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Black & White

Things are Better with a Weasel

And then we met these folks at a local comic book and toy convention… “Fleaboy & Weasel is a fictional comic strip about a man named Fleaboy and his pet, Weasel. Fleaboy adopts Weasel from the animal shelter thinking he would be the perfect pet dog. While Fleaboy is brainless and Weasel is quite smart, the two characters develop a unique bond that take them on many adventures (and misadventures).” The strip was created by Ashlee Wyatt and her father more than a decade ago. Now he’s moved on from the project, leaving Ashlee as the primary creative force behind the silliness. Visit the official web site to see more.

image c. 2023 by Ashlee Wyatt

What Did YOU Do During COVID?

One thing that definitely happened during the COVID lock-downs was that on-line comic artists got real busy. Among them was Alex Graham, creator of Dog Biscuits, a slice-of-life underground funny animal comic. Now Fantagraphics have brought together many the on-line black & white pages in a single hardcover graphic novel. “It’s July 2020 in Seattle. Gussy struggles to keep his dog biscuit boutique afloat while a global pandemic rages unchecked. The loneliness of lockdown and social distancing drives his employee Rosie to betray her principles. Rosie’s roommate Hissy is at a personal crossroads. A love triangle emerges as they find themselves tangled in a web of police brutality, protests, drugs, dating apps and COVID chaos. Taking place over the course of just a few days, this is a snapshot of humanity — okay, animals — in crisis.” The Observer has a detailed review with lots of sample artwork as well.

image c. 2022 Fantagraphics

Paw the Left Button Twice

Apparently this is a thing we missed — but now it’s available over here. Cat + Gamer is a black & white manga written and illustrated by Wataru Nadatani, now translated and distributed by Dark Horse. “Riko’s coworkers can’t quite figure her out — she never talks about her personal life, she never works overtime, and she never joins them for happy hour. Is she antisocial? Nope, she’s rushing home to play video games! One day, a stray cat is found in the office parking lot, and before Riko knows it, the cat has moved in with her! Having no experience with pets, Riko uses lessons drawn from video games to guide her in cat care, while her cute companion tries to understand her behavior through a cat’s worldview.”

image c. 2022 Dark Horse Press

Of Course You Want That With Cream

It’s wonderful how straightforward manga titles can be. Witness: I Am A Cat Barista, written and illustrated by Hiro Maijima. “For some people, the daily grind of city life is exhausting. Yet somewhere between the busy streets there’s a mysterious cat café that can only be found by weary souls. What’s on the menu? A delicious drink, specially brewed for each customer…by a cat barista!” Sign us up! Two volumes (for now) are available from Penguin Random House.

image c. 2022 Penguin Random House

Ceiling Cat Strikes Again?

It’s no secret that Japanese manga often find the most interesting and unusual angles to take for their erotic stories. Such is probably the case with Cat in a Hot Girls’ Dorm (what a title!), a new black & white series written and illustrated by Haruki. “Follow the everyday lives of ten horny residents of a woman’s dorm – from the point of view of the feisty cat, Tama-san. The ladies find him as a stray, and soon Tama is sticking his nose in everyone’s business: What do these girls do when they’re alone, or with each other? Who’s dating who? The cat sees all, from out of the streets to between the sheets!” See what we mean? Issues are available now from Seven Seas Entertainment.

image c. 2022 Seven Seas Entertainment

His Name Is Mud… Partially

Recently at the Los Angeles Comic Con we came across well-known comic creator and illustrator Guy Gilchrist. Among his many other accomplishments, he recently re-released a black & white 40-year celebration of his funny animal comic Mudpie. “We’re excited to present Guy Gilchrist, original comic artist on The Muppets, Looney Tunes, & Nancy comic strip, for the release of his creator-owned project Mudpie! These first edition books will include personal behind-the-scenes notes & memories from Guy, be hand numbered specific to the quantity of this run, and a limited amount of original sketches will be autographed to be included in the first 50 orders.” In other words, hurry up and get one!

image c. 2021 Shanda Fantasy Arts

Hatching A Plot

Sometimes you really just gotta love the titles of Japanese media creations. Reincarnated As A Dragon Hatchling. You’re going to remember that one, yes? And it perfectly describes this new black & white manga written by Nekoko and Naji and illustrated by Rio. “If you woke up as a sentient egg in some random forest, I bet you’d be confused, too. That’s exactly what happened to me in the oddest turn of events…Being reborn as a little egg has its challenges, but luckily, with all these monsters out to eat me, I’m gaining experience quick. Once I bust out of this shell, a cool new form better await me–that is, if I survive long enough!” And that’s just the first volume. You’ll find even more from Seven Seas.

image c. 2021 Seven Seas Entertainment

You Need A Cat About The House

Many of us have found our cats are taking over our lives. Well this young woman has found it beyond the pale in The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today (whew!), a new black & white manga graphic novel written and illustrated by Hitsuji Yamada. “Saku is an ordinary young woman who works long hours and lives alone with her cat, Yukichi. Yukichi, however, is not an ordinary house cat. For one, the temperamental feline towers over Saku and walks around on two legs. Instead of playing with toy mice, he scours supermarket flyers for good deals and keeps the house spotless. With a pet like that, it’s hard to tell who’s taking care of who!” Find out now thanks to Seven Seas.

image c. 2021 Seven Seas Publishing

So, What’s Up On YOUR Island?

You might have caught wind of the fact that the game Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become rather popular with Furry Fandom — and with game fans in general. Yes? Well given all that, it’s inevitable that soon there would be a manga to go along with it — and now here it is! Animal Crossing: New Horizons Volume 1 — Deserted Island Diary is a new black & white manga by Kokonasu Rumba. Here’s a review from Women Write About Comics: “Tom Nook and other fan favorites are introduced through the medium of manga, bringing the same charm and quirks you know and love from the video game. Venture out on hilarious antics and adventures with an abundance of fan-favorite villagers and new human villagers. Sit by the camp fire with Gulliver, help Blathers expand the museum, try on countless outfits with the Able Sisters, or have a night party with Wisp!” It’s all available now from Viz Media.

Image c. 2021 Viz Media