Frank Pé (1956–2025)

In post-WWII Belgium a strange creature escapes from animal traffickers and is rescued by a boy who is being bullied by his schoolmates.

I've never read a Marsupilami book, but I always had the impression they were bright, lively tales. This new version is dark, drab, and full of cruelty; however, the heroes of the book are still able to act with kindness and mercy. It's a sad story and ends on a cliffhanger, but it's poignant and I very much want to read volume two.

Received via NetGalley.

Una versión "realista" de las aventuras del Marsupilami en las que los padecimientos del animal exportado ilegalmente a Bélgica se cruzan con los de una familia que sufre las consecuencias de la ocupación alemana de Bélgica. Trama interesante y dibujo excelente.

This is not your daddy's marsupilami. This definitely is a beast.
A beautiful work, with a nice story.

It ends in a brutal cliffhanger, with Marsupilami in a cage again and Alain waiting for his comeuppance. Boy, does that little shit need a piece of rough but well-earned education.

I am not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it blew me away. This may look like an ordinary caged cheetah, but it is much more a beast and it’s definitely not a cheetah. It’s connection to the little boy who is bullied at school is fun. I am a bit sad that I now need the next volume because this ending is in the middle of the story and I have to know what happens next. This would be a great read for middle grade and up, or anyone wanting to study cartooning art.