(Published in 1945, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a satirical, all-talented novel about a group of animals on anthropomorphic farms who want to create a society in which animals can be equal, free and happy. As Tom King explained in his introduction to the collective edition of Animal Pounds by him and Peter Gross, Orwell’s F-tale commented on how Britain, partnered with the Soviet Union in World War II and collaborated with the rise of the British Communist Party, corrupted the ideal utopia into the cruel reality of fascism.
Between Animal Farm and Orwell’s subsequent novel “1940 People,” both fictional works are warning stories of where humanity can pass through its worst instincts. Looking at his own bibliography, especially DC titles like Mr. Miracle and Bizarre Adventure, it appears King is commenting not only on politics, but on today’s insanity. The ideas King explores are sadly more relevant than ever.
Along with Image and Dark Horse’s Everlasting at Wyndhorn’s Helen, Animal Pound is another of the King’s titles that bring out the side of the apartment in classical literature. Instead of livestock like pigs, horses and sheep, the comic focuses on dogs, cats and rabbit pound animals, caged, killed and tired of sold out. What began as a dream from the dog lucky before being sent to the disposal of animals, the cat Fifi and Doberman Titan lead an uprising that makes animals into control of the pound, thus creating a new democracy built on freedom and equality.
As is often the case with King, who wrote prose fiction before working in comics, Animal Pound takes a novel approach in storytelling, with each of the five issues being densely packed, going through this society’s timeline and experiencing a final collapse. This approach to comic book storytelling is often criticized, but Animal Pond embodies it to its best, especially when it comes to King’s own work, at least compared to works owned by King’s other creators.
There were wild-like cartoons of images that incorporate wild-like cartoons of images into their own hellish ideas of Zombie Apocalypse, but the use of anthropomorphism of Animal Pounds becomes more intense. Initially, in an honorable environment where many animal prisons are seen, we see a society crumbling under its own feet. Through the perspectives of Fifi and Titan, both are elected as leaders who maintain order and remain faithful to Lucky’s dreams, with other subsequent animals taking on the title. The King is not subtle in his all-talk touching on American politics these days.
Instead of the aforementioned Don Bruce-inspired animals from the Ferrule, Peter Gross Art introduces realistically painted animals that behave like animals. Certainly, the way these animals discuss through their politics has anthropomorphic features. Gross is the subtle expression that defines an animal’s behavior with the occasional bark or mu, which represents an explosion. Along with the calming colours of Tamra Bonvillan, the book’s appearance is one of the unsettling atmospheres, especially when several moments of shocking violence begin. Perhaps you will feel more sympathy for the rabbit than anything else.
Animal Pond is there along with Tom King’s most thought-provoking work, updating Orwell’s all-talk of animals to tell an f-talk that is horribly related to our present time.
“Animal Pound” review
Animal Pond
Animal Pond is there along with Tom King’s most thought-provoking work, updating Orwell’s all-talk of animals to tell an f-talk that is horribly related to our present time.
It is not so subtle, but compelling commentary on the current political situation.
I feel that prison-like environments are very true for many animals.
Peter Gross and Tamra Bonvillain’s atmosphere and realistic visuals.
It’s not an easy read, especially for those who have a very passion for animals.
