This werewolf anthology promised a walk on the wild side, but unfortunately, it ended up being more of a hesitant sniff than a full-blown howl of enjoyment. While the concept of exploring werewolf themes in short comic format is undeniably fun, the execution in this collection proves to be quite uneven. For readers wondering, “Can I Pet Your Werewolf?” after diving into these pages, the answer is mixed, much like the stories themselves.
A Few Howls of Delight Amidst the Growls
Despite overall disappointment, there were definitely glimmers of brilliance within these pages. Three stories managed to capture the charm and unique possibilities of werewolf narratives:
Animal Lovers Only by Seanan McGuire & Caitlin Like
This tale offered a heartwarming portrayal of a mature, divorced werewolf woman finding love again with another woman. What stood out was the genuine and relatable romance that felt absent in many other stories. The artwork complemented the narrative nicely, adding to the overall pleasant experience. It’s the kind of story that makes you think, “yes, maybe you can pet this werewolf,” with consent, of course!
All’s Hairy in Love and Coming Out by Monica Gallagher
Gallagher’s story was another highlight, focusing on a young man embracing his wolf form and exploring a gay bar for the first time. The narrative cleverly tied his werewolf identity to his sense of self-acceptance, and the budding romance felt authentic and engaging. The concept of a werewolf comfortably navigating his identity and seeking connection adds a layer of depth that resonates.
Mooning Problem by Kendra Wells
In a completely different vein, Wells delivered a humorous and relatable story about a werewolf girl constantly losing her clothes during transformations. The story cleverly uses the inherent nudity of involuntary transformations to create a funny and lighthearted scenario. It’s a story that embraces the absurdity of the werewolf trope in a delightful way, prompting chuckles and smiles rather than scares.
Lacking Depth and Visual Appeal
However, the majority of the anthology failed to reach the heights of these standout stories. Many narratives felt underdeveloped, lacking the necessary depth to truly engage the reader. Awkward dialogue and forced plotlines further detracted from the reading experience. Adding to the struggle, one story was presented in such a small font that it became nearly illegible, unfortunately leading to it being skipped entirely.
Furthermore, the decision to present all the artwork in black and white was a letdown. While black and white art can be impactful, in this case, it felt limiting and less visually appealing than color would have been. The variety of art styles, while diverse, mostly didn’t resonate personally, further impacting the overall enjoyment.
Diversity: A Bright Spot
One undeniable strength of this anthology was its commitment to diversity. The inclusion of m/m and f/f couples, Native American and Black characters, and varied body types was commendable and refreshing. This aspect certainly broadened the scope of werewolf stories being told and offered representation often missing in mainstream comics.
Final Verdict: Proceed with Caution
Overall, this werewolf anthology is a mixed bag. While stories like “Animal Lovers Only,” “All’s Hairy in Love and Coming Out,” and “Mooning Problem” offer moments of genuine enjoyment and creative werewolf narratives, the collection as a whole suffers from uneven quality and a lack of consistent visual appeal. If you are specifically drawn to cute werewolves and diverse characters in comics and are willing to sift through some less engaging stories, this anthology might be worth a look. However, for those seeking a consistently strong and visually captivating werewolf experience, this collection may leave you wanting more.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy comic anthologies, appreciate diverse characters, and are particularly interested in cute werewolf stories, and don’t mind black and white art.
