Matt Lowder Looks At DOGS OF WAR

Guest review by Run The Comics 5K's MATT LOWDER . . . . .

DOGS OF WAR graphic novel. (Graphix/Scholastic, 2013) by Sheila Keenan, writer and Nathan Fox, illustrator. Paperback, 208 pages. Matt's Rating: FIVE out of a possible FIVE STARS.

Though aimed for middle-grade, this is really for adults and teens who enjoy military stories, American history, and dogs. Themes about human values, bonding with dogs and service men, honor, and the horror of war are done extremely well here. Color and art are perfectly executed. 

Considering I didn't expect a lot from this random pick-up, and I'm not even particularly fond of war stories, I was so blown-away by the three 60-page stories focusing on three dogs in WWI Britain, WWII Greenland airforce bases in the tundra, and Vietnam. In particular, the first story about Christmas time in the trenches with the British and German gunmen meeting in no man's land to have food and song during a temporary cease fire was a favorite. True story. Sadly, all those young men shared so much in common.

These are moving, touching, poignant stories that genuinely stirred something in me and choked me up. The book transports you and is cinematic. The art felt familiar, a style I thought I recognized from Dark Horse, DC, or Aftershock, and lo-and-behold, artist Nathan Fox has been all over. The writing has a slight different style in each story, getting the voice of the characters and the culture of the time just right. It's accessible, with moments or true heroism that are never patronizing.

There's a bit of education here, too. However, the emotional stories of bravery and survival are front and center. The plots are clear, sharp vignettes of each dog and their human counter part. The stories of BOOTS, LOKI, and SHEEBA feel timeless.

This may specifically speak to boys, but I think all people can enjoy this. I also appreciated the back of the book with a multi-page author's note, plus a list for recommended reading and viewing of print and visual media. It's an extraordinary little graphic novel faithfully inspired by true stories. DOGS OF WAR was a labor of love, expressing magnificently the connection man has with dogs and the suffering and trauma of war. Highest recommendation.