Adam Hines

This graphic novel, supposedly first in a series of nine, is gorgeous, tragic, painful, and full of intertwined threads, lives of people and animals in an alternate reality where they can communicate with one another. One of the most poignant stories that runs through the novel is that of Bundle, a beagle who lives with an absently neglectful family. Glimpses into the lives of a circus monkey, a downed cow, and others hint at future stories. Interspersed throughout are beautifully written and illustrated philosophical musings and wanderings.

This is not a novel for someone who likes black-and-white, good-and-bad delineations. Nor is it for those who require a neat conclusion with all the threads tied together. Instead, it is for those who can admire the questions. I definitely recommend it for fans of graphic novels, of those who have a particular affinity for “Animal Farm” and such stories.… (mehr)

I'm astonished and altogether jealous that this book is the work of one individual.

"This is the defining moment of your LIFE and you're flitting it away! I'll sandpaper your skin off to wake you up! You people...Mark your chest with the cross! You cut him open you get a religion built in tinder and oil -- one SPARK of imagination gets awakened in your lives and the whole thing goes down in flames. I'll give you blood. I'll give you blood and soap and the water to wash away your miserable fears about the meaning of it all and a little sunshine and joy on the side for good measure and you give me questions?! Fuck St. Paul! And fuck Descartes and Confucius too -- it's like they all got together and built a birch, punk wood town for zombies that you could sell off like bonds and soft commodities but only instead of corn or pumpkins or pillows you're selling righteous indignation and the salt mines that follow well I AM RIGHTEOUS! And I'm written in your marrow and drawn in your water. And Honey...that's the only blessing you'll ever find in this world."

-- Pompeii, leader of the animal resistance, just before she shoots a guy in the head… (mehr)