3/3/11 HHH reivew: Beast of Burden : Animal Rites

   This week I take a look at Beasts of Burden : Animal Rites (darkhorse comics) $19.99 by Evan Dorkin , art:  Jill Thompson

    

plot/premise:

       Welcome to Burden Hill-a picturesque little town adorned with white picket fences and green, green grass, home to a unique team of paranormal investigators. Beneath this shiny exterior, Burden Hill harbors dark and sinister secrets, and it's up to a heroic gang of dogs-and one cat-to protect the town from the evil forces at work.

Gord says:
    If you like comic books and you're also a dog/cat lover , then this is what "deflecting blame to victims" and "covering up crimes" are to the catholic church , the perfect compliment to your needs. It's the Goonies except that they're dogs , it's The Watchmen except that its an animal society , it's The Little Rascals except it's a gang of dogs dealing with horrific supernatural stuff that would straighten out Buckwheat's hair. Beasts of Burden's shit does gets real.

    You might be saying how the frak is this horror ? its a Disney talking animal story ain't it? . I can assure you this is not a Disney type story. We got zombie dogs , we got werewolves  , we got witches , we got angry rats , we got bloodshed , we got eye gouging goo , we got dog on dog violence... hell , somewhere in Philadelphia Michael Vick has an unexplained boner. Though it wont scare anybody ,  however maybe kids might get a  genuine spook fest from it.

    The stories are riveting , the characters are lovable , and it looks great overall. For every panel that I was on the edge of my seat , there was a panel I just wanted to tickle their tummies and go " awwwwww poochy goochy dooooo! ". Every dog in this story will have his/her day whether it be finding redemption , courage , friendship , intimacy , a reason to live... it's a coming of age story ... for dogs. 

 

 zombie dogs! ... Groovy!

The Good:
     To steal a line from Jeff Cannata (Jeff is co host to web series Totally Rad Show) this is " a childern's book for adults ". There's something soothing about this book. I find Jill Thompson's classic style of art to be like comfort food that makes you feel like you're home no matter where you are .. Jill Thompson is "comfort art".

who ya going to call?

The Bad:
     The only bad thing I have to say about this series is that it clearly is an on going series and leaves you craving more , there's only this book and 1 one shot floppy(w/Hellboy) currently available. There's no long term plans for more BoB series.

 is it just me or is it raining FRIGGEN FROGS!?!

The Verdict: Dig it or Ditch it.
I Dig it lots. Love the adventure , the mystery , the thrills ... the horror elements won't actually scare you but it will entertain you. Does an all out dogs vs zombie dogs battle royal sound awesome? ruff ruff

Value Rating: Of the $20 cover price , I would pay $20/20.. its worthy of a 20 dollar bill.  A solid 184 pages and it comes with some extra sketches and scripts.

let sleeping dogs lay ..especially if they're dead

Arooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo