Monk McGurk and Mitzi

Background: In a series of secret experiments, the Nova Institute enhanced the intelligence of some animals to human levels and beyond. When these experiments became public knowledge, the enhanced animals, who were educated and articulate, were considered people, and were released into society.

One result of these experiments was Monk McGurk. In captivity, he had demonstrated a keen aptitude for deductive reasoning. After his release "from stir", using knowledge he gained through voracious reading, he started his own detective agency.

Mitzi Moreau, a part-time model, wannabe actress and nursing student, is the best damn secretary Monk could hire for minimum wage.

Monk sometimes employs his old cellmate, Zydeco Jones, as hired muscle.

Soon after his release, Monk had to battle the menace of the malevolent guinea pig, Mister Whiskers. The rodent has returned time and again, becoming an archenemy of the detective.

Status: Active

Skills: Monk is a skilled investigator with a nearly genius--level IQ, who learned nearly everything he knows from detective novels.

Technology: Monk favors the Colt Police Special and a knuckle sandwich.

Creator: Ed Messina

First Appearance: MONK MCGURK #1