Transmetrolopolitan!!

1) Are there any prominent symbols in the story? If so what are they and how are they used?

There are various symbols of consumerism in the story. They come in the forms of huge advertisement billboards and fashion accessories. It is easy to spot those things the moment Spider returned to the city. In contrast to his home up the mountain, the city is crammed with advertisements that encourage people to spend their money on sex, drugs, or beauty. On the other hand, the city inhabitants are mostly dressed in very loud outfits and tons of fashion accessories such as headphones, piercings, etc. In short, they are dressed in excess. By placing these symbols everywhere; in the cars, in the office, on the streets, we get a sense that everyone in the city is at the mercy of those things. The strange gadget that most people wear on their ears, and are connected to their neck, hints that they are at the mercy of an external force.

2) What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you are able to connect.

Honestly, the story and characters did not appeal too much to me, but I can definitely connect with the need to consume. Surprisingly, I connect with the man who works in the toll gate. In that cramped toll room, we can see miniature car figurines on top of his computer screen. The first thing I thought was, "Hey, I used to spend my hard-earned money on overpriced anime plastic figurines!" Those plastic figurines are pretty useless, mostly meant to please the eyes (or for some other people, for self pleasure). They are very expensive and collect dust overtime. Yet, the moment my favorite characters are made into pretty figurines, my heart skips a beat and I immediately reach for my wallet. It's like an addiction!

3) What changes would you make to adapt the story to other medium? What medium would you use, what changes would you make.

I can see this working out as a movie, especially because of how much information are crammed within each frames. The chaotic nature of the city can be amplified through the use of sound and quick succession of cuts. I will definitely keep the graphic colors and grittiness of the comic intact. However, I will change the characters' clothing, just to keep them more up to date and relatable.