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(Vertigo, 2004-2005)
™ and ©2004 Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

A depressed laboratory technician releases three cybernetically modified lab animals, and bloody mayhem results. Scientists working to replace human soldiers on the battlefield with animals have grafted weaponry–laden battle suits onto a dog, cat and rabbit. The three are trained to work together and kill anyone they perceive as threatening.

Wistful missing pet posters grace the covers, but the story inside is scrubbed clean of sentiment. Frank Quitely’s crisp illustration focuses close up on every nasty gash and mortal wound the animals inflict as they instinctively make their way “home.” The book subordinates political statements to violence and gore, but some readers will take perverse pleasure in the symbolic revenge of the lab animals. Grant Morrison’s poignant animal dialog elicits tender feelings for the grotesque anti-heroes and highlights the message of moral disturbance at the narrative’s core.

— Leland Burrill

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