Pride of Baghdad HC Vertigo Iraq Brian K. Vaughan 1st print NM Niko Henrichon

Description

Pride of Baghdad Hardcover
by Brian K. Vaughan (Author), Niko Henrichon (Illustrator)

The startlingly original look at life on the streets of Baghdad during the Iraq War inspired by true events arrives in a stunning new softcover edition. In this provocative graphic novel, superstar comics writer Brian K. Vaughan examines life on the streets of war-torn Iraq. In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escaped from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives. In documenting the plight of the lions, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD raises questions about the true meaning of liberation: Can it be given, or is it earned only through self-determination and sacrifice? And in the end, is it truly better to die free than to live life in captivity? This moving graphic novel is inspired by true events.

“Deeply moving.”—LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK REVIEW

“Lavishly drawn, and devastating…. Vaughan has his marvelously imagined characters debate the concept of freedom versus desire for safety…the total effect is memorable.”—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“This is an important work, strongly recommended for all adult collections.”—LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Seems destined to cement the reputation of Brian K. Vaughan as one of the best writers to grace the medium in many years.”—VARIETY

Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Vertigo

In 2003, American bomb destruction allowed several lions to escape from the Baghdad zoo. Written and illustrated in comic book form, this is far from being a trivial book. The author and illustrator touchingly depict the anxieties, squabbles, and vicissitudes confronting the little family (pride). The lions and other animals speak American English, with personal feelings and needs conveyed with sympathy. As in real life, the pride moves searchingly toward its tragic end. This book will find a place in the homes of all animal lovers; it is a reminder that the needless destruction of war imposes suffering on our fellow creatures as well as on ourselves.

An incredibly clever conceit and some truly beautiful art come together to form what is often heralded as one of the best (and most important) graphic novels of the last decade. It’s even inspired by real events.

This outstanding graphic novel follows a pride of four anthropomorphic lions displaced from the Baghdad Zoo by the US invasion of Iraq. The confused and increasingly desperate lions ruminate on the nature of freedom as they navigate the war zone in search of food. Brian K. Vaughan’s endearing characters struggle with both animals and men as the gripping and sometimes disconcerting plot builds to an overwhelming finish. Niko Henrichon’s artwork is simply beautiful, especially the lavish two page landscapes. I’m a fan of Vaughan’s acclaimed monthlies “Ex Machina” and “Y The Last Man” and strongly recommend this to fans of those series.

Near mint, 1st print,