ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #1, from Ablaze Publishing on 5/3/23, continues the mesmerizing update to Animal Farm as Miss B wrestles with the consequences of Azov’s death.
The Details
- Written by: Xavier Dorison
- Art by: Félix Delep
- Colors by: Félix Delep
- Letters by: Nathan Kempf
- Cover art by: Félix Delep
- Comic Rating: All Ages
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: May 3, 2023
Is It Good?
ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #1 is mesmerizing. How do you encapsulate the care Xavier Dorison put into an updated version (sequel?) of Animal Farm that gives the characters such a depth of emotion through pain, heartbreak, and sadness? It would be a very bold statement to say Animal Castle is better than Animal Farm, but you could make a strong case for that statement.
When last we left Miss B and her farm friends in Volume 1, the pacifist resistance to obtain free wood, unite the animals, and dispel the fear of Silvio and his militia succeeded… until a clever concession by Silvio awakened the farm animals’ lust for blood. Now, Miss B considers the violence a failure and decides to walk away from a group of animals not ready to be truly free.
The word that keeps coming to mind over and over about Xavier Dorison’s story is “rich.” The plot is rich in detail, nuance, and tension. Miss B and her supporting cast have a rich depth to their personalities and actions. And the entire comic is rich with mood and cinematic impact through Félix Delep’s spectacular art.
Speaking of Delep’s art, it’s sumptuous. The characters’ facial acting is powerful in the subtly precise way they convey emotions. The panel compositions are (again) cinematic, and Delep’s coloring work is amazing.
Yes, yes. That’s a lot of flowery, big words, but it’s all meant to say this comic is outstanding.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a flashback to Silvio’s youth as a young bull working to support the other animals. Silvio lost his mother to the former animal ruler’s oppressive soldier, and now Silvio finds himself in the seat of power he once hated.
Now, Silvio discusses Azov’s death with his dog militia, placing the blame squarely on the rebel animals. Silvio’s manipulative speech stirs the dogs against the animal workers. When the soldiers disperse, Silvio calls No. 2 back with an offer to become the new No. 1 in Azov’s place, including an introduction to the barter system.
Elsewhere, Miss B views Azov’s death as a failure of the rebellion’s charter of peaceful resistance. Feeling hopeless, Miss B makes the painful decision to give up on the rebellion before more lives are lost. We conclude the issue with the start of a dream, the end of fear, and a dangerous show of courage.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #1 begins the next volume in Xavier Dorison’s take on Animal Farm, and the next stage of Miss B’s revolution is a cinematic drama of the highest order. Dorison’s script conveys a wealth of human emotion, while Delep’s art captures every look with the grace of a master’s painting.
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