Neferu the Cat

(Saf, 2004)
™ and © 2004 Stri Art Features

The plot of this 48–page European comic–art album is the same as that of the movie Cats & Dogs: pets are waging a hidden war as to which will rule by secretly controlling their human “mascots.” Neferu, Kematep, Serapis, and Hu are four cats living in a large city. Neferu’s human companion is Alex, a young commercial artist. The dogs go on the attack, and the aggressive mastiff Piñón hypnotizes his human, Sabine, into becoming Alex’ girlfriend to influence him against Neferu. The cat goddess Bastet sends the four to seek the aid of a black panther at the zoo. The mission requires a dangerous cross–city journey with dog–controlled human motorists trying to run over cats and with the female Hu distractingly in heat.

The story is amusing, and the attractive cartoon art is rich in detail. The characters are almost overshadowed by their huge city (Amsterdam?), a mix of modern and ancient buildings studded with gargoyles. Unfortunately, the wordy translation is awkward, with such lines as: “The evil dog had contrived a macabre plan to destroy the chosen race.”

— Fred Patten

Jump to issue:

Notes

Writer

Artist

#1

August, 2004
Cover Price: $12.95
1 copy available for $8.00

Carlos Pena

Pedro Penizzotto