This is ostensibly set in the mid-1800s, which makes it a proto-steampunk tale (complete with steamship that has been modified to defy gravity). In theory, the setting also justifies the appalling racism that the bearded professor directs at the black servant (who is obviously smarter than he appears and seems to be biding his time, waiting for an opportunity to do… something).

The storytelling is very dynamic and cartoony and pokes fun at a lot of the turn-of-the last century storytelling devices like the crotchety old inventor and the inexperienced but plucky young point-of-view character. It remains to be seen where this is going (it’s an ongoing serial, after all), but the first time that the professor calls his black servant a baboon is really jarring.

(Heavy Metal issue #35, February 1980 – Page 32 Professor Thintwhistle by Lupoff and Stiles)