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wipqozn's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic book. Don't judge this book based on the movie, which was just a dumb action film. The Surrogates is a fantastic book, which is far deeper and more interesting than action movie it was adapted into.
posies23's review against another edition
3.0
This graphic novel has some interesting things to say about contemporary society and its obsession with technology. Unfortunately, it loses a little bit in the last 1/2, becoming a bit jumbled and losing its focus. I also found it difficult to tell who was who in some of the panels due to the way the book was colored.
Worthwhile, but a bit disappointing.
Worthwhile, but a bit disappointing.
zoekyriacou's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting idea and I guess it was well drawn but I actually don’t know as I’m new to graphic novels but it’s execution was racist, ableist and cliched.
maddieden's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
caitcoy's review against another edition
5.0
For those unfamiliar with the story (it was adapted into a movie starring Bruce Willis in 2009), The Surrogates is a dystopian science fiction thriller that asks just how human we can remain when we replace our bodies with machines. The Surrogates opens in 2054, a time in which virtual reality and cybernetics have combined in the invention of the surrogates (or “surries” as they’re colloquially known). Originally created to add the elderly and those with debilitating physical handicaps, surrogates are artificial bodies that allow their users to occupy a body other than their own by linking their mind to it and controlling it via electrical impulses. The popularity of this invention has led to its mass adoption by anyone who can afford the price tag, leading to an astounding 92% use in the United States. As you might expect, not everyone is as accepting of the new technology and a group known as the Dreads actively campaigns against the use of surrogates. When a techno-terrorist starts killing surrogates using the flash lightning storms as cover, it’s up to Harvey Greer and Pete Ford of the Metro Police Department to stop the terrorist before its plans to eliminate all surrogates come to fruition.
The Surrogates is written by Robert Venditti (largely known for Surrogates though he has some other creator-owned properties as well) and illustrated by Brett Weldele. The concept of humanity versus technology is always an interesting and compelling one, not to mention being a concept we’ve been obsessed with since the dawn of technology. In many ways, this story reminded me of Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan as it deals with many of the same issues. Due to people’s ability to occupy bodies other than their own, they no longer feel life in the same way nor do they fear death. Why should they when all it means is a loss of property and the financial cost that entails? How does it change criminal justice and society when your body is no longer your only body? Could you accept it? And what if you can’t afford a surrogate? How would you view those who could? All of these questions lead to a fascinating take on virtual reality and cybernetics. While the story is interesting, the ending isn’t particularly surprising. What makes the story so good is the compelling world building that’s gone into it and in large part, the contributions of the artwork.
While I enjoyed the story and absolutely loved the world building, the art by Weldele is nothing short of masterful. It’s been awhile since I read a story in which I was more impressed by the art than the writing but The Surrogates was definitely one of those special cases. Like Templesmith, Weldele’s style uses minimalist linework and a muted palette of alternating browns and blues to create a dark, dystopian atmosphere. Unlike Templesmith, Weldele’s linework is very heavy and uses little detail, relying on the watercolors and a skillful use of shadows to intensify the atmosphere of the panels. There are panels that are little more than sketches but in comparison to the heavy linework in the other panels, this adds to the feelings evoked by the story in a way that a less varied style would not. In addition, there are ads and additional information at the end of each issue that contribute to the immersion into the world that Venditti and Weldele have created that absolutely blew me away.
While I’ve enjoyed many science fiction graphic novel series, The Surrogates is far and away one of my absolute favorites. The writing by Venditti is good (straight spectacular when it comes to world building) but it’s Weldele’s art that really brings this series to life.
The Surrogates is written by Robert Venditti (largely known for Surrogates though he has some other creator-owned properties as well) and illustrated by Brett Weldele. The concept of humanity versus technology is always an interesting and compelling one, not to mention being a concept we’ve been obsessed with since the dawn of technology. In many ways, this story reminded me of Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan as it deals with many of the same issues. Due to people’s ability to occupy bodies other than their own, they no longer feel life in the same way nor do they fear death. Why should they when all it means is a loss of property and the financial cost that entails? How does it change criminal justice and society when your body is no longer your only body? Could you accept it? And what if you can’t afford a surrogate? How would you view those who could? All of these questions lead to a fascinating take on virtual reality and cybernetics. While the story is interesting, the ending isn’t particularly surprising. What makes the story so good is the compelling world building that’s gone into it and in large part, the contributions of the artwork.
While I enjoyed the story and absolutely loved the world building, the art by Weldele is nothing short of masterful. It’s been awhile since I read a story in which I was more impressed by the art than the writing but The Surrogates was definitely one of those special cases. Like Templesmith, Weldele’s style uses minimalist linework and a muted palette of alternating browns and blues to create a dark, dystopian atmosphere. Unlike Templesmith, Weldele’s linework is very heavy and uses little detail, relying on the watercolors and a skillful use of shadows to intensify the atmosphere of the panels. There are panels that are little more than sketches but in comparison to the heavy linework in the other panels, this adds to the feelings evoked by the story in a way that a less varied style would not. In addition, there are ads and additional information at the end of each issue that contribute to the immersion into the world that Venditti and Weldele have created that absolutely blew me away.
