Xenozoic Tales #1–14 – A Retro-Futuristic Adventure Like No Other
Genre
ðĶ Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, Adventure, Eco-Fantasy, Action
Set in a dystopian future where nature has reclaimed the Earth, Xenozoic Tales blends pulp-era aesthetics with ecological cautionary tales. The series combines vintage car culture, prehistoric beasts, and rugged survivalism in a world where humanity must coexist with dinosaurs.
Main Characters
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Hannah Dundee – A fiercely intelligent ambassador and scientist from Wassoon, passionate about restoring Earth's balance. ð§ ð
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Jack Tenrec – A rugged mechanic and eco-warrior with a moral code. He runs the “Garage,” a haven for those respecting nature’s laws. ð ️ðĶ
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Governor Dahlgren – A political leader with questionable motives, often in conflict with Jack’s philosophies. ð️ðĢ
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Hermes – Jack's loyal pet dinosaur, offering comic relief and companionship. ð❤️
Writer
✍️ Mark Schultz
Mark Schultz not only penned the entire series but also created the universe with a deep appreciation for pulp fiction, golden-age comics, and classic adventure storytelling.
Artist
ðĻ Mark Schultz
Schultz is also the illustrator, bringing a meticulous, highly detailed pen-and-ink style reminiscent of 1950s EC Comics and adventure strips like Prince Valiant. His artwork captures both the lush chaos of the post-cataclysmic world and the retro vibe of the characters.
Editor Details
ð️ The early issues were edited by Cat Yronwode at Eclipse Comics, later by Mark Schultz himself when the title moved to Kitchen Sink Press, allowing for more creative freedom and consistency.
Publisher and Brand
ð Eclipse Comics (Issues #1–8), later Kitchen Sink Press (Issues #9–14)
The series does not belong to any major universe like Marvel or DC, making it a creator-owned indie title that has earned cult status.
Release Year
ð
1987–1996
Over nearly a decade, Schultz released 14 issues sporadically due to his detailed artwork and commitment to quality storytelling.
Brief Plot Summary
Centuries after an environmental cataclysm forced humanity underground, civilization resurfaces into a world where dinosaurs and mutated wildlife roam freely. In this brave new Earth—now called the “Xenozoic Era”—society is a patchwork of tribes, science, superstition, and political tension.
Jack Tenrec, a mechanic and former soldier, partners with ambassador Hannah Dundee to navigate a fractured world. Together, they confront rogue scavengers, ancient secrets, and the constant threat of nature's wrath—all while trying to uphold the delicate balance between man and Earth.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
ðĨ "Cadillacs and Dinosaurs" – The unofficial name for the early arcs, where Jack and Hannah’s dynamic begins and key themes of environmentalism emerge.
ðĶī "The Riddle of the Horn" – Focuses on mysterious prehistoric artifacts and introduces new political intrigue in the wasteland.
ð "Mechanic's Code" – Explores Jack’s moral compass and the sacred rules of the Garage system, raising ethical questions about technology and nature.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
ðĪ Some fans speculate that the Xenozoic world exists in a parallel Earth where the apocalypse was engineered to reset civilization deliberately. Others interpret the Garage system as a metaphor for sustainable living, with the "Mechanic's Code" representing a lost ecological wisdom. Hannah Dundee is often seen as a symbolic "bridge" between science and spirituality in the new world.
Review Summary
⭐ A Cult Masterpiece of Indie Comics
Xenozoic Tales stands out for its unique fusion of genres, rich artwork, and thought-provoking themes. Schultz's attention to detail in both storytelling and illustration is rare in serialized comics. The chemistry between Jack and Hannah crackles with tension and complexity, making them one of the most iconic duos in post-apocalyptic fiction.
Whether you're drawn to the series for its dinosaur-laden action scenes or its layered commentary on environmental stewardship, this is a comic that rewards both casual readers and deep thinkers.
ðŊ Verdict: A must-read gem for fans of intelligent adventure comics. ðð
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