Sunday, September 20, 2009

Not in the Doghouse: Beasts of Burden #1 Delivers


Who is the last line of defense against the Lovecraftian horrors that go "squish" in the dark? Who will save us from the unspeakable powers of darkness and despair? Who will be there to put a stop to the Witch Cats and Cannibal Frogs? It isn't the Ghostbusters. It isn't even Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. The defense of the human race is all up to Rex, Ace, and Orphan! Don't worry, we're in good paws.

That's right, the Eisner Award-winning team of Evan (Milk and Cheese) Dorkin and Jill (Scary Godmother) Thompson are back with the squad of heroic neighborhood pets they introduced in the Dark Horse Book of (Insert scary noun here.) anthology series. Dark Horse has wisely seen fit to give this amazing duo and their adorable, yet ferocious, animal monster-hunters their own series: Beasts of Burden. It's about time these touching, funny, exciting tales got the spotlight all to themselves!

Beasts of Burden #1: The Gathering Storm takes place in the picturesque town of Burden Hill. A seemingly quaint and lovely town, Burden Hill's green fields and white picket fences harbor some terrifying secrets. It seems like there is always something weird lurking in the shadows, so the neighborhood dogs and cats have formed a team of paranormal investigators to put the bite on evil when it rears its ugly head. Craziness can strike at any moment, as it does on a clear summer morning when the Beasts suddenly find themselves pelted by a rain of frogs. Even worse, these cannibal frogs quickly start scarfing each other down and growing at an alarming rate. It isn't long before frogs are not enough to feed the aggregate horror lurking in the woods....

Though Dorkin is best known for biting, satirical, humor, he gives these noble pets humanity that tugs at the heart, while always leaving room for a laugh or two. Thompson's beautiful painted art is a joy to behold, and makes every critter in the book a distinctive and loveable (furry) star. If you have any kind of a soft spot for animals, there is no way you won't immediately feel attached to these four-pawed protagonists. But don't make the mistake of dismissing Beasts of Burden as a cutesy animal comic for kids. These are intense and involving tales that will capture the attention of any reader, especially fans of supernatural scares. The big bad in this first issue, and the gruesome way it is dispatched, would give even tough guys like Hellboy and Constantine reason to pause.

Though these characters have appeared before, the first issue gives you eveything you need to jump in and enjoy. (Even better, Dark Horse has made all of the original stories available, for free, on their website!) The first issue offers an amazing, complete, story, but leaves a few dark hints that will leave readers anxious for the next issue. We're so sure that you will love Beasts of Burden #1, that it comes with a money back guarantee all week at Four Color Fantasies. Keep an eye out for suspicious frogs, and be sure to wipe your paws before you come into the store!

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