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With the on-coming Halloween holiday, it seems appropriate to discuss Beasts of Burden.  Spinning out of Dark Horse’s horror anthologies the book seems to be rather simple, neighborhood dogs (and a cat) dealing with supernatural dangers to themselves and their families. 

The original Beast of Burden stories, appearing in volumes of anthologies , each with a different theme like The Dark Horse Book of Monsters or The Dark Horse Book of the Dead, were rather episodic, and the mini-series is as well, with the through line of the dogs (and cat) slowly learning their new job as “Wise Dogs”, or shamen in the animal world.  The current issue opens with the dogs re-accounting that they’ve dealt with many supernatural threats to the neighborhood of late, also that they are now getting dragged in on every lame issue the locals have to deal with.  This all comes to a halt when confronted with some of the scariest words a parent can utter, “My children are missing.”  Immediately the group sets off, investigating the disappearance of two Weinmariner puppies.  The investigation leads the dogs (and cat) to a place where even people won’t go anymore and the horrible truth that lies there.

Up until these stories, most of my familiarity with Evan Dokin’s work has been through his humor stuff (Dork!, World’s Funniest, Biff! Bam! Pow!), but while there is humor present here (and it is damn funny in the opening pages), it’s the horror and sadness of this tale that defines it.  Artist Jill Thompson perfectly compliments the script, drawing both adorable animals and horrible things that blend well within the same world.  This is an absolutely beautiful book that is absolutely haunting.  Just when you think the situation has been resolved, the last page hits you like a ton of bricks.  If you are looking for something to read for this Halloween, I hugely suggest picking up this issue (and issue #1 while you’re at it), you won’t be disappointed.  But you will be frightened.

Beasts of Burden #2
Writer: Evan Dorkin
Artist:  Jill Thompson

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