BOOM! Studios; $3.99
Oliver’s landed himself in the Jackson State Kennel, and he’s trying his hardest to make the best of the situation, even if it involves hallucinating a cartoon world around him. In the pound for what he refers to as “just a misunderstanding,” Oliver soon must learn the ropes of Jackson (which means no more singing) from his cellmate, Sugar. As it turns out, the cats currently have run of the place, after some shady alliances happened that resulted in the alpha dog landing in solitary confinement.
Kennel Block Blues manages to be an interesting mashup of prison escape stories with anthropomorphic dogs and cats, which combine to create one seriously twisted tale. The art is wildly expressive, especially when Oliver’s hallucinations totally take over in the most colorful of ways. This is a very different book from what else is on the shelves right now, and it’s definitely worth a look.
-Carrie Wood