Pride of Baghdad - must read graphic novel.

[rictor]

http://www.comichole.com/img/items/114911786101150800.jpg

What is it? A graphic novel writen by Brian K. Vaughn and illustrated by Niko Henrichon. If you've never heard of it, that's because it's new, about a month since release. I didn't know what it was either when I bought it, just looked cool.

Best ****ing $20 I've spent on comics in quite some time. Let me just mention at this point that this is definitely a Comic For People Who Don't Like Comics, so if that's you please feel free to pick it up - you won't be disappointed. I also encourge Dan or John to pick it up and review it, it's that good.

A quick run-down: a "based-on-real-events" story about a group of lions who escape from the Baghdad Zoo during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Now get this, it's told from the lion's perspective. It deals with freedom, war and a ton of complex issues, but does so from a unique perspective. The lion's view is almost innocent, they're just trying to survive in the wild, with war all around them, while dealing with internal fights and larger philosophical issues. As you all know from watching the show, Brian K. Vaughn's pedigree is impressive to say the least.

The art is gorgeous. It has a very epic feel, with lots of double page splashes. Beautifully painted, each scene has it's own colour scheme and mood. It starts out very deserty, then becomes more green, then as the sun starts setting it become s a rich, deep orange-red. The way the lions express complex emotions without ever ceasing to look like actual lions is great.

Please, please feel free to buy this, knowing that you will NOT be disappointed. In their review, IGN concluded with this

"Heartfelt, whimsical, brooding, thrilling and powerful, Pride of Baghdad is the best $20 you will spend all year. This is an amazing graphic novel that belongs on everyone's bookshelf. You can put it right next to Watchmen. It's that good."

http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/images/lions.jpg

[kramertron]

That IGN quote is a very bold claim. I'll check it out tomorrow when I hit up the comic shop.

[kungfuhippy]

I agree, It was Amazing, And though i wouldn't compare it to watchmen, because it was comparisons like that is why i was expecting a much Larger story, by that i mean, the scope of it, or the span of time it covers.

though my expectations were high, I still think its the best book ive read this year, maybe the last few years. BUY IT!.

[point5o]

I can't say enough things about this book. Everyone needs it in their lives.

[backwords]

yah after i read the IGN review a few months back i searched everywhere for this book. Comic stores didnt have it. Amazon had to pre order and Borders didnt carry it. So i finally got it and i was very impressed. My first takeon it though was it was way too short for a graphic novel but once i started reading it, i got into the characters and the story was very nice. the art was also very well done.

[b0r]

I've got this in my "read" stack sitting on the floor under my table. I just have to read Justice, Astro City, Swamp Thing, XXX Holic, Essential Hulk, Fables 5-6-7, A Contract With God, Concrete, X/1999, Demo, and DMZ before I get to it, but With your rave review I think I can justify moving it up to the top of my stack.

[strongoloid]

I'm all about Philosophy, but it just sounded kind of funny when you talked about lions dealing with philosophical issues.

That being said, I'm always open to reading new things, perhaps I will take a look, after I finish 100 Bullets. And my Moral Theory textbook.