The Surrogates is a 2005 comic series that explored a future society where humans control robots from the comfort and safety of their own homes. These robots provide what appears to be perfect telepresence by connecting the owners to the outside world - without risk to their physical bodies.

The series was made into a motion picture in 2009, titled Surrogates, with a slightly altered storyline in which humans can be killed through through the Surrogate interface. In both works, investigators (police in the graphic novels and FBI agents in the film) attempt to solve a series of crimes involving attacks on surrogates, with the investigation taking them deep into societal issues between a modern world and a militant group who refuses to interact with surrogates.

They are both engaging stories exploring extreme telepresence and the positives and negatives that come with the technology. The graphic novels are thoughtful and very well written with a lot of believability. The film is science fiction as an action film, though Surrogates takes time to explore additional elements not included in the graphic novels, adding to the plot and in the background of the main storyline. It's an intelligent movie behind the gunshots and car chases.

Why you should read the graphic novel and watch the film
Both works focus on three main human issues: safety, ego, and the human need to be social. While many futurist doomsayers focus on humanity leaving their bodies for the virtual world, these works look at humans leaving their bodies for the real world as virtual actors. And it tags on the first two issues: safety and ego.
As a peace agent in a risky job, using a telepresence robot makes sense. It allows a human to go into dangerous situations knowing only their robot is at risk. But many characters use the robot to avoid going outside, thus keeping the dangers of the world at bay. These include individuals working desk and service jobs - neither of which are dangerous.

As for ego, it's clear that attractiveness is a key reason many use surrogates. Many characters have surrogates that look like an old photo of themselves, the real humans looking less perfect when presented. A cure for aging that isn't a real cure, but gives the impression of unchaging youth.

Finally, and perhaps the most important lesson, is the need to be social. This reflects how a majority of humans, even extreme introverts, do enjoy the company of other humans. It's part of our psychological makeup, this need to be included whether with friends, as part of a family, or for sexual relations. Our need for each other exists for a reason and the surrogates create a divide in which people never actually touch.

Retreating from the world could be an attractive option for many, but the lack of physical presence would also isolate us. This social isolation, though we are interacting in some ways, would turn life into a video game. An existence through which we cannot feel real pain, or at least not the kind that is a true threat. Wind, rain, the feel of grass on our bare feet - none of these would actually happen to us. Would a surrogate be a useful tool? Certainly. Telepresence with the ability to experience the world, perhaps with superhuman senses, would be incredible for soldiers, surgeons, firemen, and even prostitutes to reduce physical risk. For these needs, I'm certain a technology of this type is only a matter of time. But how much will humanity give up to do this?

I can absolutely recommend The Surrogates as an engaging piece of science fiction. And while the Surrogates plot isn't that engaging, the quality of the setting, including extra explorations of this future, make it worth your time to enjoy. I watched the film before reading the comic, but I don't think there is a best way to enjoy both. The two works offer two different views of the same idea.

Topics covered
Futurists will enjoy the topics explored in the film, including:

• Extreme telepresence
• Superhuman robotics controlled by humans
• The social impact of surrogate use
• The psychological impact of surrogate use
• Humanity's response to surrogate use

If you enjoyed this review and plan to purchase this movie, please consider buying the graphic novel through this link or buying the film through this link.