It should be a surprise to absolutely no one that I am a huge fan of Jill Thompson’s art. I had somehow missed out on the previous incarnations of Beasts of Burden, but was happy to pick up a new number one issue on little more recommendation than Thompson’s name on the cover.
Beasts of Burden looks like it could be a kids’ comic from the cover–talking dogs and cats? It could be too cute for words, especially with such bright and luscious painted art. Except the same amount of loving detail goes into some truly creepy gore and disturbing moments. A horror comic disguised as cute stuff? I’m in.
The dogs have unique and compelling enough personalities that when one is chained up in a backyard it’s oddly disturbing, like seeing a person on the end of a chain. The hints at underlying mythology–”Witch cats” and “wise dogs”–are tempting, and the humor works without breaking the tension of the story. This issue works as a one-shot, but it also sucks you in and leaves you waiting for more.
So here’s to more comics that sneak up on you, right?
October 1st, 2009 at 5:37 pm
After hesitating to read this issue after two weeks I’m glad I was finally able to. It reads quickly, but forces the reader to focus on the artwork, which in this case is a good thing. The dogs and cats are humanized, a fresh perspective not often seen in this medium. While I enjoyed the characters, it left me wanting to delve into each of their histories, and hungry for the next issue. A supernatural story with dog and cat detectives? What’s not to love? Thanks to Mr. Dorkin and Ms. Thompson for releasing a magical tale.
October 30th, 2009 at 6:45 am
I loved the first and second issue of Beasts of Burden. It is a unique title and it suits Dark Horse to see it through with an excellent presentation of Thompson’s work. I agree with Sarah–the cutesy stuff mixed with the dark, gory paranormal plots is excellent. Kudos to Dark Horse for putting out the book, and to Thompson and Dorkin for these great comics in an otherwise slightly slow season.