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.