Comics / Comic Reviews / More Comics

Sanctuary #3

By Leroy Douresseaux
October 16, 2011 - 11:45

Sanctuary #3 cover image

Sanctuary is a funny animal comic book series from cartoonist Stephen Coughlin and published by SLG Publishing.  “Funny animal” is the term used to describe comics and animation that feature humanoid or talking animals.  Another term, “anthropomorphics,” is probably a better name than funny animals, as Sanctuary is not a humor series, but rather a murder mystery with humans and talking animals as characters.

According to the publisher, Sanctuary is part of its digital comics initiative.  This title (and others) is available in the .pdf, .cbz and .epub formats and is recommended for owners of the iPad.

Now, if I correctly comprehended what I read:  Sanctuary is set at a research station on a secluded island.  Part of the research station is a game reserve or “sanctuary” where the animals are somewhat smarter than the human researchers observing them.  This may be due to something called “Animal Behavioral Modification,” which is perhaps an experiment to create a way for animals and humans to talk to each other.  Chaos comes to the sanctuary after the murder of a panda.  Different groups begin to investigate the murder, but because the island is a closed environment, the murderer is likely among the investigators.

Sanctuary #3 finds Dr. Renee, apparently the lead scientist, facing the large group of scientists to whom he must answer, and the discussion of two murders is on the agenda.  Meanwhile, Dr. Michael meets the gorillas responsible for his girlfriend, Dr. Bellamy’s death.  A white tiger cub named Ezra and his dad visit the Medical Building to take a sniff of the panda’s corpse, and they make a shocking and dangerous discovery.

THE LOWDOWN:  First, I should say that Sanctuary is simply a good read.  It is also good funny animals comics.  If anyone remembers Fantagraphics Books’ funny animal anthology series, Critters, you could believe that Sanctuary would have been a good fit for it.

There is something about animals drawn in a Disney-esque or cartoon style and placed in dark or edgy subject matter that is so alluring – if done right.  Stephen Coughlin does it right.  The characters are interesting; the murder mystery has an infectious vibe, and the setting captures your imagination like an unlucky firefly ensnared in the spider’s web.  At .99¢, you’ll get a comic book that is a real bargain for the high quality it offers.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Readers bored with the same old thing need to find Sanctuary.

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http://www.slgcomic.com/Sanctuary_c_269.html

 

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12