InFurNation Rotating Header Image

Dogs

Dogs and Cats Reading Together

Scout Comics have an imprint called the Launch Series, which is designed for the youngest of beginning readers. To quote them, “Launch bridges the gap between children’s picture books and comics”. Following a long-honored tradition, of course the effort involves funny animals — chief among them, dogs and cats. First up are the adventures of Bandit the Boston Terrier, in a series of softcover books written by Amy Harlow and illustrated by Jim Mehsling.Bandit is a spunky Boston Terrier with a wild imagination. Bandit’s best friend, Daisy, is a jolly and somewhat lazy Boston Terrier. Follow their adventures as Bandit confronts his household nemesis, the vacuum cleaner.Then there’s the Supercats series, written by Caleb Thusat and illustrated by Angela Oddling. “In this origin story we see the young Mewow, destined to become a supercat, in her first adventure she taps into the hero within to save innocents in trouble… because Supercats will always save the day!” Both series have several titles.

image c. 2022 Scout Comics

Dog City By Day

Apple recently announced a new furry TV series, and Animation World Network helped spread the word: “Apple TV+ keeps on growing its top slate of kids and family shows with an all-new 3D/CG animated preschool series, Pretzel and the Puppies, premiering Friday, February 11. Based on the beloved canine from the classic book Pretzel by award-winning authors Margret Rey and H.A. Rey, creators of Curious George, the original series features a story about the modern dog family led by stay-at-home dad Pretzel, his five adorable Dachshund puppies, and mom Greta, the mayor of Muttgomery.” The article has more information about the show, and a link to the official trailer.

image c. 2022 Apple TV+

You Can’t Fight City Howl

Another new and interesting graphic novel for young folk, from Random House: Mayor Good Boy, by Dave Scheidt and Miranda Harmon. “The votes are in and the new mayor is… A dog?! This dog will do more than shake paws. Mayor Good Boy is here to help Greenwood become a town filled with kindness, starting with fetching help for the local zoo. With foes around every corner trying to put a stop to Mayor Good Boy’s campaign of fun, are there cheese snacks and belly rubs in his future? Or will the town suddenly have a flea problem?” Find out now.

image c. 2022 Random House

More Chickens, More Dog

There’s a new article at Animation World Network that was kind enough to let us know about the latest upcoming films from Aardman Animation — courtesy of Netflix, of course. Some highlights: “Netflix and Aardman made two major announcements today, giving us key details on the sequel to Chicken Run, and on a new Wallace & Gromit feature being made by series creator Nick Park. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is the official title of director Sam Fell’s (Flushed Away, ParaNorman) much-anticipated sequel to Chicken Run, which in 2000 became the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time. The new film will hit Netflix exclusively in 2023. Ginger and Rocky, the first film’s plucky protagonists, will be voiced by Thandie Newton and Zachary Levi, respectively… In this chapter of the characters’ saga, Ginger and Rocky have built a peaceful island sanctuary for their flock after escaping the clutches of Tweedy’s farm, and they’ve hatched a little girl named Molly. But back in the human world, their fellow chickens are faced with a new existential threat — forcing the feathered heroes to sacrifice their freedom to bring them to safety.” And there’s more: “Park’s forthcoming film does not yet have a title… In this new installment of the iconic series, ‘Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a ‘smart gnome’ that seems to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!'” We look forward to both!

image c. 2022 Aardman Animation

Special Agent Sniffers

Okay, so where did this come from? A new comic book series discovered in a recent Previews magalog: “He’s a TSA Agent, he’s a super party animal, and his name is Buddy McGill! He is on the trail of a ruthless terrorist and will not stop until justice is served. With a case of suds and some brand new duds, he will give you something you can feel!” Oh, and by the way: He’s a dog. Buddy McGill is written by Mike Baron, illustrated by Fernando Calvi, and it’s available now.

image c. 2022 Advent Comics

Your Pet and You

Happy New Year! And here’s some more cool stuff we found last year at the Los Angeles Comic Con. Cloris is an artist from Southern California who’s been making the convention scene for just a few years now. She specializes in custom pet portraits, but lately she’s branched out into creating knick-knacks (key chains, stickers, and more) based on all (and we mean all!) of the various dog and cat breeds out there, as well as lots of birds. Her web site (cloriscreates) explains it all, and includes a link to her Etsy store too.

image c. 2022 by cloriscreates.com

Corgi Stuff for Christmas?

Cats get a lotta love around here, so how about something for the dog friends out there? Specifically those cute little canines known as corgis — Welsh pembroke, and otherwise. At L.A. Comic Con we came across Tworgis.com, an on-line store that specializes in cool stuff with dog designs — mostly, but not entirely, corgis. They’ve got some poodles in there too, and even, yes, some cats! “From bags to drink holders, we have all the cutest Corgi accessories you could ever need. Whether you’re obsessed—just like we are—or are in need of gifts for Corgi lovers, we’ve got you covered. At Tworgis, we carry adorable, fashionable, and functional products that will last you for years. These durable and high-quality accessories take dog-themed gifts to the next level.” Woof!

image c. 2021 tworgis.com

The Skate Blade Cuts Both Ways

The things we find at conventions! Things like Blades of Furry, a web toon available on line right now. It’s brought to us by Deya Muniz and Emily Erdos. “Emile is an up-and-coming skater in the beloved sport of Skate Battles, a high-stakes combo of figure skating and martial arts. Radu is a well-known senior skater and several time champ with the world at his feet. However, during an ill-fated match between the two, Emile discovers Radu’s secret, which could threaten to destroy him. Will Emile keep his secret? Or could this rivalry turn into something more…?” Check out the official web site, check out the trailer on YouTube, and check out the review over at Bookstr.

image c. 2021 Muniz/Erdos

The Dog Has His Day

Look what we came across at our local comic shop! Good Boy, a new (and violent!) full-color comic written by Garrett Gunn and Christina Blanch, with art by Kit Wallis. “Set in a world where humans and dogs are equals, Good Boy is a thrill-packed treat for anyone who loves action, dogs, and good stories. Flint Sparks and his human Jon, both former mercenaries, have settled down in quiet retirement from an industry where the job is supposed to be forever. But, unlike anyone before, they found a way out. However, this new life, filled with peace and joy, is not to be. In the dead of night, some of their former ‘colleagues’, who disagree with their decision to retire, break into their home and murder Jon, leaving Flint alive in the bloody aftermath. That was their first mistake.” The first issues are available now from Source Point Press.

image c. 2021 Source Point Press