The Transhuman Antihero

<p> Advances in science and technology no longer change how we live they determine it. In the not-too-distant future techno-scientific developments may make individuals stronger smarter healthier and more productive--but to what end?</p><p> Addressing this question speculative fiction has created an abundance of transhuman characters protagonists with extraordinary strength intelligence or abilities. Often they are antiheroes openly rejecting--or rejected by--society and acting on immoral or extreme principles that challenge readers to approve condemn excuse or explain.</p><p> This study explores the antihero of speculative fiction as a paradoxical blend of human and transhuman. These protagonists illustrate the dynamics of individual techno-scientific and societal norms and blur distinctions between human and machine biology and technology right and wrong.</p><p> Fictional works covered include Mary Shelley's <I>Frankenstein</I> (1818) Olaf Stapledon's <I>Odd John</I> (1935) Alfred Bester's <I>The Stars My Destination</I> (1956) William Gibson's <I>Neuromancer</I> (1986) Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' <I>Watchmen</I> (1986-1987) Richard Morgan's trilogy (<I>Altered Carbon</I> 2001 <I>Broken Angels</I> 2003 and <I>Woken Furies</I> 2005) and <I>Black Man</I> (2007).</p>