A powerful graphic novel that follows the story of four lions who escaped from the Baghdad zoo into the chaos of the 2003 invasion and died. The story begins in the zoo and ends on the bloody streets of Baghdad. Throughout the story, the lions discuss ideas of freedom and what it means to be caged and tamed as they work to survive. This is not an easy story and the illustrations don't stint on showing the violence of animals and of war.

A high school student who is interested in more mature themes and comfortable reading graphic novels and comics could gain a lot from this book. On the other hand, it is a difficult work and so would not be recommended for a squeamish reader. ( )

What is it about telling a story through the eyes of an animal? Why does it grip us, and erase our preconceived notions? Somehow despite being bipeds, we can easliy put ourselves in their place.

The Pride of Baghdad is based on the true story of four lions who escaped from the Baghdad Zoo in 2003 during the bombing of Iraq. Safa, Zill, Noor, and little cub Ali find themselves outside the walls of their former home. All four feel very differently about where they are: Noor, exhilarated, Zill, ambivalent, little cub Ali confused, and wizened Safa reluctant.

As you turn the pages, you can feel the heat and desolation, the sand and dust coats your skin. Niko Henrichon’s drawings are amazing. The colors are both muted and vibrant. You feel as though you’ve been transported thousands of miles to the Middle East.interior pride of baghdad

Henrichon’s art is matched in skill by Brian K. Vaughan’s storytelling. It was Vaughan that was inspired to write the story of these four lions. He talks about it in an interview he gave to NPR.

Through the eyes of these lions we are able to glimpse the horror and reality of war. Some of the images and words are difficult to process. They stay with you long after you’ve turned the page.

Loved it. To think it was based on an actual event. fantastic artwork. ( )

This is absolutely wonderfully drawn, with a story that has a lot of potential to make a mark on your mind: animals' experiences during the bombing of Baghdad. However, the allegory is so over-obvious (there's even a lion "rape") that you wonder if the story hadn't been more interesting if it actually depicted humans instead of lions. I actually found myself getting a little angry that a story that could have been so poignant and thought-provoking was left to fizzle into this clunky mess. ( )

Beautifully drawn and told story. Adult in nature, thought-provoking about the price of freedom and the nature of man. ( )