present this for your contemplation.


8 comments:

  1. You still not done with Transmetropolitan? I liked it when I read it but have felt no urge to read through it again afterwards (been a few years now) for some reason. Dunno what happened to the talk of making a movie out of it.

    Oh and yeah, no reaction from you on the "Before Watchmen" debacle ;)

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    1. Yeah, deliberately trying to pace myself here. It's an effort, I'll say that much.

      The Watchmen prequels? It can't end well really, can it? I've just finished the latest LOEG Century, and in case we were any doubt, that definitively confirms Alan Moore's final transition into Grumpy Old Man. Can't imagine this'll help.

      I'm more excited about the Sandman prequel. I know it's for girls, but I'm nothing if not in touch with my feminine side...

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  2. I've re-read it twice. Maybe take another look, Mr. Salaryman? It's good twice.

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    1. Yeah, when I eventually get round to the final couple of volumes, I reckon I'll take a run up at them all from the start again.

      It's what I'm trying to do with Century 2009, but all that prose stuff is slowing me up some. The Black Dossier's really crimping my style...

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  3. Awesome gif and where the fuck do you find the time to read all these books? Was your deal with the Devil for a 25th hour in a day?

    I chose "Awesomeness"....maybe I should been more specific....looks like your deal is paying off :)

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    1. It's no great secret. Half an hour on the train here, 20 minutes before bed there. It all adds up.

      That said, if anyone is interested in making a little deal, I know a discrete little crossroads we can meet at, any time you like. As long as that time is midnight. Bring a chicken's heart and a lock of your beloved's hair...

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  4. As luck would have it, I just watched a 45 min lecture given by polymath Steve Mann on Youtube. Didn't know who he was till today, but thought he looked a bit like Spider. Definitely like the ideas: sousveillance, cybernetic prosthetics, computer-mediated reality, and a bunch of other stuff.

    By the way gents, been thinking about them crossroads lately. August is going to be hot as hell.

    Damn...

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    1. It's a dilemma, isn't it? An eternity in the flames of hell for a decent night's sleep during a Japanese summer.

      Actually, no. No dilemma at all, really. Where do I sign? In blood, you say? Just let me get a knife...

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