This definitely hooks.“Killer Krill From Outer Space!” the headline in the New York Times put me in mind of a 1950's B movie marque."
I think this might be better as two sentences, i.e. “Killer Krill From Outer Space!” The headline in the New York Times put me in mind of a 1950's B movie marque.
Perhaps “Killer Krill From Outer Space!” could actually be the first paragraph all by itself, further enhancing the whole headline effect.
I think marque should be marquee
"The story interviewed"
This sounds like the story is interviewing someone all by itself. It's an interesting concept, but I don't think it's what you were going for.
"my best friend and genetics whiz kid"
I think this might be better in reverse order, i.e. "genetics whiz kid and my best friend", or somesuch. As is, it might give the impression that he belongs to him, like he's "my genetics whiz kid" or that he's "my best genetics whiz kid", like he's one of an army of genetics whiz kids.
I love the description of the monster, and that was the major hook for me.
Keep up the good work. Best regards,
Brant
[This message has been edited by Brant Danay (edited February 19, 2009).]