Animal Castle, Vol. 1

This lavishly illustrated riff on Orwell’s Animal Farm transports readers to a crumbling castle where an experiment in animal collectivism has long ago collapsed into an authoritarian regime. President Silvio, an enormous bull, rules with an iron hoof, flanked by his rooster propagandist and pack of dog enforcers. Workers are kept in line through violence and the threat of literal hounds at the gate, and the cooperative motto “Everyone makes an effort,” which is undermined by Silvio’s proclamation that “it is power and power alone that will save us all!” Miss Bensalore, a cat trying to support her two kittens, becomes the leader of an underground rebellion, encouraging nonviolent resistance through art, anti-authoritarian pranking, and a boycott. Opening with the gruesome execution of a hen for hoarding her own egg, this is a grim fable, decidedly not for children despite Delep’s charming, expressive storybook art. Glowing watercolors over detailed inks lends realism to the castle and a visceral edge to scenes of violence, suffering, and desperation. The pages are sometimes cramped and wordy, but the action moves smoothly through the triumphs and brutal setbacks of the growing revolution. Blending animal fantasy with tense political thriller, this series is likely to draw fans of both. (July)