Cadillacs and Dinosaurs is a multimedia franchise set in a post-apocalyptic 26th century where humanity struggles to survive in a world reclaimed by prehistoric life. Originally created by writer/artist Mark Schultz as the comic book series Xenozoic Tales in 1986, the property expanded into a popular arcade game, an animated TV series, and a role-playing game. Core Lore and Setting
The story takes place roughly 500 years after a cataclysmic environmental collapse forced humanity into underground shelters. Upon returning to the surface, they find Earth transformed into a jungle-covered landscape populated by dinosaurs—a period known as the Xenozoic Age.
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (originally titled Xenozoic Tales ) is a seminal work of post-apocalyptic fiction created by Mark Schultz in 1986. It stands as a unique blend of pulp adventure, environmentalist themes, and retro-futuristic aesthetics, eventually becoming a cult phenomenon through its 1993 animated series and a legendary Capcom arcade game. Setting the Scene: The Xenozoic Era
The story is set in the 26th century, hundreds of years after cataclysmic pollution and natural disasters forced humanity into underground shelters. When survivors finally emerge, they find Earth reclaimed not by modern nature, but by extinct prehistoric life—specifically dinosaurs, referred to by the characters as "slithers." The world of Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
is one of "low-tech" survival. While humanity has forgotten how to mass-produce modern technology, they have become master mechanics, scavenging 20th-century relics. The iconic 1950s Cadillacs are more than just style choices; they represent the pinnacle of restored ancient tech, powered by unconventional fuels like dinosaur dung (guano) to emphasize the era's resourceful, gritty nature. The Protagonists and Themes
The narrative follows Jack Tenrec, a "shaman" and mechanic who lives by the "Machinist’s Oath." Jack is a staunch defender of the natural balance, often clashing with those who wish to over-exploit the environment or the dinosaurs. He is frequently joined by Hannah Dundee, a diplomat and scientist from a rival city-state, whose nuanced perspective often creates a sophisticated dynamic between survivalist instinct and scientific curiosity. Cadillacs And Dinosaurs
Unlike many of its contemporaries, the series wasn't just about "man vs. beast." It explored deep ecological themes, questioning how humanity could coexist with a world it once destroyed. It portrayed dinosaurs as sentient parts of a delicate ecosystem rather than mindless monsters. Cultural Legacy
While the original comics are praised for Schultz’s intricate, EC Comics-inspired artwork, the franchise reached its peak visibility in the early 90s. The Capcom beat-'em-up game
is still cited as one of the greatest arcade titles of its era, beloved for its fluid combat and the ability to drive the titular car through hordes of enemies.
The animated series further cemented the brand, bringing the environmental message to a younger audience with high-quality animation and a jazzy, noir-influenced score. Conclusion Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
remains a fascinating piece of pop culture because it refuses to be just one thing. It is a love letter to 1950s Americana, a thrilling prehistoric adventure, and a cautionary tale about ecological responsibility. By pairing the chrome-plated luxury of a Cadillac with the primal power of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Schultz created a visual shorthand for the enduring conflict between human ambition and the natural world. of the Capcom arcade classic or the ecological philosophy found in the original comics? Cadillacs and Dinosaurs is a multimedia franchise set
Before it was a game, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs was Xenozoic Tales, an acclaimed comic book series by Mark Schultz. Debuting in 1987, the comic presented a post-apocalyptic 22nd century. After ecological disasters and massive earthquakes forced humanity underground for centuries, survivors emerge to find a world where mankind is no longer the apex predator. The continents have shifted, the climate is brutal, and—most importantly—dinosaurs have returned.
The comic centered on Jack Tenrec, a "mechanic" who can talk to cars, and Hannah Dundee, a scientist and diplomat. They navigated a world of scarce resources, political intrigue, and prehistoric monsters. The name "Cadillacs" was symbolic of the lost golden age of technology—the beautiful, gas-guzzling land yachts of the 1950s that Jack restores and drives.
In 1993, Capcom secured the license. At the time, Capcom was the undisputed king of the arcade beat 'em up (Final Fight, Captain Commando, Knights of the Round). They took the lush, detailed art of Xenozoic Tales and translated it into one of the most visually stunning arcade games ever made.
While the animated series is long off the air, the franchise maintains a strong cult following.
Today, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs has experienced a massive resurgence, albeit through grey-market means. Because the licensing rights are a legal nightmare—General Motors wants money for the car logos, the Schultz estate controls the characters, and Capcom owns the code—there is no modern remaster on PlayStation or Switch. Before it was a game, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
However, the game has become a darling of the retro arcade emulation scene. Using MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator), a new generation of gamers has discovered the title. YouTube retrospectives have garnered millions of views, praising the game's sprite art—specifically the stunning animation of the dinosaurs and the "crunch" sound of a dropkick.
A one-season, 13-episode syndicated cartoon. Toned down for kids: guns are replaced with “stunners,” and environmental themes are heavy-handed but sincere.
Capcom took this rich world and distilled it into a four-player, side-scrolling masterpiece. Released on the powerful CP System II (CPS-2) hardware, the game was a visual and auditory feast.
The Story (Arcade): In the year 2513, an illegal poaching ring, the "Dark Science Cartel," is hunting dinosaurs to extinction. You play as one of four heroes from the comic, led by the protagonist Jack Tenrec, to stop the Cartel’s leader, the sinister Vice-Terrible, Dr. Fessenden.
The Playable Characters: Unlike the archetypes of Final Fight (the balanced guy, the fast guy, the heavy guy), Cadillacs and Dinosaurs offers four distinct, viable fighters:
Gameplay Mechanics: Capcom perfected the beat-'em-up here. The standard combo (three punches, a kick, then a launcher) is satisfying. But the key differentiators are:
The Bosses: The Cartel leaders are a rogue’s gallery of 90s arcade cheese, including the terrifying cyborg Butcher (with a spinning chainsaw torso), the agile Wrench (a female ninja-like mechanic), and the final boss, Dr. Fessenden, who pilots a massive, mech-like battle suit.
EN 
FR 
DE 
ES