The 22nd century universe is centered on "Tek"—an illegal, addictive, mind-altering digital drug in the form of a microchip.[2][3] The drug creates a simulated reality (and in the films and TV series taps into "the matrix" hyperspace). In the later novels, a new version called "SuperTek" has improved efficiency, is less likely to cause brain damage in users, and features a shared reality, similar to the TV version's "matrix". The protagonist, Jake Cardigan, is a former police officer framed for dealing the drug four years prior to the start of the first novel. Having been sentenced to 15 years' cryo-imprisonment, his release is brought forward by Walt Bascom, the head of private investigation agency Cosmos, who has uncovered the framed charges and exonerates him. In return Bascom wishes to employ him as an expert in a series of Tek-related crimes, mostly in Greater Los Angeles, referred to as "GLA". In the first few novels Cardigan is portrayed as a recovering Tek-user with several lapses, but this aspect diminishes as the novels progress - in the first book Gomez comments that 70% of users relapse, while it is implied in later novels that to break the addiction for even a light user is impossible.
Partnered with the good-natured and charismatic Mexican Sid Gomez, the two make up a good cop/bad cop partnership with Cardigan's past continually being brought up as a foil for his new career - most honest people he meets distrust him, and most dishonest people attempt to kill him for perceived slights in the drug trade. However, the two prove an effective team and stay a core duo throughout the series, with input from a comprehensive list of informants, employees of both Cosmos, other detective agencies and Cardigan's son Dan and his girlfriend Molly - both of whom are enrolled in the GLA police academy and as such have access through their own informant to police files.
The 22nd century is populated with artificial intelligence such as integrated computer systems and "andies" which range from obvious metal robots to highly sophisticated simulacra, some of which are accurate enough to deceive an observer into thinking they are human.
Each novel covers a specific case, all are Tek-related, but most include sub-plots which involve non-Tek issues and travel out of the GLA, occasionally to other countries or as far as orbiting satellites. A shadowy government agency known as OCO - the Office of Clandestine Operations - is a frequent antagonist in the novels, albeit usually keeping to the background and supporting the particular novel's villain.
In 1992, Tekwar was adapted in to a comic book series.
A new Tekwar comic book adaptation, entitled The Tek War Chronicles, by Shatner and comic book writer Scott Davis with art by Erich Owen and colors by Michelle Davies, was released by Bluewater Productions on June 24, 2009.[7] As of 2010, The Tek War Chronicles is available digitally exclusively through Devil's Due Digital.
Trading cards
Trading cards with comic book artwork were published by Cardz in 1993.[8][9]
The first three were adaptations of the books, while TekJustice was an original movie.[11]
TekWar TV series
Episode no.
Episode title
Original airdate
1
"Sellout"
December 22, 1994
2
"Unknown Soldier"
December 29, 1994
3
"Tek Posse"
January 5, 1995
4
"Promises to Keep"
January 12, 1995
5
"Stay of Execution"
January 19, 1995
6
"Alter Ego"
March 2, 1995
7
"Killer Instinct"
March 9, 1995
8
"Chill Factor"
March 30, 1995
9
"Deadline"
April 6, 1995
10
"Carlotta's Room"
April 13, 1995
11
"Deep Cover"
June 10, 1995
12
"Cyberhunt"
June 17, 1995
13
"Zero Tolerance"
June 24, 1995
14
"Forget Me Not"
July 1, 1995
15
"The Gate"
January 20, 1996
16
"Skin Deep"
January 27, 1996
17
"Redemption"
February 2, 1996
18
"Betrayal"
February 19, 1996
Adult animated adaptation
An adult animated adaptation/reboot of TekWar was announced in September 2021. The project will be developed and written by Matt Michnovetz and produced by Pure Imagination Studios with Shatner's Shatner Universe.[12]
