The animal world is as fascinating as it is enjoyable to dive into. From personified animal characters to nonfiction facts, readers of all ages are presented with a glut of wonderful books about our creature friends. In that spirit, my top comic book picks for animal adventures range from informative, silly, therapeutic, and mysterious.
Whether you're looking for fiction or true tales about creatures with fur, feathers, scales, or spines, you can find more animal fun on our Animal Antics list, which is available for unlimited, simultaneous reading through Comics Plus.
Kids
Laika:1st Dog in Space by Joeming Dunn and Ben Dunn (ABDO)
Laika is the true story of the first live, non-human animal in space. Both the story and this recounting of it are important scientifically and historically, while also being inspiring, impossibly sad, and infuriating. Laika: 1st Dog in Space tackles these necessary aspects in a positive and age-appropriate manner. The history comes to life, and the story of how animals were chosen and trained for space adventure is sure to spark young readers' imaginations.
The illustrations support the story well, and the comic book format is a welcome change from the many nonfiction versions of Laika’s story that younger readers are likely to encounter.
For similar nonfiction comics about animals, check out the Famous Firsts: Animals Making History series (ABDO).
Teens
I'm the Catlords' Manservant, Vol. 1 by Rat Kitaguni (Yen Press)
Yuki is a teenager having a rough time: His parents recently died in an accident, his family home was torn down, and he has inherited his father’s financial debt. He is approached by the bakeneko, or shapeshifting cat-humans, to whom his inherited debt is owed, who inform him he will either become their manservant or face life on the streets. Choosing a life of cat service, Yuri has his work cut out for him, not only in understanding the ways of the bakeneko but also coming to terms with his complex views of his father and himself.
Traditional black and white manga art breathes life into the unique cuteness of each cat’s personality. Cat lovers will relax with this sweet slice of life, which includes translation notes for a deeper understanding of the language nuances.
Teens seeking similar light-hearted manga titles should check out My Cat Loki by Bettina Kurkoski (TOKYOPOP).
Young Adult
Emotional Support Animals: Anonymous Fuzzball Comics + Workbook by Nicole Georges (Andrews McMeel)
If you’ve never had a cat, immaculately dressed in a full business suit, hand you a cup of coffee before dropping the most valuable therapeutic wisdom imaginable, you are in for a treat. Emotional Support Animals is a workbook full of various animals imparting joyous words of wisdom, some of which are guaranteed to hit you in the feels.
It’s beautifully illustrated and appropriate for readers of all ages, but teens and adults will especially appreciate it. Keep some writing tools handy, you will be inspired by the journal prompts at the end of the chapters!
Readers seeking a similar philosophical reflection of the relationship between humans and animals should check out Doomsday with My Dog (Yen Press).
Adult
Blacksad Vol 1 Somewhere Within the Shadows by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (Europe Comics)
Welcome to the seedy world of John Blacksad, where crime is rampant, motives are murky, and nothing is as it seems. Blacksad is a grizzled WWII veteran turned private eye and bodyguard for hire whose morals shift as the world around him continues to darken. This volume includes three distinct mysteries, beginning with “Somewhere Within the Shadows,” where he investigates the murder of a famous starlet who happens to be an old flame. “Arctic Nation” chronicles his search for a missing student, leading him to run afoul of a white supremacist group in the deeply racially divided suburb. This collection’s final story, “Red Soul,” takes place during the Red Scare, where Blacksad’s investigation of an attempted assassination plunges him into a politically charged, high-stakes world.
This two-time Eisner award-winning title features stunning illustrations. However, despite being told through animal characters, this is a gritty mystery for hard-boiled noir fans that includes mature themes.
For adults in the mood for a similarly gritty set of animal adventures, check out Cat Sh*t One (Antarctic Press). Readers seeking noir with animal characters but a lot more levity should check out Muppets Noir (Dynamite).
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