Graphic Novels – Lions, Tigers and Bears

by Mike Bullock & Jack Lawrence

Mike Bullock

Bullock launches into a series for the young and the young at heart with Volume 1: “Fear and Pride”. Perhaps there is nothing new in the concept of children drawn into the fantasy world of their toys. Yet Bullock makes it fresh and engaging.

From the beginning, when young Joey is given a set of special stuffed toys by his grandmother, any reader can understand his feelings. Everyone has felt those insecurities that cause us to cling to the special toy, if only for a moment. Bullock accesses that immediacy easily,and Lawrence’s art captures the situations and characters with a delightful and unthreatening grace.

This first volume brings Joey (and the Reader) the lessons of dealing with fear and learning to work with others. You will love the Pride and be charmed by at least one of the quartet – Minerva, Venus, Pallo and Ares. There may be monsters and demons under the bed, coming to get you. But the Pride is watching and guarding.