Why Spider Jerusalem?

Because JOURNALISM!

Because my introduction to TRANSMETROPOLITAN is completely the fault of Rich and Ethan at Comic Fortress in Somerville NJ (Thanx, guys - proof that the difference between local comic shop and GREAT local comic shop is the people who run it).

Because this was also my first serious exposure to Warren Ellis, who frustrates me as a writer, because he consistently comes up with concepts that I couldn't come up with on my best days, and I love him for it.

Because I felt like Warren Ellis wrote this series just for me.  It feels personal, and heartfelt, and volatile, and completely over the top.

Because Spider Jerusalem is a hero.  But he's not armed with superpowers or kevlar costuming.  His calling is as a journalist.  His weapon is the written word.  His armour is the Truth.

(That truly is the meat of it right there.  He's a well-written character, who is defined by his writing.  A challenge for ANY writer to tackle.)

Because He's like Hunter S Thompson cast in Blade Runner (if Ridley Scott OD'd on Bill Hicks comedy specials, Ted Nugent hunting videos, and latex).

Because BOWEL DISRUPTORS - perfect for shooting elected officials!

Because both here in Paraguay, and in my homeland - the USofA - as well as other countries around the world, it's Election season.  And the choice of candidates - EVERYWHERE - are disappointing at best and disgusting at worst, and Spider is just the type of character to use as a mouthpiece for our venom towards governments that no longer are of us, for us, or by us.  They are behind us.  Not like support; more like prison shower...

Because the future dystopia he lives in, though full of science-fictiony goodness, is still very relatable to us.  It's a horror cartoon extrapolation on consumerism, unquestioned authority, social networking, politics, economics, urbanization, among others...

Because Monkeyburgers, Bucket'o'Seal Eyes, the Chair Leg of Truth, Powdered Baby, and Air Jesus anti-grav sandals.

Because Filthy Assistants!

Because Spider taught me that anger can be righteous, ignorance is an intolerable excuse, and blind acceptance is intellectually lazy.

Because Spider Jerusalem, Warren Ellis, and TRANSMETROPOLITAN, is my personal example at how powerful the comics medium, and the written word, can be when used to say something beyond itself.  Yeah, it's just a comic.  But for me, it's Truth.

...and because I want a pair of live shades...please?