Tuki is a series from Cartoon Books, written and drawn by Jeff Smith. Sound familiar? It should, he’s the creator of Bone. I just happen to have the honor of receiving an early look at the second book. Thanks, Kathleen Glosan; I’ve been enjoying what’s been going on so far. Now I get the chance to tell others why too. From the larger-than-life story, the unique characters, and artwork people could learn from.
What/Who Is Tuki?
Tuki began as a webcomic, Save The Humans in 2014. The story revolves around its title character, the first human to leave Africa. He really just wants to live alone and wanders the savanna for a place to settle down. But he ends up getting followers with three orphans and two hominid outcasts. Along the way, this party has to deal with the ancient world’s dangers including predators and demons. This was so popular, that it won the Reuben Award. Also unlike Smith’s other works, this series debuted in color. At least until a hand injury delays it for years; but in the next six years, Smith reworks the series.
In June of 2021, a Kickstarter revitalizes the title with a new direction. I don’t just mean moving into print in black and white, but a focus in story. It has the same characters and setting, but the plot shifts a bit. There’s no mention of leaving Africa, let alone the Ice Age. What sets it all in motion is how Tuki’s journey to find a food source turns into an epic quest.
A Pulpy Interest
Smith gives Tuki a very pulp-like atmosphere to it, preferring to have readers take in the ancient world. Because why bother with exposition like the old webcomic when they can experience it for themselves? Need a comparison, the closest I can think of is Adult Swim’s Primal; just without all of the blood and people talk here.
It’s quite a world to look at too, not just the many scenic views but the species living in it. Along with early humans there are the more ape-like Habiline and even smaller Pithecines. They each have their own cultures including views that set them against one another. This of course includes gods/demons that try to wipe humanity out.
Apparently humanity’s activities are replacing the magical forces of some hidden world. Followers of the old forces like the Habiline are sent by their demonic gods to hunt humans down. Which isn’t hard with how they can be found with the fires they fear so much. But the one the demons are most concerned about is Tuki himself.
The Pulp Tribe
Tuki is a capable homo erectus hunter searching for a massive buffalo herd… alone. Why? I can’t really tell other than he just wants to. The only problem is, his journey that will eventually take him out of Africa is a threat to supernatural forces. Which kind of stinks because Tuki’s not trying to hurt anybody, he’s just minding his own business. Neither is Tuki a loner because of trauma or a jerk, he wouldn’t have his compassion that gets his followers.
Let’s talk about the band of misfits. Tuki finds three orphan siblings who I think are homo sapien sapiens; look that’s the scientific name for what he know as humans, search it! While Tuki’s reluctant to help the Ran siblings, he does try. Sometimes he doesn’t even do it well, like when he tries to encourage the oldest sister’s strength. Taking care of younger siblings is admirable but it doesn’t take the loss or burdens away. Their tribe was wiped out by Habiline warriors, so they’ve had to grow up a little quicker than they should. The younger sister is a bit standoffish while the brother tries to find rituals to be as strong as Tuki. It’s why he paints a skull on his face.
What About The Apes?
Now’s probably a good time to talk about the two hairier characters. An old Habiline is the first character to meet Tuki… getting possessed is an interesting first impression. So I guess this guy is some kind of shaman since he uses a powder to help communicate with him. In any case, he’s wary of the hunter but not hostile. I mean getting kicked out of his tribe for being old doesn’t get you a lot of friends.
Then there’s Kwarel the Pithecine. He’s pretty unassuming and he communicates pretty well for a species no one sees coming. But he’s also very dangerous, able to eat an entire demon in barely any time. It’s a good thing he’s on Tuki’s side because he isn’t welcome in his own tribe; maybe it’s because of how dangerous he is.
Tuki On The Horizon
Tuki isn’t just an interesting story that builds itself up so well with characters readers come to love, its concept is top notch. The idea of fire and the people who can start it is a pretty good concept of primordial magic. Everybody knows today that fire is what helped build civilization. But the way it is used as a tool for stuff like cooking scares the other species, to them it’s like taking the power of gods. So it’s no wonder that the spirits that compel the Habiline to hunt down humans are like witch hunters.
There’s a strong sense of eat or be eaten in ways nobody touches before. Readers don’t want the characters to get hurt, but it’s hard to fault the antagonists. Or at least the ones who aren’t naturally cruel like the gorilla demon. Because we all know the end results.
Gotta give props to the artwork too. So many comics could benefit by applying a black and white feature. With most of them trying to put color first, the contrast can feel lacking. Not to mention you know my feelings in regards to cartooning. Everything in Tuki has life and energy radiating out of it.
The ink’s not dry yet, but I rate this series 9/10 for great characters, artwork, concept, and an epic that gets better with time. Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.