Review: The Amazing Screw On Head

Steampunk, like its spiritual forebear cyberpunk, is a literary/artistic genre just crying out for a good parody. In 2002, Mike Mignola (Hellboy) gave us that spoof in The Amazing Screw On Head. Now writer/executive producer Bryan Fuller brings Mignola's graphic novel to the small screen. It's a riotous send-up of Lovecraftian horror and steampunk, that should draw both newcomers and fans of the graphic novel.

When an ancient scroll is stolen from the Museum of Dangerous Books and Papers, President Abraham Lincoln knows there's only one man to turn to: Screw On Head (Paul Giamatti), a mysterious metallic head with multiple mechanical bodies. Screw On Head quickly realizes that the thief is none other than his former butler, the undead villain who calls himself Emperor Zombie (David Hyde-Pierce). Much mayhem (involving ancient kings, hidden temples, werewolf grannies and a trigger-happy monkey) ensues.

I've never read the graphic novel, so I'm reviewing this pilot strictly on its own merits. And, on that basis I'm giving The Amazing Screw On Head a solid thumbs-up.

First off, Fuller did the smart thing and brought Mignola in as art director. His visual style informs the show's look, and should attract fans of the comic. However, there seems to be more than a few corners cut with the animation, which isn't as fluid as it could be. I'm willing to forgive that, considering the story was a hoot. Hopefully, the show's producers can beef up the animation budget for subsequent episodes.

The voice cast is excellent: Paul Giamatti plays the title character fairly straight, with just a hint of goofiness. On the other hand, David Hyde Pierce brings his Frasier persona to bear as Emperor Zombie, and cheerfully chews the scenery. Half of a show's success rests on its villain, and Hyde Pierce is an inspired choice as the twitchy megalomaniac. Molly Shannon also does solid work as Screw On Head's lost love, returned as Emperor Zombie's vampire paramour.

The Amazing Screw On Head sends up Lovecraft, steampunk and the superhero genre with a lot of style. If subsequent episodes are as good as the pilot, this show is definitely worth watching.

The Amazing Screw On Head comes to the Sci-Fi Channel on July 27. To see the pilot, online click here.

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