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abronstein's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
inferiorwit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
epersimn's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
kristennd's review
4.0
It's very rare that I buy the collected version of a comic that I've already purchased and read in single issues, especially when it's collected in the more expensive hardcover format. I made an exception for this case primarily because it will be popular with my friends and a collected format is much easier both for loaning out and for reading. Also, it's good to demonstrate a market for stories other than typical superhero cape fare.
This is basically a horror story. It has elements of fantasy and mystery but what horror stories don't? There's some humor and hey -- it's cute animals talking. But it's not for small children. One chapter in particular was too dark for even some animal-loving adults I know. (Worse than We3, even.) Characters die violently and not just the bad guys.
Thompson's watercolor art is amazing, as usual. She does a really good job of making the animals expressive but still canine/feline. And some of the creepier panels will not leave your memory any time soon.
Dorkin is a popular humor writer than I haven't tried before and he was a weaker link. The humor is sitcom-y and can distract from the larger themes. The irascible pug that's clearly set up as a favorite is particularly irritating. But when the scenes become serious, the dialog smooths out.
This collection is intended as a first volume. Each of the eight stories stand on their own but later ones also hint at a larger threat.
This is basically a horror story. It has elements of fantasy and mystery but what horror stories don't? There's some humor and hey -- it's cute animals talking. But it's not for small children. One chapter in particular was too dark for even some animal-loving adults I know. (Worse than We3, even.) Characters die violently and not just the bad guys.
Thompson's watercolor art is amazing, as usual. She does a really good job of making the animals expressive but still canine/feline. And some of the creepier panels will not leave your memory any time soon.
Dorkin is a popular humor writer than I haven't tried before and he was a weaker link. The humor is sitcom-y and can distract from the larger themes. The irascible pug that's clearly set up as a favorite is particularly irritating. But when the scenes become serious, the dialog smooths out.
This collection is intended as a first volume. Each of the eight stories stand on their own but later ones also hint at a larger threat.
zombeesknees's review
5.0
THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL IS FABULOUS. It's full of heartache, real scares and thrills, and deep emotion. There is loss and suffering, but also light-heartedness and beautiful artwork. Sure to pull at your heartstrings. LOVED IT.
EDIT: A re-read four years after I first found this series just makes me wish there was a second collection out there/more of the Beasts. Urrrrgh.
EDIT: A re-read four years after I first found this series just makes me wish there was a second collection out there/more of the Beasts. Urrrrgh.
jackphoenix's review
4.0
Morbid and adorable, suspenseful and heartbreaking, this genre-bending comic offers more than the usual graphic fare, without holding anything back.
lilmatt050's review
5.0
I saw this book at the young adult section for like 3 months and I've noticed that no one has ever checked it out! I can't believe how easily so many young adult books are available at a moments notice so I checked this book out.
It's deals with a group of dogs and cats in Burden Hill, an fictional neighborhood where everything seems normal and grand until evil spirits start lurking around the neighborhood. These dogs at first don't know how to comprehend and fight off evil until this Wise Dog shows them the way and includes them as apprentice that fight off evil.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the variety of different dogs. Each dog brings a special uniqueness towards the story and the paranormal activities that are happening is crazy and even mind blowing when you analyze the insanity of it all. The drawings and the illustrations are absolutely fantastic and helps my imagination as these dogs look so alike as their real counterparts and for a second I imagined actual real dogs talking to each other. I really look forward to the next volume because there's so much pending information about the dogs, Burden Hill, and what is that evil entity that lurks around this neighborhood! I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves dogs, comic books, or simply to get your mind off of these!!
It's deals with a group of dogs and cats in Burden Hill, an fictional neighborhood where everything seems normal and grand until evil spirits start lurking around the neighborhood. These dogs at first don't know how to comprehend and fight off evil until this Wise Dog shows them the way and includes them as apprentice that fight off evil.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the variety of different dogs. Each dog brings a special uniqueness towards the story and the paranormal activities that are happening is crazy and even mind blowing when you analyze the insanity of it all. The drawings and the illustrations are absolutely fantastic and helps my imagination as these dogs look so alike as their real counterparts and for a second I imagined actual real dogs talking to each other. I really look forward to the next volume because there's so much pending information about the dogs, Burden Hill, and what is that evil entity that lurks around this neighborhood! I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves dogs, comic books, or simply to get your mind off of these!!
kierli's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0