The public debate about the ethics of science has gone on since before Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. Just because we CAN do something, does that mean we SHOULD? I'm sure not the one to answer that question in the real world, but I can tell you that in comic book land, science is nothing but trouble.
Take the case of Jack Ryder in DC's new Creeper limited series. Jack is your average arrogant, opinionated, obnoxious and obstreperous TV host. He loves nothing more than to get a guest on his show so he can belittle and berate them for the amusement of his audience. Jack is just enough of a journalist that he wants to get the scoop on the miraculous new Artificial Nanocell Technology invented by Dr. Vincent Yatz (also the guy who made that dice-rolling game?).
After poking around in the good Doctor's lab (always a mistake), Jack finds himself on the wrong end of this miracle healing technology. And on the wrong end of some gun-wielding criminals who are also mad science enthusiasts. Next thing you know, Jack is a good deal "Creepier," and comic book science has claimed another victim. What could be worse than a super-powered talk show host? Darn that science!
The Creeper #1 is written by veteran horror comics writer Steve Niles with art by the mono-named Justiniano. Niles horror background makes him a good fit for this story, since The Creeper is certainly a bit darker and, well, more creepy, than your average super-hero. The inclusion of the scientific debate issue also helps lend a little real world relevance to the story, and gives readers something to think about. Justiniano's art is well-matched for this character. He does a great job capturing The Creeper's weirdness through his bizarre body language and his crazy, cheshire cat smile.
So read The Creeper, but stay away from strange men in lab coats, especially if they're carrying giant hypodermic needles. Science is just more trouble than it's worth. For every guy who has an amazing origin, ten more get hideous, disfiguring mutations. Plus, this is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. You don't get any guarantees with mad science.
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