I'm not sure if I want this to be one of my best pieces
It just... isn't really "me".
Still, I guess it has more character than most (of my work), and so, in a way, I can't help but agree.
OK, here's an idea.
If you like Jules Verne, you could illustrate some of his characters in this style.
Then, it might become more 'you' - since you do like him as a writer...