Grease Monkey (comics)
Encyclopedia
Grease Monkey is a comic book
created by Tim Eldred. There were two issues published in color by Kitchen Sink Press
in 1996, then Image Comics
reprinted the first four stories in black and white in 1998. Currently Tor Books
has it released in book form: the first six stories along with previously unpublished material for a total of twenty four stories plus three vignettes.
Book 2, "A Tale of Two Species", is currently in the works.
armada attacked Earth
, killing sixty percent of the human
population. Then, a group of alien benefactors showed up to restore Earth. In order to replace the missing sixty percent, they offered to bestow high intelligence
to other species
. They made this offer to the dolphins first, who declined, then they turned to the gorillas, who accepted. Now Earth is populated both by humans and accelerated gorillas.
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
created by Tim Eldred. There were two issues published in color by Kitchen Sink Press
Kitchen Sink Press
Kitchen Sink Press was a comic book publishing company founded by Denis Kitchen in 1970. Kitchen owned and operated Kitchen Sink Press until 1999. Kitchen Sink Press was a pioneering publisher of underground comics, and was also responsible for numerous republications of classic comic strips in...
in 1996, then Image Comics
Image Comics
Image Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
reprinted the first four stories in black and white in 1998. Currently Tor Books
Tor Books
Tor Books is one of two imprints of Tom Doherty Associates LLC, based in New York City. It is noted for its science fiction and fantasy titles. Tom Doherty Associates also publishes mainstream fiction, mystery, and occasional military history titles under its Forge imprint. The company was founded...
has it released in book form: the first six stories along with previously unpublished material for a total of twenty four stories plus three vignettes.
Book 2, "A Tale of Two Species", is currently in the works.
Background
Fifty years prior to the beginning of the series, an alienExtraterrestrial life in popular culture
In popular cultures, "extraterrestrials" are life forms — especially intelligent life forms— that are of extraterrestrial origin .-Historical ideas:-Pre-modern:...
armada attacked Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
, killing sixty percent of the human
Human
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
population. Then, a group of alien benefactors showed up to restore Earth. In order to replace the missing sixty percent, they offered to bestow high intelligence
Intelligence
Intelligence has been defined in different ways, including the abilities for abstract thought, understanding, communication, reasoning, learning, planning, emotional intelligence and problem solving....
to other species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
. They made this offer to the dolphins first, who declined, then they turned to the gorillas, who accepted. Now Earth is populated both by humans and accelerated gorillas.
Main characters
- Robin Plotnik - A young assistant mechanic serving the Barbarians, an all-female fighter squadron stationed on the Fist of Earth.
- McGimben Gimbensky aka Mac - A gorilla who happens to be Chief Mechanic for Barbarian Squadron. A self-styled artist who cares nothing at all for regulations. Robin becomes his assistant and close friend.
Other characters
- Kevin Nedelmat - Fighter maintenance assistant for Hardrider Squadron, and the only friend Robin has from Earth who is stationed on the Fist of Earth. He is dismissed and sent to Earth due to his involvement in a betting scandal.
- Barbara Brand - Captain of Barbarian Squadron.
- Evelyn Stettler - Admiral of the Fist of Earth. She is the first gorilla to reach the rank of Admiral. Mac is romantically involved with her.
- Reg Dibson - An old gorilla who happens to be the ship's "Technician of Custodial Sciences" (janitorJanitorA janitor or custodian is a professional who takes care of buildings, such as hospitals and schools. Janitors are responsible primarily for cleaning, and often some maintenance and security...
). He is Mac's best friend and fellow nonconformist. He has an "attack hamsterHamsterHamsters are rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. The subfamily contains about 25 species, classified in six or seven genera....
" named Dewey.
- Kara Soki - LibrarianLibrarianA librarian is an information professional trained in library and information science, which is the organization and management of information services or materials for those with information needs...
, and Robin's primary love interest until she leaves for Earth with Jeff Simons.
- Major Benjamin Henniker - Systems analystSystems analystA systems analyst researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirements. They will be familiar with multiple variety of programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms...
and quintessential bureaucratBureaucratA bureaucrat is a member of a bureaucracy and can comprise the administration of any organization of any size, though the term usually connotes someone within an institution of a government or corporation...
. He is also Mac's archnemesis.
- Lyle Brand - Barbara's brother, and leader of a rival squadron. The two compete with each other. In Book 2, he leads a bomber squadron.
- Jeff Simons - ChefChefA chef is a person who cooks professionally for other people. Although over time the term has come to describe any person who cooks for a living, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation.-Etymology:The word "chef" is borrowed ...
in the Astro Bistro who had been Mac's assistant before Robin. After the betting scandal, he decides to leave the Fist of Earth and Kara joins him.
- Dr. Savin - ship dentistDentistA dentist, also known as a 'dental surgeon', is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The dentist's supporting team aides in providing oral health services...
who is obsessed with "devious practices" of oral hygieneOral hygieneTeeth cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities , gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental cleaning, and dental hygienists can remove hardened...
.
- Kim Barnett - Newest and youngest member of Barbarian Squadron. She makes her debut in Book 2.