Title: Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites
Author: Evan Dorkin
First published June 1, 2010
180 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781595825131 (ISBN10: 1595825134)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Enter Burden Hill, a seemingly idyllic suburb with white picket fences and lush green lawns. But beneath the surface, an array of supernatural threats loom.
From malevolent witches to possessed wildlife, the town is in dire need of saving. Fortunately, a team of unlikely heroes has risen to the occasion: a group of dogs and a solitary cat.
With their bravery, wit, and magical abilities, they’re determined to protect their community from evil forces. Experience the perfect blend of horror, adventure, mystery, and humor in Beasts of Burden.
This Eisner Award-winning series by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson will captivate readers and leave them howling for more. This volume collects the earliest tales of our furry friends, first introduced in the award-winning comic series, as they take on Black magic, demonic frogs, and zombie roadkill.
About the Author
Meet Evan Dorkin – an accomplished comics artist and writer from the United States.
Editoral Review
Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites by Evan Dorkin is a graphic novel published in 2010, which follows the adventures of a group of house pets who investigate supernatural occurrences in the fictional town of Burden Hill. The story is written by Dorkin, a veteran comic book writer known for his works in horror and humor, and illustrated by Jill Thompson, a multiple award-winning artist known for her work on Sandman and Wonder Woman.
The graphic novel blends elements of horror, fantasy, and mystery genres, depicting the animals struggles to protect their community from various supernatural threats. Each character, despite being an animal, is well-developed with a unique personality that makes them relatable to the reader.
The setting of Burden Hill is reminiscent of classic horror tropes, but with a unique twist of using animals as the protagonist. The plot of Animal Rites revolves around the discovery of a series of missing pets in the town, which leads the Beasts of Burden to uncover a dark secret that is affecting their community.
The group, consisting of a dog, cat, rabbit, and a couple of other pets, bands together to investigate this mystery and fight against the haunting forces that are threatening their town. Without revealing any major plot points, the story is full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
What makes Animal Rites a standout piece of work is how it tackles themes of animal cruelty, death, loss, and grief while still offering a thrilling and engaging story. The graphic novel deals with these issues sensitively, making it an emotionally powerful read.
The supernatural elements create both fear and excitement, driving the plot forward and keeping the reader invested. Additionally, the artwork by Thompson is stunning, adding depth and emotional nuance to the already great storytelling.
The only downside of this graphic novel is that it may be too dark or violent for some readers. The themes may also trigger emotional responses in those struggling with pet loss.
However, Dorkin and Thompson handle these issues with care, making it a thought-provoking read nonetheless. Overall, Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites is a must-read for fans of the horror and mystery genres.
Dorkin and Thompson create a world that is both fantastical and relatable, adding weight to their characters struggles. The execution of horror elements is top-notch, with strong storytelling and beautiful artwork.
I would recommend this graphic novel to adults and mature teens looking for a thrilling and emotionally impactful read. Rating: 4.5/5.
