- Writer/Co-Creator: Tony Fleecs
- Artist/Co-Creator: Trish Forstner
- Colorist: Brad Simpson
- Layout Artist: Tone Rodriguez
- Flatter: Lauren Perry
- Logo/Design: Lauren Perda
- Pre-Press: Gabriela Downie
Thanks to Image Comics for the review copy!
STRAY DOGS is one of the strangest, most inventive comics I’ve read in a while. Told from the point of view of a group of dogs who share an owner, the story has a Disney feel. Everything from the animation style to the fact that you never see the owner’s face screams classic cartoon … except the fact that the owner might be a serial killer. Yes, beneath this Technicolor exterior lies a twisted mystery.
Thus far, Sofie (the newest dog) and Rusty have emerged as the main characters. Sofie is convinced their master killed her owner and Rusty has been helping her out. This issue allows some of the other dogs to step into the spotlight. There are some tense moments and a bit of sadness. This issue had the best story thus far, and it ends on a powerful note. The end definitely portends an escalation of the story moving forward.
The art continues to be excellent. The characters have a distinct Disney feel, right down to the ability to graft human emotions and facial expressions on animals. Think 101 Dalmatians, but each dog is a distinct breed, so it is easy to tell them apart. The colors are bright and the lines are clear.
If you look at the cover and see cute animated dogs, you may be tempted to give STRAY DOGS to your young children. Don’t! While it doesn’t have cursing, it is a dark book with a mystery built on murder that may disturb your Disney loving kids. However, the book is a treat for older readers. I do recommend starting with issue 1, as the story slowly builds and adds tension with each issue.
STRAY DOGS #3 is now available.
Check back tomorrow for my thoughts on the 4th issue of the 5 part series.
Are you reading the series? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter.
