Episode 230: Pride of Baghdad

Content warning: Sexual assault, cruelty to animals

In this episode, We’re With the Banned, our miniseries on banned or challenged comics and graphic novels, continues with a discussion of Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan and Niko Henrichon, published by Vertigo/DC Comics!

Based on a true story, this absorbing graphic novel follows four lions who escape from the Baghdad Zoo following a bombing by American forces in April of 2003. Filled with smart dialogue, sharp characterization and rousing action, it quickly makes you forget you’re reading a book about talking animals as it draws you into its vividly realized world and makes you care for its four protagonists.

Will Noor, Zill, Safa and Ali find food and safety on the deserted, shell-shocked streets of Baghdad? And will they at last roam free in that heavenly habitat known as … The Comics Canon?

In This Episode:

·     Curt’s no good, very bad day

·     Why don’t more people talk about Brian K. Vaughan?

·     Why has this book been challenged? It’s not because of the Iraq War

·     Three Kings

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