Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson return to the strange but charming world of “Beasts of Burden”, with a one-shot that will be adored by old and new fans alike.
Written by Evan Dorkin
Illustrated by Jill ThompsonThis standalone adventure is the perfect entry point for readers new to this award-winning series. The town of Burden Hill is defended from monsters and madmen by a brave crew of dogs and cats—and one werewolf hybrid. This book packs serious scares and occasional gross-outs, and sometimes drives readers to tears.
• Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson return to the characters that won them the 2005 Eisner.
I’m a little ashamed to admit that I have had limited experience with “Beast of Burden.” However, “Hunters and Gatherers” is a perfect example of why this series is worthy of praise.
This is far from standard talking animal fair, with well-developed characters, engaging conflict, and an inventive mythology. The blending of day to day animal life with supernatural horror may seem extremely quirky and obtuse, but the end result feels surprisingly organic. It’s easily one of the best high concepts in comics.
There are two things you notice immediately upon cracking open “Hunters and Gatherers;” Evan Dorkin’s penchant for smart, snappy dialogue and Jill Thompson’s incredibly lively realization of the books’ animal inhabitants.
Thompson’s pencils are nothing short of breathtaking. The artist gives each character a distinct look and personality, making each creature instantly recognizable and relatable. Her ability to convey emotion through non-human facial expressions is extremely impressive. Likewise, Thompson’s creatures are wonderfully dynamic, bounding and leaping across the page. The issue’s “chase scene” is a fantastic example of this, as Rex, Orphan, and Ace make a relay race of sorts through a crowded forest. The artist’s painted colors, delicate greens, browns, and golds, pop off the page. There’s a depth and richness to Thompson’s pages that feels a cut above many comics on the shelves.
Also, as a plus, Thompson can draw some pretty freaking adorable baby bunnies.
After the danger is averted, we’re treated to a bit of downtime, wherein Dorkin is allowed to have some fun with the animal denizens of Burden Hill. There are some fantastic lines of dialogue contained in this issue, which I won’t spoil here. It’s rare to find a book that can transition from deadly serious to gut-bustingly funny at the drop of a pin, but Dorkin does it with ease.
“Beast of Burden: Hunters and Gatherers” is both a fantastic introduction to the series and an exciting continuation to the ongoing saga. Dorkin and Thompson lay the groundwork for what looks to be a saga of epic proportions. If you’ve never given “Beasts of Burden” a shot, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Likewise, if you already know that the series is awesome, enjoy this morsel of story and ponder on things to come.
Final Verdict: 8.9 – Buy. “Beast of Burden” is a rare breed that you should definitely consider giving a good home.
