Transmetropolitan was a cyber-punk series that ran from 1997 to 2002, originally by DC-Helix and later under DC-Vertigo, written by mad Briton Warren Ellis (writer of the upcoming RED) and drawn by Darrick Robertson. Set in a distant future, so distant that everyone has lost track of what year it’s supposed to be, not to mention the name of their City. The City (implied to be New York New York) is a society of excess consumerism and rampant hedonism, where you can eats snack on powdered clones of Alaskan children and hire a komodo dragon-human hybrid prostitute with four sets of genitals. Smack in the center of it are Spider Jerusalem, intrepid reporter, and his filthy assistants, who struggle to expose corruption and abuse of power to a populace that is shallow, largely immature and self-centered.
There’s been talk of a Transmetropolitan film adaptation since 2003, with Patrick Stewart interested in starring, but so far nothing has been confirmed.
Spider Jerusalem
Heavily influenced by Hunter S. Thompson. Spider Jerusalem is a larger-than-life, outlaw gonzo journalist. He eats rage and craps insanity and is consumed by his pursuit of the truth.
Yelena Rossini
Spider’s second assistant and his protégé.
Channon Yarrow
Striper-turned-spider’s assistant-turned-nun-turned-spider’s bodyguard. She has barcodes for nipples.
Mitchell Royce
Spider’s former fellow Journalist, now his boss in his capacity as city editor of The Word.
The Beast
The widely reviled outgoing president of the United States. He shares an intense hatred with Jerusalem, who bestowed his moniker which came to be used by everyone.
The Smiler
A democratic senator who succeeded The Beast. While originally seen as a promising reformer, having Spider’s support, Gary Callahan turned out to be far worse than the beast.
Vita Severn
The Smiler’s political director, though she disagrees with him on many points.
Oscar Rossini
Yelena’s wealthy father. As a philanthropist and eminent political figure, he had campaigned on behalf of opponents of the Beast and comes to Spider’s aid when he needs it.
Fred Christ
Leader of the Transient movement, that of people who were in the process of having their DNA altered to that of an Alien species, and the center of a cult of personality.
Kristen
Political fixer turned drug dealer and a source of information for Jerusalem.
Det. Malandra Newton
Jerusalem’s ally in the Police Department and one of a few honest cops in the city.
Mary
A woman who went into cryogenic-suspension sometime in the 21st century, and was revived in the bizarre, unknown time of the story.