Comics in February - The Saga Series by Brian K. Vaughan - A Review

In February, a group of us read comics. I am all over the place in my participation each year... Sometimes I mention it, sometimes I want to join and hardly do, and then other February's are all about the comics... And, here I attempt to discuss some of the comics that I read. 

Saga - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

The series starts off where we are introduced to basically all the characters we are going to come across in the series. A few others will make appearances later, but these are the characters we mostly want to concentrate on in the series anyway. The story is told by Hazel, the daughter of Marko and Alana. Marko and Alana met under strange circumstances, he is a prisoner and she is a guard, and they fall in love. When we meet them, they are on the run with their daughter. The idea is that Hazel is looking back on her life and narrates the events. It works really well for the story. I especially love how the women in this series are written as strong, powerful women. The mix of different cultures, races, skin colour, gender, etc. is handled really well right from the start.

From award-winning writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (Pride of Baghdad, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist FIONA STAPLES (Mystery Society, Done to Death), SAGA is sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and horrific monsters, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her strangest adventure yet... grandparents.

Enter the grandparents... Marko's parents to be exact. They understandably think the worst about the fact that Marko has run off with another race and do not react well to the union. Things get interesting really quickly because when they arrived, Marko's mother banished Hazel's baby-sitter, a ghost named Isabel, to another planet and Marko finds himself having to go rescue her. His mother joins him, so that leaves Alana, Hazel, and Marko's father to do some bonding. They are also still on the run from hired mercanaries. We learn that one of the people after them is Marko's ex, Gwen. Then there is The Will who is accompanied by Lying Cat. I love Lying Cat! There is a lot seemingly going on, but it all works and the artwork by Fiona Staples is fantastic!

From the Hugo Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Y: The Last Man) and Fiona Staples (North 40, Red Sonja), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Searching for their literary hero, new parents Marko and Alana travel to a cosmic lighthouse on the planet Quietus, while the couple's multiple pursuers finally close in on their targets.

In this volume, the family finds themselves on Quietus. You see, there is this author that wrote a book that at first glance is a silly romance, but when you get to the depth of it, you find a story of the war. It is a book that is essentially about what is happening with Marko and Alana. Alana is a huge fan and she really wants to meet the author who lives on Quietus. This detour doesn't go well, though, because some of the people after them catch up with them. One such is the Robot Prince. We have known for a while that there is something not quite right with him, so he is always a presence when he makes an appearance. Gwen and Alana also meet. Cue the awkward moment!

From the Eisner Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Pride of Baghdad) and Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, Thor, SAGA is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. As they visit a strange new world and encounter even more adversaries, baby Hazel finally becomes a toddler, while her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana struggle to stay on their feet.

This fast forwards a bit with Hazel being a toddler instead of a baby in this volume. We are to understand that a bit of time has passed for the family as they attempt to hide and make ends-meet. It is apparent that things that cannot stay quiet for long. There is tension between Marko and Alana. Alana has joined the Circuit, which is basically a version of television in this universe. She is terrible at it and very unhappy, so she starts taking drugs to cope. Marko is the lonely stay-at-home dad. And then someone new is on their trail and catches up with them in a very dramatic way. This series is getting to be a page turner!

Multiple storylines collide in this cosmos-spanning new volume. While Gwendolyn and Lying Cat risk everything to find a cure for The Will, Marko makes an uneasy alliance with Prince Robot IV to find their missing children, who are trapped on a strange world with terrifying new enemies.

I mentioned how Gwen and Alana met, but didn't mention that Gwen's focus has shifted. Prior to her meeting up with Alana and Marko, The Will, her unlikely partner, was injured and now she is attempting to save his life. This leads her off on her own adventure with Lying Cat and involves The Will's sister, The Brand. I really like her! Then Marko and Alana have become separated. Marko and Prince Robot IV have become unlikely allies because they find they are both separated from their families and the same man is to blame. Alana, Hazel, and Marko's mother have their own problems to deal with. And, we have the set up for some exciting adventures in the future!

