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Creature Tech
“Creature Tech” is one
outrageous journey! Doug Tennapel is the creator of “Earthworm Jim”, “Neverhood”
and “Gear”. He brings his offbeat and comical storytelling style to the science
fiction graphic novel “Creature Tech”.
Dr. Michael Ong is a scientist residing in Turlock, California. The reader
learns that he lost his religious faith when he became interested in science.
Dr. Ong is the director of a government facility that studies alien and
supernatural phenomena and artifacts. Dr. Ong soon has an encounter with a
powerful artifact sent anonymously. The Shroud of Turn is discovered among other
artifacts in a shipment.
While he is studying the artifact, a ghost steals it from him. On top of this
problem, he finds himself in a symbiotic relationship with a squid like beast.
He finds himself shunned by his father and the town people of Turlock. He finds
himself attracted to Katie, a girl with physical abnormalities. Life becomes one
unexpected complication after another.
A top-secret division of the government learns of the happenings in Turlock.
They provide Dr. Ong with a giant praying mantis to act as security.
It is discovered that the thief of the Shroud of Turin is a ghost named Dr.
Jameson.
Jameson is a 19th century mad scientist who desired to rule the world. He
perishes in an experiment gone awry. Jameson resurrects his body and resumes his
attempts to rule the world. Did I mention that Jameson has the assistance of an
army of hellcats and a gigantic space eel?
Dr. Ong manages to enlist the help of the average townspeople to fight Jameson
and his unsightly monsters.
Will Dr. Ong succeed? Will a ghost and a giant space eel control the world? Will
Dr. Ong find true love with the sweet but peculiar Katie? How will the outcome
affect Dr. Ong and his passion for science?
I enjoyed Doug Tennapel unusual characters and situations. As a science fiction
and horror and graphic novel fan, I have never encountered a story so thoroughly
madcap and frantic. Although at times the story feels slightly abrupt in its
story structure. Perhaps breaking the story into chapters would have helped
define more clearly the progress of the story.
The artwork is eye-catching and bizarre. It is very apparent the same crazy
creative mind that created “Earthworm Jim” style is behind this graphic novel.
However to this reader, the compositions of the panels on a few pages felt a
little reserved.
I feel a story this broad and crazy should feel colossal. Perhaps utilizing more
full-page spreads would assist the reader in feeling the impact of the action.
One element of “Creature Tech” causes me to enjoy the experience of this graphic
novel slightly less. In the middle of the story, Doug Tennapel introduces a
Christian influence to characters and situations in the story. Although the
artifact in question is the Shroud of Turin, it was an unexpected choice to
infuse Christian beliefs and emotions into the main character of the story.
Science versus faith is not a new story idea. In regards to “Creature Tech”,
religion and faith becomes such an influence on the main character and the story
that it left me feeling disappointed.
Upon researching Doug Tennapel’s website, you soon learn that he holds very
conservative beliefs on a variety of political subjects. I do respect political
and religious opinions that differ from mine. However, I did not expect for him
to use his graphic novels as a vehicle to express opinions about religion and
spirituality. It seems the message could have been expressed with somewhat more
refinement. Perhaps to other readers, this influence would not bother them and
would add to the unusual style of the story.
“Creature Tech” is truly a different and unexpected graphic novel experience.
Suzie Lackey |
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