Set hundreds of thousands of years ago among proto-humans, who are half-human, half-ape, Newfangle is a low status member of the tribe. He tries to alter his position through inventions such as language then, in later episodes, fire, money, warfare, religion and music. But the tribe remains selfish, foolish and venal and Alf, the alpha male, steals Newfangle's ideas to stay in power.

Coco, Newfangle's mother, despairs of her weedy son ever doing anything useful like ripping someone's face off, and places all her hopes in Crag, his half-brother.

Crag may not the brightest hominid in the swamp but at least he's loyal to Newfangle. Newfangle also remains hopeful that his love interest, Snaggle, may be impressed by one of his new creations.