The bottom line: Overall, I LOVE this series. The art is fantastic. Brian K. Vaughan is a fantastic writer. I really enjoy Alana's kick-ass personality. Marko's mother is one of the best women I have come across in graphic novels. I look forward to learning more about Hazel and enjoy her narration. Lying Cat is my favourite character in the series, but that is not surprising. I also enjoy Gwen. Oh, and The Brand was awesome. As a whole, this series is a page-turning, edge of your seat adventure read. It is character driven, but you are also wrapped up in all the different storylines. I cannot wait to see what happens in Volume 6!

Ten Books To Read If You Are In The Mood For Graphic Novels

Saga Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

I love this series! Volume 6 will be out later this year. It is a blend of science-fiction and fantasy. The story is about a man and a woman who come from two warring planets and wind up falling in love. They have a child together, something that is definitely not approved of, and find themselves on the run. Strong characters, good story, and awesome art!

Fables Volumes 1-22 This series may seem long, but it is completed so at least you know where you stand! It is basically retellings of famous fairy tales, folk tales, classic novels, etc in a graphic novel format. One of the fun things is to see if you can make all the connections with the stories they are based on. The story is pretty solid, the female characters are not the damsel in distress types, and the art is always a lot of fun.

Maus Volumes 1 & 2 So far I was talking series, but if you want something shorter then there is the awesomeness that is Maus. It is a retelling of the events of the Holocaust involving mice. When I first heard of it, I didn't think I would like it at all, but it was one of my very first attempts at graphic novels and I loved it. It is probably one of the more widely received and recognized graphic novels out there.

Lazarus Volume 1, 2, 3, and, 4 This is a series I only even started in 2016 and I love it! I am huge on strong female leads and Lazarus is in a class all her own. The best part is that she pushes against what she is supposed to be in an attempt to be even better. I really like that about her. I have tried Greg Rucka before and never really clicked with him, so I am so glad I gave him another chance! The overall story to this one is a bit different from the norm, too, and is definitely different from what I would normally read.

Lumberjanes Volume 1, 2, 3, and soon 4 This is a series I started in 2015 and really enjoy. It is just fun. It is about a summer camp where things are not quite like any other summer camp in the area. Plus in a society where there are not always that many strong girls for young girls to look up to, there is this series out there selling like crazy and showing that there is potential. The adventures they get up to are not necessarily something that can happen in the real world, but it is refreshing to not have the damsel in distress situations come up. Plus, great art!

Persepolis Volume 1 & 2 This was another early foray into graphic novels. I actually credit this as my first really graphic novel... It was when I was early into blogging and this was offered as a review copy. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but took a chance on it and loved it! While I credit Fables with really kicking off my graphic novel reading, this book was the one that showed me I actually liked them. This book recaps a life in Tehran and what it was like for a young girl to grow up there. Definitely eye-opening!

American Born Chinese I wasn't sure which book to talk about by Gene Luen Yang, so I went with the first one I read by him.  This is called a modern fable and is actually three unrelated stories that turn out to be related in the end. I love Fables and Yang's books often could be called them. He takes things that I don't really know that much about and makes them really readable and engaging! If you read anything by him it is worthwhile, but this is where I started with his books.

Hexed Volume 1, 2, and eventually 3 In 2015 I joined Scribd and basically the same week, they added graphic novels. I can't pin point why I checked this series out, I think someone recommended it, but I am so glad I got a chance to check it out. I love it! There are only 12 issues, all of which are on Scribd, but it is such an overall good series. Luci is just such a great character you will enjoy spending time with her and the other characters that she crosses paths with. 

Deadpool When you get into Marvel, the series isn't as straight forward as the others that I have mentioned. I joined Marvel Unlimited last year and I think Deadpool is the best thing that came from that... He is funny and off-beat and sarcastic... I just love his comics! I used to think I didn't like superhero comics at all, but I guess it just goes to show that things change...

Captain Marvel I have read Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel and as Ms. Marvel. I think I like her better at Captain Marvel, but overall I love her. I think she is finally getting a movie and I cannot wait! She is definitely one of the best female characters in the Marvel Universe and I still buy her in trades even though I have Marvel Unlimited. Plus, her cat is great.

I honestly could go on, but I guess I am at 10... What are your favourite graphic novels?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over here.

Graphic Novel February - Week 2 - Six Sentence Saturday Style

(I decided that I was going to review the graphic novels I read in January this week.)

