Insect-O-Fact #12

The Silverfish

With all this research going on with developing the new species in the Underground, it seems only fitting that we move on to yet another Insect-O-Fact! With that in mind this newest installment features the Silverfish, their history, and habits.

Many of us have been there; waking up in the middle of the night, for a nocturnal trip to the washroom. With sleep still encrusting your eyes, you flick on the light. As you quickly adjust to the brightness a quick movement...or slithering catches your eye. Too small to be a cockroach, too large and fast to be an ant. Upon closer investigation you come face to face with a shimmering, slithering, silvery creature approximately twelve millimetres in length. You have been infiltrated by the Silverfish.

There are many interesting facts about the Silverfish; for instance they are one of the oldest forms of insect life on the planet, they are one of the most adaptable, versatile, and resourceful. The Silverfish are approximately 300 million years old with specimens dating back to the paleazoic era. A generation can survive for up to 3 years, even living for a year with no food at all! To this day small appendages line their abdomen linking them with their prehistoric ancestors. While they will feed on almost anything they come across (including their own cast off skins!), they preferred resources tend to be paper, book bindings, starchy or sugary substances.

There are several forms of the Silverfish which vary greatly in size, and appearance. In The Underground, they will initially be represented as two 'castes'. The Seriata, and the Cauda. These two castes will represent the Japanese Ninjas, and Samurai respectively. They are an ancient race who live by an ancient code.

"Every moment has it's course; the code leads every action.
Every thought has it's place; the code guides every whim.
Every silversfish has it's caste; the code defines everybug."

-Excerpt from the Silverfish Dogma

The traditions and heritage of the Samurai compare well with the history and lifespan of the Silverfish, and the Ninjas night tactics, and stealthiness are easily related as well. With such diversity in the species, only one thing can be for certain, their alliances lie with themselves, and trust can only be handled as the moment dictates for those who live outside the code.

Moving Forward, Growing Up, and Digging Deeper.

Well, it's been a while since I've posted here but believe you me, I have definitely been busy with this buggy project of ours. Many things have started to take shape, some current, and some on the horizon. Some we can talk about, and some we'll just have to wait and see!

I feel like this project is becoming somewhat of a hydra, as it is developing multiple facets for the team and myself to focus on. Right now it seems to be revolving around The Underground (ofcourse), and Twisted Studio itself. The studio is something that I am really excited about as it will open more doors for myself, the team, and other local artists, writers, and creators. I've recently accepted a job at a local print and design business which I feel will offer me the most ideal opportunity to learn, grow, and further develop the skills I need to run a successful studio. By developing these skills, and making valuable contacts, I can ensure the future success and expansion of The Underground.

In regards to the story itself, Chris and I have been doing more research than even I can believe. We've been taking the story, and consistency therein, very seriously. And this has led us to pour over notes, articles, and images, to create a richer, deeper environment for the readers to enjoy. What sets this book apart? Aside from the characters being bugs, fighting a microscopic war beneath our noses? The facts. We're creating a world from our own, using real everyday facts, and information to shape the story itself. So much of the real world is used to develop the world of The Underground, that you cannot help but get lost within it.

Our current research has led us to the development of a new species for The Underground...The Silverfish. Now many of you have seen these little critters running around their bathrooms, or basements, but you're going to see them in a different light now! The following is some of the process I've gone through to develop the looks of this new species. Chris has been working diligently on developing the culture and heritage of them. And by the way, all this work for the Silverfish...all for one panel, on one page in the next book! Alot for a little? Maybe, but that's what I feel gives The Underground its strength as a series. Every corner is investigated, light is shone on every shadow. The lines of reality and fantasy are quickly blurred.