Here Comes Calico #2

Creator/Writer: H.H. German
Artist/Letterer: Javier Orabich
Colorist: Daniel Grimaldi
Cover: Garnabiel
 
This is the second issue in the eight-issue series.  Here we get a little more insight into our main character Calico and how he views the world.  To me, this was much more a psychological and emotional issue, which is necessary to properly express and develop characters' backgrounds and personalities.
 
Calico is definitely a rogue vigilante.  But you can’t let that deter you.  His heart is in the right place.  The places and activities shown in each issue depict things that would make any human with a heart’s blood boil but for animal lovers, people who care about creatures other than those that live in their own home, the images in these panels are enough to truly enrage someone.  
 
I have often said that most people probably wouldn't eat what they eat if they knew where it came from and how it went from a live animal to the dinner table.  Me, personally, yes, I eat a lot of foods that are not good for me.  And I'm not saying you need to become vegan or vegetarian.  I'm not.  My family hunts a lot for our meat supply, especially through the winter (no I don't live out in the boonies, it's just the way we were raised).  It's perfectly acceptable to hunt for survival and to stay fed.  However, I don't condone things like inhumane treatment of farm animals, hunting for pure sport, abusing animals in any way, poaching, etc.  
 
The scenes in some of these panels are disturbingly honest and that's what needs to be shown so people know what goes on in places they don't or can't go.  Most people probably think a lot of this kind of thing has been resolved over the years with animal rights activist groups and such.  But, very rarely do we have to look at it.  
 
All of this being the case, it’s easy to get behind the main character of Calico.  And in this issue, we get a deeper look into Calico’s psyche.  This is an angry man.  And probably a tortured soul.  He has very little patience with people in general yet is incredibly compassionate with animals.  He recognizes that these animals are defenseless against humans.  It’s also made clear that Calico doesn’t think much of human beings and has, well, sort of lost his faith in humanity.  One could understand how that could happen after having been through and seen the things Calico has.  But though he has been hardened and made somewhat emotionally cold or void in his interactions and thoughts about humans, it is clear that he connects with animals and has a calling to protect the animals that cannot protect themselves.
 
As for the actual writing and artwork of the comic book, I find both to be unique to these particular comic book creators.  The author seems to put some of his own voice into the voice and thoughts of Calico and the artists do an excellent job at capturing the emotion and facial expressions of the story and the characters, which pulls you into the heart of the story.  The emotional aspect of the characters combined with the action of the storyline makes for a very smooth, quick and extremely entertaining read.
 
This is a comic book for those with stronger stomachs. If things like violence, blood and injured animals are one of these triggers for you, or if you are looking for more traditional horror then this may not be the series for you.   Still, I think the attention this comic brings to the subject of animal cruelty and abuse is needed and I maintain that this is an excellent medium to use for that purpose.
 
 
 
RATINGS
Overall 5/5
Artwork 5/5
Story 5/5