Review: Good Dog, Bad Dog (DFC)

Good Dog, Bad Dog (David Fickling Books) by Dave Shelton, is a feature of a British comics magazine for kids, known as DFC. As of this writing, after 43 issues, the magazine was cancelled. However, plans are to collect certain features.

This first volume of the above mentioned feature contains three stories. It is, as the publisher puts it, a “noir adventure comedy”, set in a world of anthromorphic dogs. Being targeted at kids, the stories are simple. As such, the comic does not shy away from the matters of death and murder.

The comic utilizes lots of physical and verbal (British) humour. The slapstick is outstanding, and is perhaps the most creative part about the book. The characterization is a bit more clichéd, being based on noir conventions, but still very well done. A nice detective is partnered with a no-nonsense type, each requiring the other to solve cases.

For adults the book provides a wonderful insight into brilliant slapstick comedy, and with that a must read, especially if you are unable to get your hands on the films of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.