While I’ve enjoyed many science fiction graphic novel series, The Surrogates is far and away one of my absolute favorites. The writing by Venditti is good (straight spectacular when it comes to world building) but it’s Weldele’s art that really brings this series to life.
sizrobe's review against another edition
3.0
Near future scifi graphic novel where most people live their lives vicariously streamed through androids. For some reason, it never grabbed me. The art style is distinct enough, though.
proffy's review against another edition
3.0
I adore the premise of this graphic novel. The year is 2054 and the world population is primarily living life through androids they mentally link with and control. These "surrogates" are used for more than just entertainment; people use them for all aspects of life including jobs - police forces are now 100% surrogates with the human users for the most part not even physically capable of performing the job. But someone out there isn't thrilled with this virtual way of living, and he is determined to find a way to bring down the surrogates. Detective Greer has been charged with stopping this pseudo-killer, but does he really want to? I enjoyed the quick pace of the plot as well; although my enjoyment did flounder a bit at the quick ending.
The artwork was fascinating with different color schemes used depending on the situation or the scene. And the juxtaposition of the gritty artwork detailing the plot and the clean and smooth futuristic ads for a Virtual Self really impressed me. As is the case with other graphic novels I've enjoyed, this one included other elements such as pages depicting news papers, news reports, white papers, etc. - inclusions of artifacts in graphic novels is a real plus for me.
The artwork was fascinating with different color schemes used depending on the situation or the scene. And the juxtaposition of the gritty artwork detailing the plot and the clean and smooth futuristic ads for a Virtual Self really impressed me. As is the case with other graphic novels I've enjoyed, this one included other elements such as pages depicting news papers, news reports, white papers, etc. - inclusions of artifacts in graphic novels is a real plus for me.
bloodravenlib's review against another edition
4.0
Only thing I will say upfront not so positive is that I had a bit of mixed feelings at the end, which I will not reveal because I think this book deserves to be read. And to be honest, an ending that does make you think a bit is a good thing. It certainly is something you do not get often when you think of graphic novels and comics. So, that out of the way, let's look at the rest of the book.
The book is a nice blend of a police procedural/mystery and science fiction. In a world where humans now have the option to live their lives via mechanical surrogates, people do not have to leave their homes and worry about anything. But they can still go to work, so on. The authors did excellent work thinking about the implications of such a society, and they really do an excellent work bringing it to life. In this world, there is a terrorist that destroys surrogates in a quest to make the world go back to living a real life. The protagonist is the detective tasked with stopping him. Among the suspects is a cult leader who leads a faction that sees surrogates as aberrations. This all has the makings of a very good story, and the authors do deliver on that front.
The art is not too realistic, but the style matches the gritty, kind of noir setting the authors wish to evoke. It does feel right in relation to the story. In addition, the book has textual materials (news articles, a brochure for surrogates, so on) that add to the authenticity of the story. I will warn that if you are more of a visual reader, taking the time to read some of these extras found at the end of each chapter can slow your reading pace a bit. But I think readers will find some of the materials interesting. Additionally, this particular edition has a series of extras after the story: a deleted scene, author commentary, so on. If you like knowing how a comic is crafted, you may enjoy reading through this part.
This is the comic series that gave basis to the recent The Surrogates film. I have not seen it, but knowing Hollywood, I have a feeling they probably mucked it up. But being curious, I will likely watch it if I get a chance. Overall, this is one of the best graphic novels I have read so far this year. It has a good story, depth, good art, and good science fiction.
The book is a nice blend of a police procedural/mystery and science fiction. In a world where humans now have the option to live their lives via mechanical surrogates, people do not have to leave their homes and worry about anything. But they can still go to work, so on. The authors did excellent work thinking about the implications of such a society, and they really do an excellent work bringing it to life. In this world, there is a terrorist that destroys surrogates in a quest to make the world go back to living a real life. The protagonist is the detective tasked with stopping him. Among the suspects is a cult leader who leads a faction that sees surrogates as aberrations. This all has the makings of a very good story, and the authors do deliver on that front.
The art is not too realistic, but the style matches the gritty, kind of noir setting the authors wish to evoke. It does feel right in relation to the story. In addition, the book has textual materials (news articles, a brochure for surrogates, so on) that add to the authenticity of the story. I will warn that if you are more of a visual reader, taking the time to read some of these extras found at the end of each chapter can slow your reading pace a bit. But I think readers will find some of the materials interesting. Additionally, this particular edition has a series of extras after the story: a deleted scene, author commentary, so on. If you like knowing how a comic is crafted, you may enjoy reading through this part.
This is the comic series that gave basis to the recent The Surrogates film. I have not seen it, but knowing Hollywood, I have a feeling they probably mucked it up. But being curious, I will likely watch it if I get a chance. Overall, this is one of the best graphic novels I have read so far this year. It has a good story, depth, good art, and good science fiction.
wolfient's review against another edition
4.0
I saw a trailer for the movie based on this book on television, and it instantaneously caught my attention. I'm a growing fan of Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Mystery, and similar genres, and this graphic novel certainly fits my interests. The premise is quite interesting, and the plot is delightful to keep up with. I am hoping to read more by this author, soon.
The novel was certainly better than the movie and I really recommend it. It lacks the plot twists, the number of characters, and such other things that most books of its genres oft hold, but it does not mean that it is any worse for it. While those factors may be favourable amongst some fans, the plot still runs smoothly and ends satisfactory over the five volumes of The Surrogates.
The novel was certainly better than the movie and I really recommend it. It lacks the plot twists, the number of characters, and such other things that most books of its genres oft hold, but it does not mean that it is any worse for it. While those factors may be favourable amongst some fans, the plot still runs smoothly and ends satisfactory over the five volumes of The Surrogates.
eininthebird's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25