Script by David Brin and Jason Land
Art by Jan Feindt
Published online by the Metals Service Center Institute
Written by world class science fiction writer David Brin, who I wish would turn his “Uplift” saga (genetically engineering animals upward, probably so they can shoot back…also a big hit in transhumanist circles..) into comics, “Tinkerers” tells a very entertaining science fiction tale about the death of American manufacturing. You would think that wouldn’t be so entertaining but it is. Better than most of the comics that you could buy at the stands. Trust me. It can also be read for free online but more on its funding and availability later.
We’re taken to a science fictional future with jetpacks and hover cars made from kits and 3d printing taken to the 10th degree. We’re not told the year but I’m guessing at least 2030. But despite all the tech glamor we are allegedly looking at the United States in perpetual decline. We explore this condition through our lead character Danny Nakamura. He’s a rising tech person but still lives in a declining America that won’t invest in infrastructure. His entire graduating class is almost killed when a bridge nearby collapses.
We’re told various viewpoints about the decline of the American manufacturing base by people who look suspiciously like Bernie Mac, Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Japanese actor Beat Takeshi. Seriously they look just like them. I agree with the perspective of former money manager dude who looks a little like Peter Lorre. We are ruled by people who know what “quants” are.
I actually don’t agree with the spendthrift and entitlement stuff but that’s the core of the book. You’ll find yourself agreeing and not agreeing about the arguments behind our country’s decline. Surprisingly good read. It’s also refreshing to read something about ideas. 4.5 out of 5 stars and well drawn despite the obvious thefts. (see Related) It also gives you various explanations as to why your life as an American seems to be getting harder and harder. I also found the book’s funding to be interesting or as it states on its Facebook page:
“Tinkerers” was produced originally for the Metals Service Center Institute, a trade association that represents about 375 companies that make and distribute industrial metals, and for its Forward magazine.”
Free advice for the manufacturing sector: start working with labor and get better lobbyists.
Related: The art was beautiful but did the artist use photographs or stills from movies to create the characters.? P. 17 looks a lot like the late Bernie Mac. The guy on page 11 looks a lot like Morgan Freeman when playing Nelson Mandala which I think he’s done a few times..P 16 looks like a Japanese actor (Beat Takeshi with the Magic of the Google..) that I know I’ve seen before. Were these lifted? Or here’s a still picture of Beat Takeshi:
Here’s a scene from “Tinkerers” featuring a character who looks just like him:
Better hope it wasn’t from AP. Poor poor Shepherd Fairey. Should he “hope” for a presidential pardon?…would be nice. More Related: This guy thinks these are lifts and also mentions Kris Kristofferson. I missed that one although he did look familiar…actually, a lot of these characters look familiar but I thought that the art is outstanding.
