Just when you thought it was safe to go outside again, Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer return once more with their third issue of Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory. For those walking into this cuddly party in the middle of it, Beasts of Burden is a long-running graphic novel series about paranormal investigating necromancers who also happen to be a group of dogs. This new five-issue run is about one of our wise canines, Emrys harking back to an old war story that took place in Ogawara, Japan back in 1947. With his newly deputized stray friend Mullins, they set off to solve the mystery of why some soldiers…no longer have heads. This playful series excels in never taking itself too seriously but still creating an atmosphere befitting enough for its esoteric subject matter.
When we last left off, All was not as it seemed as our adorable heroes traversed deeper and deeper into the dark and spooky woods. They may have been fresh on the hunt searching for clues but this time, Emrys and Mullins might have bitten off more than they can chew. Blinded by hubris and a false sense of invincibility, they’re suddenly reminded how far they are from home when all of the wildlife stops them in their tracks from going any further. This brings us to issue #3 and luckily, with the strongest issue yet we are finally able to start understanding the pieces to this puzzle. Occupied Territory issue #3 finally tips its hand as to the reasons for deciding to play in such a sandbox, and knowing what we know now, it’s safe to say the possibilities are endless.
Returning franchise artist Benjamin Dewey has a lot of Japanese folklore to play with and is clearly salivating at the chance to explore his artistry in creating his versions of classic Japanese legends. Benjamin draws a big red muscular Oni as bright and threatening as anything these dogs have ever come across. The classic traditional art style of the Japanese threats clash in a beautiful way with the different breeds of color illustrative, anatomically correct dogs living on every panel. He draws the legendary Jorogumo in her cold, grey, icy, Geisha form. This Marvel vs. Capcomesque blending of styles really creates something fun and interesting for this story. This entire issue takes place in the dark mysterious woods but for a few panels there’s a beautiful Japanese landscape of ever-expanding hills or a quiet still river plain. As the story goes darker so does the forest which is expertly captured here.
Where there was room to roam in past issues, confrontations and engagements keep things more closely knit this time. The setting really plays a huge part and it’s becoming apparent that the setting of Japan is not a coincidence at all. In this one comic they proudly throw several ancient Japanese folklore names out and freely have their fun with introducing such legendary creatures to our protagonists. This really brings the reader a sense of wonder and elevates this story to something that isn’t just a fun read but also a cultural educational lesson as well. And while some might be tired of any kind of diversity pandering, it’s very easy to see that this is done with nothing but passion and respect for such source material. Evan and Sarah are excited to tell stories of the icy Jorogumo spider woman of the Joren Falls of Izu, and the one-eyed Yamawaro mountain dwellers of Kyushu. They know their Yokai well and they are clearly having fun bringing these spirits and creatures of Japanese folklore to life on their pages.
This new direction for the series is a game-changer. What before was an exuberant mystical tale of the occult with a doggo twist on it now has potential to explore different lores of all kinds of different faiths and cultures. The stakes feel high, and the artwork ensures the dogs and animals all have personality. The comic relief is always welcome and it allows those moments of levity that are necessary for when they turn the script on you and you realize a canine companion you’ve grown to enjoy might not make it out of this one. With the help of woodland spirit dogs Makato and Yuna, Emrys and Mullins are allowed safe passage through the forest, but when several ancient creatures start to attack out in the open it becomes clear that our puptagonists (™) must call upon the ancient inhabitants of the mountain. The Council. This is it. Two more to go. The story is unraveling and our heroes seem like they may never make it out of the woods. Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory Issue #3 goes on woops went on sale June 2nd and continues to be an easy page-turner and an adorable fun read. If you’re back out into the world now but still feeling the weight of society rebooting, you might as well pick up a little tale about some furry dogs doing Earthcraft in Japan.
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