Fables - Volume 19: Snow White by Bill Willingham & Company

Completed: January 1, 2014

Length: 168 Pages

With Castle Dark now back in the hands of the Fables, mysteries both young and old begin to challenge the residents of Fabletown. Bigsby and Stinky set off from Fabletown in Rose Red's blood-fueled sports car to track down the two abducted cubs. Unfortunately for Snow White, besides suffering the trauma of having two of her cubs go missing, a long forgotten secret uncovered in Castle Dark threatens to sabatoge her and Bigsby's marriage.

This volume also collects the backup adventures of Bufkin and Lily from issues #114-121, as well as their full length adventures found in issue #124.

Collected here are Fables issues #114-123 (back-up stories only) and issues #124-129.

I didn't love Volume 18 of Fables as much as others in the series, so I was worried I wouldn't like this one, but all was well. I didn't like the adventures of Bufkin and Lily as much as the actual story where we got a chance to see more about Snow White who has been one of the central characters since the very beginning. Oh, how I love Fables and its strong female characters! I found the art a bit lacking in this one, though, and just didn't find the cover as eye-catching as other volumes. This one definitely leaves you wanted Volume 20 yesterday. I can't wait until later this year to see where Fables goes next.

Fables - Volume 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham & Company

Completed: January 2, 2014
Length: 128 Pages

When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the "mundys," their name for normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters created their own secret society that they call Fabletown. From their exclusive luxury apartment buildings on Manhattan's Upper West Side, these creatures of legend must fight for their survival in the new world.

(Just FYI: I have seen the 10th Anniversary Edition and it just is not as pretty as the 'original' one. It doesn't even seem like the binding is done as well. If you can, I would get the one pictured above and get the special one for collector purposes.)

This was a reread done almost exactly five years after I read this book for the very first time. I still loved it and am so happy I have been slowly rereading the series this year. This is where you meet everyone and see the beginnings of what would quickly become one of my favourite series ever! I think it made an interesting contrast reading the earliest one and the latest one so close to each other. The art is fantastic, the writing is stellar, and this is a great introduction to the series. And, these volumes stand up to rereads!

Fables - Volume 2: Animal Farm by Bill Willingham & Company

Completed: January 5, 2014
Length: 112 Pages

Collecting FABLES #6-10, the second story arc of the fan-favorite, critically acclaimed VERTIGO series. Travel to upstate New York, where the non-human Fable characters have found refuge on a farm, miles from mankind. But all is not well on the farm — and a conspiracy to free them from the shackles of their perceived imprisonment may lead to a war that could wrest control of the Fables community away from Snow White. Starring Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Plus, a sketchbook section featuring art by Willingham, Buckingham and Jean.

This is another reread of a favourite series. This was the first volume that made me aware of just how wide Fables spreads and that it is not just about fairy tale-retelling. This was the first volume that impressed on me the fact that Willingham, and his team, write strong female characters. I think that is one of the reasons why I love Fables so much. The art is also fantastic! Again, I am so happy I reread this!

Ex Machina - Volume 1: The First Hundred Days by Brian K. Vaughan & Company

Completed: January 7, 2014
Length: 136 Pages

The first volume of the Eisner Award-winning series featuring Eisner Award-winners author Brian K. Vaughan and artist Tony Harris. Set in our modern-day world, EX MACHINA tells the story of civil engineer Mitchell Hundred, who becomes America's first living, breathing super-hero after a strange accident gives him amazing powers. Eventually Mitchell tires of risking his life merely to maintain the status quo, retires from masked crimefighting and runs for mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide. But Mayor Hundred has to worry about more than just budget problems and an antagonistic governor, especially when a mysterious hooded figure begins assassinating plow drivers during the worst snowstorm in the city's history!

After Bill Willingham, I think Brian K. Vaughan is my favourite comic author (and, with the awesomeness of Saga that is a very, very close second). So, I am always eager to try different works by these authors. I didn't know very much about this series before it was thrust into my hands, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this intro to a new series. I don't read a lot of 'superhero' comics, but this was a different type of story-line: Mitchell Hundred is character you want to learn more about, and it takes place during a snowstorm which I can definitely relate to at this time of year. I always find the first volume of graphic novel series hard to talk about because they are really all about introducing things, but I am really interested to see what happens further in this series.

