I recently picked up Animalopia City by AmirNasfat, and I have to say, it was a surprisingly enjoyable ride. This indie comic dives into some fascinating themes—occult, hermetic, alchemical, and even time travel—woven into a narrative framed around the mysterious "Labirinth Cult." What really caught my attention was the creative anthropomorphism of the characters. Take Mr. Bullock, the bullish everyman, or Mr. Crowley, a crow running the newspaper office (a nod to Aleister Crowley, perhaps?). The choice of animals and their roles adds a clever layer to the storytelling that I found both intriguing and fun.
The art style appears to be AI-generated, which might raise eyebrows for some, but I don’t see it as a drawback. Instead, it feels like a modern tool in the hands of a storyteller, enabling AmirNasfat to bring this wild world to life. The visuals complement the quirky, eclectic vibe of the comic perfectly.
One of the standout elements is the abundance of cultural references and side nods to other stories. "DonkeyXote," an obvious riff on Don Quixote, had me smiling at its playful twist. These little Easter eggs make the reading experience feel like a treasure hunt for fans of literature and pop culture. Speaking of treasures, I also appreciated the author’s commitment to donating a portion of the proceeds to animal charities—a commendable touch that aligns with the book’s animal-centric theme.
As an avid supporter of indie authors and comic creators, I love seeing fresh voices like AmirNasfat take risks. Animalopia City doesn’t shy away from big ideas, tackling fake news and even throwing in a menacing black cube being built for mind control (a delightfully bizarre plot point with cross-references that kept me entertained). The philosophy woven throughout is uplifting and positive, which left me feeling oddly inspired by this strange little book.
Overall, Animalopia City is a unique gem. It’s weird, thought-provoking, and genuinely fun—a testament to the power of indie creativity. If you’re into offbeat comics with a philosophical edge, I’d recommend giving this one a read. I honestly enjoyed it more than I expected!