HERE COMES CALICO #3 review – Dog Eat Dog World (German, Orabich, Grimaldi, Garnabiel) Sigma Comics

• Creator/Writer: H.H. German
• Interior Artist and Letterer: Javier Orabich
• Colorist: Daniel Grimaldi
• Cover Artist: Garnabiel

Thanks to Sigma Comics for the review copy!

If the Punisher decided to wage war on people who abuse animals, he’d be a lot like Calico, a ‘one-man arsenal of destruction, in the constant pursuit of justice’ for animals. While Calico’s mission is pretty noble, his methods are extreme. When you couple that with a less than savory backstory, you have a very interesting anti-hero.

As was the case with the first two issues, this installment combines a largely standalone mission (this time focusing on a dog fighting ring) interspersed with progress on the larger case Calico is working on. This issue really expands the book’s universe, introducing a wider cast of characters. Where the book has tended to be grounded (aside from Calico’s suit and technology), this issue brings in a menagerie of more comic book style characters. It will be interesting to see which make appearances in the remaining issues in the 8 issue series.

Here Comes Calico is definitely geared towards adults. Where Marvel tends to tone down the Punisher’s violence, this book leans into it. In the first page Calico cuts off a guy’s leg and you see everything. The goal of the book is shining a light on cruelty to animals, and to make it’s point, the book shows disturbing violence against them. Calico pulls no punches. Its art clearly depicts the violence and the action is visceral. The violence can be hard to digest at times (particularly when it is against innocent dogs), but that is the point. Calico also has a fair amount of cursing. This isn’t a book for the faint of heart.

Here Comes Calico is a thought provoking title. The bad guys are clearly deserving of punishment, but I find myself pondering whether Calico’s ends justify his violent means. This seeming conflict between loving animals (which I perhaps mistakenly tend to equate with pacifism) and vengeance on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves makes Calico an interesting character and helps drive home the book’s message.  As an added bonus, this issue includes another examination of boxing that I found quite educational. If you love animals and vivid action, this series is definitely worth a look.

HERE COMES CALICO #3 is now available.

Are you going to pick up the issue? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter.