Review: Stray Dogs #5 (of 5)

The final chapter of this not so shaggy dog story finally hits the stands this week, culminating in what can be at times the hardest part of a horror tinged story to land: the conclusion!

Earl has made a startling discovery in the master’s room. Now Earl himself has been discovered and before you know it, guns are a blazing. With shots fired and teeth barred, it will take a huge amount of bravery and a true heroes stance from a couple of the dogs to save the day.

Writer Tony Fleecs concludes this story in the same vein as the previous issues; horrific situations coupled with cute dogs gives the readers palpitations. Fleecs has spent time giving each dog a personality and a reason for being part of the team. Following his previous actions, Earl has a chance to be the guy. Memories have been a key part of this book and Earl’s “I remembered” is probably the most heartfelt moment of the entire run, which is saying something. Fleecs doesn’t rest on his dialoguing laurels creating a fantastic run of mini situations leading to a conclusion that is emotive for a whole range of reasons!

Trish Forstner’s art remains outstanding, although things get a little less Disney this time around, as the implied horror gets a blood red showing. The dogs get a rough outing this issue where pacy panic takes centre stage. Putting the action to one side, the emotions that have ran throughout this series have been perfect from the scared panic of Sophie to the calming nature of Rusty Forstner’s facial elements have been on point. Forstner is aided with layouts from Tone Rodriguez with Chris Burnham, flatter Lauren Perry and design by Lauren Herda and finally colorist Brad Simpson who maintains the excellent standards set on previous issues. Simpson’s colors carry the weight of the scary vibes that the dogs must be feeling in this their most unsettling period of their lives.

This series caught me totally by surprise if I am honest. The mix of cute dogs and tense and scary situations wouldn’t normally float my boat; Yet Fleecs, Forstner and crew have delivered a book that has made me laugh, gasp, smile and cry. Put simply, this has to be one of, if not the best series of this year!

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Tony Fleecs
Art by; Trish Forstner
Colors by; Brad Simpson
Layouts by; Tone Rodriguez & Chris Burnham
Flatters by; Lauren Perry
Design / Logo by; Lauren Herda
Published by; Image Comics

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network