The Escapists by Brian K. Vaughan

Completed: January 8, 2014
Pages: 176 Pages

The Escapists tells the tale of three aspiring comics creators with big dreams, small cash, and publishing rights to one forgotten Golden Age hero-The Escapist! Inspired by Michael Chabon's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, this is Vaughan's love letter to his chosen medium, a story about what it takes to start out with nothing in Cleveland, Ohio, and end up with a comic so hot a major corporation wants to steal it from you! Brilliantly interweaving the lives of the creators with the world of their creation, artists Steve Rolston and Philip Bond bring the comic-booking trio Maxwell Roth, Case Weaver, and Denny Jones to life, while the inimitable Jason Shawn Alexander and Eduardo Barreto illustrate the thrilling trials and exciting extrications of the new-and old-Escapist!

First of all, I am not sure what this comic would be like if you have actually read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay because I never have and only sort of even know what it is about. I do see a trend now with Brian K. Vaughan being into superhero-type comics and I think this is my favourite so far. It is a comic book about comic books, actually, and talks about what it is to be just starting out and wind up with a comic so popular that you run the risk of losing it. The art was fun and the story is both the creators of the comic and the comic itself. I really liked Maxwell, Case, and Denny as characters and enjoyed seeing them go through their 'adventures'. I am really happy I read this and really wish I could find more!

That's it for now! I only read 2 graphic novels this week, so I will mention them next Saturday.

Comic Book February - Week 1

The Runaways - Volume 2: Teenage Wasteland by Brian K. Vaughan and

Company

Completed: February 1, 2014
Length: 144 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Still on the run from their super-villain parents, this motley crew of super-powered kids finds a kindred spirit in a daring young stranger and welcomes him into their fold. But will this dashing young man help the teenagers defeat their villainous parents...or tear them apart? One troubled member finds out, as she leaves the group's hideout with their new recruit, who reveals his startling secret, putting the entire team in jeopardy Plus: Who do you send to catch a group of missing, runaway teenage super heroes? Marvel's original teen runaway crimefighters, Cloak and Dagger, making their first major appearance in years.

I don't think I ever reviewed Volume 1 of this series, which I read back in 2013, so maybe I should start there. I am reading this series because I really like Brian K. Vaughan. The illustrator, Adrian Alphona, is also Canadian. So, I bought Volume 1 and was all excited to see what was in store for me. I am not sure I like it. I think a lot of it is that I find the characters just too young for my current frame of mind. I am tired about teenage drama. I know this is different teenage drama, but I wasn't able to see it that way. I thought it might be just a mood thing, so I determined I was going to read Volume 2 to make sure.

Fast-forward to February of this year when I finally decided to retry the series. If anything, there was way more drama and I just find it isn't working for me. It could also be that I don't read a lot of 'superhero' comics. I don't know. I just know that compared to everything else I have read by Vaughan, this is my least favourite. The art is good, though. I had the mass-market size for the first book and the hardcover for the second. Alphonsa has a great style that I wouldn't mind seeing more of, but I just don't know if it will be this series. If my library had it I would happily read the rest just to complete the series, but I don't want to buy a series I only kind of like.

This book was just okay.

Saga - Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Completed: February 3, 2014
Length: 160 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

This specially priced volume collects the first six issues of the smash-hit series The Onion A.V. Club calls "the emotional epic Hollywood wishes it could make."

This was a reread, actually. I originally read the comic on December 7, 2012. I bought Volume 2 right away when it came out; but then I seemed to not read any graphic novels at all the second half of 2013. I was determined to get back to the series this year because Volume 3 will be out in April. See, this is why The Runaways is just okay. Saga is an example of Vaughan at the top of his game. I enjoyed this comic just as much the second time as I did the first. (Not surprisingly, I do not have a review to prove that...) Basically, this is the story of a man and a woman who meet and unexpectedly fall in love. They are supposed to be enemies, but the man has been arrested and the woman is his jail-keeper. They wind up coming together over a book and when the fate of the man is dire, they wind up as a couple on the run.

