Cats, birds and mice have a common enemy other than mankind, and that is the rat. They ravage everything with impunity. For Strig, the half cat, half bird he’s going to need to fight his basic instincts if he’s to survive. Having previously given into his cat instincts, Strig finds himself caught in the rat king’s trap. For the last installment of ‘Angel Catbird’ there is a gallows sense of humor that runs through this narrative. Perhaps that is the best way to get handle facing extinction. But first the cat-bird squad has to figure out how to get out of their own way.
When male lobsters are in a pot they will make a ladder to have one of them escape. They work together for the greater good. If one makes it out alive then the species will continue. Female lobsters, on the other hand will drag each other down until they’re all dead. In the beginning pages you may think that this story would go the way of the female lobster as Atheenowl, Cate and Neferkitti bicker incessantly. Things go completely off the rails when Cate decides to rescue Strig alone. Still, what the reader gets is more than entertainment as writer Margaret Atwood spreads further tidbits that will keep your pets safe. Also, how understanding feral cats will, in part help us be better human beings.
Overall, the story is relatively predictable. It is a hero’s journey and finding his place in a new world. He’s accepted by some and forges allies along the way. The antagonist is vile and domineering. There isn’t much suspense. Most of the panels are filled with action packed adventure. Think the good bits from Brett Ratner’s X-Men, like Kelsey Grammar’s portrayal of Beast. What shines in this book is the artwork. Hybrid cats and birds are drawn and colored in, to the extent of them leaping off the page. In a panel where Count Catula and his wives awake to find their home in ruins, their facial gestures are realistic. Fangs are out and you can hear the hissing. Imagine those old school flip books, that similar idea is exuded. And if you have a pet, chances are you will recognize the gestures and quirks of the cats, birds and even rats. Moreover, there are several art renderings of the characters from ‘Angel Catbird,’ from different artists that can be framed and put on your wall. They’re that amazing. Count Catula and Strig in catbird form are particularly well done. For Count Catula his eyes are haunting and pierce through you. His look is an accurate depiction of gothic horror. Then there’s Strig. The playful, mischievous look on his face will have you smiling.
As an end to this graphic novel trilogy, volume III of ‘Angel Catbird’ doesn’t wrap things up. There are still horrors out there that may come back. But what would Batman be without the Joker? That’s how Strig is to Muroid. Though one gets the feeling that Strig would be fine if Muroid disappeared from existence.
Leave a Reply