Pets with Man-Heads

Yesterday I read a collection of graphic short stories. Almost like a comic book but not one I would let my kids near. Petey and Pussy by John Kerschbaum is drawn to perfection, and the story lines are very funny and sometimes crude, sometimes cruel. I never quite knew what was coming in the three stories presented and when I found out, I laughed out loud.

Petey and Pussy are a dog and a cat; their bodies are drawn as dog and cat. It is their heads that will creep you out: each has the head of a balding man (and Pussy wears glasses). And inside those heads are men also; selfish, boozing, but not quite despicable, men. Men out to kill mice, torture birds, and eat food that has not gone up anyone’s private space. So what saves them from utter despicability? Their friendship with each other, the way they look out for the old lady in charge, and the way they help keep the local bar open (selfishly: the bartender gives them free drinks).

There is nothing awesome or brain-expanding about these well-drawn stories but they do provide some good and very gross fun. Just keep them away, far away, from the kids.