So, the spousal unit and I just returned from Rango, a film where I greatly suspect a huge chunk of the script consisted of “Let Johnny Depp do something for 45 seconds, then go to next line.” While, obviously, I have great sympathy for any film in which the hero is reptilian and prone to fits of storytelling, I was generally very impressed overall by the humor, the animation, the amazing level of detail and texturing in the world, the voice acting, and the constant little nods to classic westerns and other films. As I watched it, though, it occurred to me that with very few changes, it could be a Gamma World or similar style post-apocalypse movie.

Warning!

HERE THERE BE SPOILERS!!!!

This article will discuss the film in significant detail and reveal many Cool Bits you might not want to see revealed. Be warned!

Heck, let’s just insert us a lil’ ol’ “Read More” kind of line, OK?

So, what makes me thing the film is post apocalyptic?

We have a small town, inhabited entirely by humanoid mutant animals, that is composed of a mix of scavenged materials from a different society and locally-made products and goods. It is post-gunpowder put pre-electricity, at least in terms of any obvious technology. There is no outside law or nation; beyond the borders of the town is a wilderness, inhabited by monsters. Gargantuan beasts — hawks many times larger than the humanoid animals — regularly prey on the inhabitants. Other odd communities of mutants are known to exist.

You’ve got a settlement of mole people who ride giant bats into battle. You’ve got walking and possibly sentient plants. You’ve got ancient underground mazes filled with technology the locals barely understand but upon which their lives depend. And you’ve got a cyborg rattlesnake!

This is pure Kamandi material here, folks. Jack Kirby could have written this. Rattlesnake Jake could easily be a cousin to Mr. Sacker.

Separated At Birth?

There is ample material in this film to be mined for inspiration for any Earth Delta, Gamma World, Mutant Future, or other type of “gonzo” post apocalyptic world. Simply the idea of playing out old Western tropes and plots in a world of mutant animals ought to be enough for an entire campaign, and it’s a great opportunity to drag out your cowboy accents. Add in Ol’ Rusty, the robot bandit, or Kid Mongoose, fastest gun in the West.

And here’s a few quick takes on some of the critters in the film (Earth Delta style, but should be easy to adapt to other systems), for your amusement.

Riding Bats

Rattlesnake Jake