Angel Catbird Volume 2: To Castle Catula

I still don't know exactly what I think of this series, but it was certainly less jarring this time around, now that I had a better idea of what to expect. Still so full of puns, and that oversexed pulp comics sensibility. And all the little educational asides on cat care and wild birds. I wonder if/when I will get to the point that I can simply enjoy this story without constantly being taken aback by "what are you doing?"

But that promise is there, I can see it -- the possibility of giving in to a fun, rompy genre tale. If I keep following along, maybe I'll get there.

** I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss **

This is a rather enjoyable twist on the average super-hero tale. All of the main characters are part animal and the main hero is a true mix (cat, owl, human). The idea of a hero who has to fight his own nature (eat birds) to do what his human/owl sides say is the right thing to do (save the baby bird) is quite interesting. This second volume in the series gives more insight into the vampire/bat/cat character and also introduces new characters (Neferkitti; Atheen-Owl; Catullus). Some of my favorite parts of this series are the cat-jokes -- "We must not be catty!" "But we ARE cats!" "Yes, what's wrong with being catty?" "I hate it the way that word gets used as a negative!" I also show more really enjoyed the little cat and bird info inserts at the bottom of some pages. There was information about cat nature and ways to protect both cats and birds. Finally, the villain's use of weaponized cat toys to attract and attack the cats was hilarious! show less

Quick read, full colour throughout. Loved the inclusion of Atwood's own colour drawing of cats with wings from when she was a child. This tale covered the origins of Count Catula, and introduced the characters Fog (a young stray), Atheen-Owl (a new allie and love rival to Cate), and Queen Neferkitti. Full colour throughout, interspersed with anecdotes for pet cats. Reference to the Canterbury tales (Caterbury, cringe pun), Dracula, and Carl Sandburg.