The story is told by Hazel, the daughter that Marko and Alana wind up having together. She is born at the very beginning of this comic and gets caught up in her parents escape. She even gets a baby-sitter in an expected way after she saves her parents and comes along on their adventures. Isabel is a spirit who often plays the comic relief in the story. After getting away from the people that are following them, they find themselves on a space ship that looks like a tree. Maybe that is why we haven't gone beyond the moon? We don't make space ships out of wood...

I love this series, folks! If you haven't read it, I strongly recommend this volume!

Saga - Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Completed: February 3, 2014
Length: 144 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The smash-hit ongoing epic continues! Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and alien monstrosities, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters something truly frightening: her grandparents!

I can't believe it took me this long to read this book... What is wrong with me?? Volume 1 ended on a cliffhanger and everything. I should have been devouring Volume 2 as soon as it arrived. I know that I can't wait to see how the cliffhanger in this volume plays out... I just have to wait until April for that! I was so happy that I once again loved this comic. (I am going to need something for when Fables ends next year... I hope they plan to keep going for a while!) In this Volume Marko, Alana, Isabel, and Hazel are still in their wooden space ship. They are headed to the planet where the author of the book that brought them together lives. Things don't go completely as planned, though. Marko inadvertently summons his parents and interesting things happen...

One thing I really like about this series is that while it is written by a man... It plays with gender roles. Marko is the nurturing part of the relationship and Alana is the kick-ass part. Both of them are capable of taking care of themselves, but this is played up more when it comes to Hazel. Then Marko's parents show up and you see it again, so obviously an intentional thing. It is not the case with all the 'species' in the book, but Marko's father sews and takes care of Hazel. Marko's mother banishes Isabel and then heads out to save her when Marko does. I look forward to seeing that investigated more.

I should point out this is a very 'adult' series. If you want to try Vaughan for a younger audience, I would go with Runaways. There is violence and nudity throughout both volumes. But, they are just so good! Also, the art is fantastic. I have heard good things about Fiona Staples and look forward to more from her!

Strongly recommended!

Boxers (Boxers & Saints #1) by Gene Luen Yang

Completion Date: February 5, 2014
Length: 325 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

China, 1898. Bands of foreign missionaries and soldiers roam the countryside, bullying and robbing Chinese peasants.

Little Bao has had enough. Harnessing the powers of ancient Chinese gods, he recruits an army of Boxers--commoners trained in kung fu--who fight to free China from "foreign devils."

Against all odds, this grass-roots rebellion is violently successful. But nothing is simple. Little Bao is fighting for the glory of China, but at what cost? So many are dying, including thousands of "secondary devils"--Chinese citizens who have converted to Christianity.

Yep. Another reread. Another situation where I read book 1 and then never read book 2. And, another book I never reviewed when I read it in June of last year. Frankly, as much as I love graphic novels... I hate reviewing them... Standalones are okay, but I find series impossible because I hate spoiling stuff. Apparently 2013 was just not the year of the graphic novel for me. I did really bad with keeping up on things. This year is about fixing that! Gene Luen Yung has quickly become one of my favourite graphic novel authors. I originally read him in 2009 and have made a point to pay attention to his releases ever since. When I first heard of this duology I knew I was going to have to grab a copy.

I really enjoy a book that makes you want to read more books. That is what was the result of Boxers. I don't know very much about this period in history. Yung's book was a nice introduction, but I really want to explore the topic more in the future. I appreciate that Yung has done this because other people I know also have mentioned wanting to know more. This comic follows Little Bao. Circumstances come together to make Bao grow up very quickly and lead a rebellion against the 'devils' of China. They have moved in and taken over. There has been much death since. There has also been loss of ways with the influx of 'white' believes pushing out the older Chinese customs. It is time for the Chinese to take action and they do in a very spiritual way. (I want to say it is like Magic Realism... I know it isn't really, but from our modern standpoint it is close to it.)

Little Bao is an interesting character. You get to see him grow throughout the book. He doesn't always make the right decisions, but he does what he thinks is in the best interest of China. It made for a very interesting story that I enjoyed just as much the second time as the first.

Strongly Recommended!

Saints (Boxers & Saints #2) by Gene Luen Yang

Completed: February 5, 2014
Length: 170 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

China, 1898. An unwanted and unwelcome fourth daughter, Four-Girl isn't even given a proper name by her family when she's born. She finds friendship--and a name, Vibiana--in the most unlikely of places: Christianity.

