ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #3, from Ablaze Publishing on 7/12/23, brings the defiant animals closer to the freedom they hoped for while Silvio plans to turn their hope for democracy against them.
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: Teen +
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: July 12, 2023
Is It Good?
ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #3 continues the impressive expansion of Orwell’s Animal Farm with Miss B’s latest act of rebellion – a worker’s strike intended to force a general election for leadership. You can’t say enough good things about Xavier Dorison’s ability to infuse a deep, soulful humanity into a collection of farm animals, a humanity that gets you to care about them as much as you would a close friend.
When last we left Miss B and her allies, they resolved to keep their daisy symbol as a focus for hope despite Silvio’s orders or punishment to anyone caught wearing one. The animals learned to take the punishments as a badge of honor, strengthening their resolve. Now, the animals band together for a work stoppage unless they receive better living conditions and a vote to elect their leader. Silvio, as you might expect, applies oppressive tactics to end the strike.
In a way, Dorison’s script is almost scary for how human and relatable it is to historical examples of non-violent resistance against oppressive regimes around the world. Despite their original apprehensions, the animals slowly realize that Silvio and the dogs can’t kill the animals without killing themselves, so the spirit of hope grows. Consequently, Silvio’s tactics to retain power become more devious and more dangerous for Miss B. Freedom comes at a cost, and here, you get a front-row seat to the pain that cost inflicts.
On every level, this is a powerfully moving comic about the human need to be free.
How’s the art? Tremendous. Félix Delep’s ability to create cute, cuddly animals with eyes that project pain, sadness, hope, and joy all at once is just short of miraculous.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #2 review to find out how the daisy protest turned out.
We begin with the morning assembly for the animals to offer their share of goods from their labor. When the animals are called by the new No. 1, nobody steps forward. Miss B moves forward to announce that the animals will no longer work or wear collars as long as their food rations are short and until Silvio agrees to an election for a new leader.
The dogs bite and intimidate, but they recognize that severely harming or killing the animals would also stop the work. Eventually, Miss B is thrown back into the dungeon as an agitator.
We conclude the issue with an alternate offer, starvation, and a new plan.
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Final Thoughts
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ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #3 continues to impress with a painful but inspiring tale of allies engaged in peaceful resistance against an oppressive dictator. Xavier Dorison’s story expertly captures the human need to be free and the heavy cost that need requires, while Félix Delep’s art is amazingly poignant.
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