Transhuman

Transhuman 1-4

This is probably my favorite thing by Jonathan Hickman.  Not only does it have a great hook (not surprising for him), but the story also (mostly) backs it up with a strong follow through, all the way up until the end (practically an impossibility for him).  

I think Transhuman succeeds where Hickman’s other series fail because he embraces it as a recitation of facts.  Indeed, it’s framed as a documentary, which allows him to be a lot more clinical. He can be the dispassionate observer and use all of the page space he wants to show off all the worldbuilding he’s done.  No need to waste it on any kind of character narrative. (Not being sarcastic. This method really plays to Hickman’s strengths and hides his flaws.)

It’s a really well told documentary, walking the reader through the history of ChimeraCorp and Humonics, the two companies at the forefront of the genetic engineering/body modification wave.  It goes over their origins, the petty feuds, the struggles to find financing, the scientific breakthroughs and scandals, the marketing wars, everything.

It helps that Hickman uses sustained humor for just about the only time in his career (that I’ve read).  And he’s a funny funny dude. ChimeraCorp’s initial testing on monkeys proves to be both the most reliable vector for jokes and the surprising thrust behind the story at the end of the series.  

In case you can't read it: "We will abide no longer any banana-appeasement policy!!!"

WE3 homage?

Presented without comment.

The ending’s a little too pointed, but it’s still the best one Hickman’s ever written, in that it’s actually an ending and comes at the finish of a properly paced series.  For once, my high expectations for a Hickman series were finally met.

“Plus you won’t have to constantly worry about having monkeys in your butt.”

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good