But China is a dangerous place for Christians. The Boxer Rebellion is in full swing, and bands of young men roam the countryside, murdering Westerners and Chinese Christians alike. Torn between her nation and her Christian friends, Vibiana will have to decide where her true loyalties lie...and whether she is willing to die for her faith.

I wish I had read this last year. I really liked this book! What Yang essentially does with this story is go back to the beginning with a character that will appear a couple times in Boxers. We see her difficult up-bringing and how she winds up turning to Christianity. Her grandfather would not give her a name; so she grew up being called Four-Girl until she is baptised and can rename herself to Vibiana. This is her story and I really liked the female-viewpoint. There is a female character that prominently appears in Boxers, but the story is only told from Bao's point of view. So, in just 170 pages Yang talks about gender issues, growing up a girl in China, Christianity, and the Boxer Rebellions. It is about half the size of Boxers but just as powerful.

I felt really bad for Vibiana. Her goal in life was just to get her grandfather to love and accept her, but nothing she tries works out. This leads her on an entirely different path away from her family and up-bringing. It gives her a chance to be herself and break away. It is not always perfect, though. She really struggles with her identity and her decisions. But, it is worth reading. I would definitely read Boxers first, though. And don't be like me, read them both at the same time! They really flow well together and like all of Yang's work, they are worth checking out. Not to forget, but this book also ties in Joan of Arc!

Strongly recommended!

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan and Niko Henrichon

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan and Niko Henrichon

Completion Date: November 7, 2012
Reason for Reading: Recommendation from comic store friend.

From one of America’s most critically acclaimed graphic novel writers – inspired by true events, a startlingly original look at life on the streets of Baghdad during the Iraq War.

In his award-winning work on Y THE LAST MAN and EX MACHINA (one of Entertainment Weekly’s 2005 Ten Best Fiction titles), writer Brian K. Vaughan has displayed an understanding of both the cost of survival and the political nuances of the modern world. Now, in this provocative graphic novel, Vaughan examines life on the streets of war-torn Iraq.

In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escaped from the Baghdad zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives. In documenting the plight of the lions, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD raises questions about the true meaning of liberation – can it be given or is it earned only through self-determination and sacrifice? And in the end, is it truly better to die free than to live life in captivity?

Based on a true story, VAUGHAN and artist NIKO HENRICHON (Barnum!) have created a unique and heartbreaking window into the nature of life during wartime, illuminating this struggle as only the graphic novel can.

Well, this was good. I am never sure what to expect when a book is told from the point-of-view of animals. It could either be a really good idea or turn out corny. I have been curious about Brian K. Vaughan for a while, though, and this was a standalone introduction. I think with being caught up most of the time in Fables and The Unwritten I am ready to start another series. I think it will be Y: The Last Man, but this was a good way to see what I was getting myself into and I thought Vaughan was worth checking out. He is! I was very impressed with this story despite having no idea what it even was when I walked out of the comic book store.

If you actually read the description, like I included above, you get a really good idea what you are getting yourself into. I just went by a recommendation and didn't read the description until after I had read the graphic novel. I was basically curious how much information they provide ahead of time. I guessed from the title and cover it was about lions in Baghdad, but I didn't know. I also didn't know it was based on a true story. I missed that bit of reporting when it happened! The comic is suggested for Mature Readers and I can tell why. It is not an easy setting to endure. It puts a different spin on the war in Iraq. I actually didn't catch on to the fact it was based on a real story until the end when it tells you. I am not sure if it made the story less impacting that I didn't know or not. I still got caught up in the story and maybe got a bit more so when I discovered I had just read something that happened.

There is not much else to tell. It is about lions. They get released by a twist of fate from the zoo. It is about their adventures and potential freedom. The youngest had never known what it was like to live outside of a zoo. The oldest had gotten use to the easiness of captivity. Then there is the mother in-between who dreams of seeing the world outside the zoo again. It leads to interesting contrasts as the story progresses. I sometimes worry about standalone graphic novels not giving you enough time to develop an attachment to the characters, but there were no worries there. And, the comic makes you think. It is not just about lions escaped from the zoo. It has wider-reaching themes that are worth checking out.

Definitely Recommended!