In the near future, travelers to uncharted destinations such as under the surface of the Earth or inside the ocean may need a bodyguard or two. If not as an absolute necessity then, at least, a precautionary one.
In an upcoming comic I’ve written, “A Dying Breed” (with art by Gabriel Caitano), Sandra and Walt are two rangers assigned to the Heaven Below Tour, an expedition to Inner Earth by regular civilians keen to experience the sights and sounds of this legendary realm. Their job is to protect these tourists from any unexpected threats they may encounter.
Whether real or imagined, the list of these potential threats is long. It includes (but is not limited to) various cryptoterrestrials (or cryptids) as well as genetically-engineered hybrid creatures that have escaped from deep underground military bases. This is not to demonize the beautiful sentient life forms that dwell in the Inner Earth, many of whom are peaceful, even benevolent in nature (at least one of them makes an appearance in this story). It is just that, knowing the practical nature of human beings, we will likely welcome this protection were we to venture into such unfamiliar territory.
“A Dying Breed” will be part of Touching Distance: Anthology of the Imminent, a new comic series that imagines possible challenges humanity will face in our exciting imminent future of rapid technological progress and consciousness expansion.
The panel shown is a work in progress (finished version will be full color). If you would like to receive updates on the release of this project, sign up below.