In-Fur-Nation

Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp. Now isn’t that a title that’s gonna catch your eye? Okay, true, it slipped by us, but we’re glad to let you know about now while it’s still available. “As an aspiring cartoonist, Zelda has always dreamed of attending an art summer camp, and this year she finally gets to go! But when she arrives to Make It Summer Camp, she’s horrified to see the easels and sketchboards have been replaced with dodgeball and calisthenics. The camp is under new, suspicious management that’s turned it into an extreme sports nightmare. Determined to salvage her summer, Zelda escapes to a secluded corner of the island. Here she can finally draw in peace. At least until she stumbles into a portal to a fantastic world: Welcome to Monster Island, Zelda! There she makes a connection with baby kaiju Minilla and discovers the beauty of these legendary creatures. However, all is not well on Monster Island. Great evils are stirring and if Zelda can’t protect their home, the kaiju will unleash their wrath on the world.” This graphic novel (available in hardcover and softcover) is written by Rosie Knight, with illustration by Oliver Ono.

image c. 2025 IDW Publishing

Twenty years ago writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely knocked it outta the park (again) with a limited comic book series called WE3: “Deep inside a top-secret U.S. Air Force research facility, a revolution in cybernetics is taking shape. Using ordinary domestic animals for their test subjects, the scientists of Project AWE have created a new class of cyborgs — flesh-and-metal creatures designed to rule the battlefields of tomorrow. The project’s crowning achievement is a trio of prototypes code-named WE3 — each one custom-built and trained to work as specialists within a team. With their nervous systems enhanced and supplemented by cutting-edge military hardware, WE3 are the ultimate smart weapons — programmable yet autonomous, loyal yet utterly ruthless. But successful as they are, WE3 are still only prototypes, to be dismantled when their testing is complete. Inside their fearsome mechanical shells, however, are three lost pets whose amplified traits include the will to survive— an instinct which proves to be even stronger than their makers knew. Faced with destruction, WE3 runs —out into a frightening and confusing world, where they are now as much of a threat as those who hunt them. Relentlessly pursued, WE3 fights with the combined firepower of a battalion — and a faint, warm memory of somewhere called Home.” Now, two decades later, DC Comics brings us WE3: The 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, including the original graphic novel compilation plus some extensive behind-the-scenes material. It also features a new forward by director James Gunn — who has admitted that aspects of Batch 89 from Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 were directly inspired by this comic.

image c. 2025 DC Comics

Before this gets away from us! Two comic book power-houses, Disney and Marvel, combined last year for a very special one-shot: Uncle Scrooge and the Infinity Dime, written by Jason Aaron and featuring some of the most talented artists in Italy. “One of the greatest characters in the history of comics leaps into his most epic adventure yet, in the manner only Marvel can deliver! When Uncle Scrooge’s fabled money bin gets stolen by a shocking culprit, the world’s toughest duck must undertake a quest unlike any other, alongside a surprising array of allies: Other versions of himself!” Hurry! It’s still available at comic book stores.

image c. 2025 Marvel Comics

Check this out before it goes away! Based on  a popular video game, DC Comics’ Multiversus: Collision Detected is a new series that combines famous superheroes with famous cartoon stars in a multi-universal mash-up. “Bruce Wayne, Diana Prince, and Clark Kent each wake in a cold sweat, troubled by strange dreams they’ve had about ‘the rabbit’, ‘the star child’, and ‘the witch’. Their investigation into these enigmatic visions brings them to unexpected locales and unusual characters, but none more unusual than the mysterious ‘rabbit’ from their dreams as they find themselves face-to-face with the one and only Bugs Bunny. What the heck is going on here? And who in the name of the Multiverse are ‘the star child’ and ‘the witch’?” The cover might just give you a clue. Issues are on the shelves right now, written by Bryan Q. Miller and illustrated by Jon Sommariva.

image c. 2025 DC Comics

After they gave us Marvel Meow, the folks at Marvel Comics decided to even the score with Marvel Mutts, a new limited series. “Join the Marvel Mutts in their very first comic book adventure! Collecting issues #1-12 of the Friday Funnies series, these heartwarming tales – and wagging tails – are sure to elicit a round of a-paws. Featuring Lockjaw, Lucky, Cosmo, Bats and Ms. Marvel’s dearest doggie, Mittens, this pack is packing the cute.” Hmm, we should find out more about the Friday Funnies. Anyway, this new comic is written by Mackenzie Cadenhead and illustrated by Takeshi Miyazawa. Check it out for yourself.

image c. 2025 Marvel Comics

Recently, we told you about a new Image Comic arriving from the mind of Rick Remender. Well, looking further into the future, Image has let us know about The Terrific Teacups, a new graphic novel based on bedtime stories that Mr. Remender told to his kids. “During another mundane, grey day in London Jungle, siblings Dennis and Dade discover that the world was once a bright and cheerful place, and that the heroes of their favorite book, The Terrific Teacups, were more than merely works of fiction, they were the pachyderm pair that kept the city safe from the selfish and oppressive creatures who now rule it. The daring siblings must find a way to bring their heroes back and restore beauty and color to a world that has forgotten it.” With illustration by Farel Dalrymple, this new hardcover book is due out next year in January.

image c. 2025 Image Comics

Last year Marvel premiered the Star Wars: Ewoks comic miniseries — and now this year, the furry denizens of the Endor moon come together in the new Star Wars: Ewoks trade paperback, collecting all four issues. “A team of Imperial-led bounty hunters and scavengers arrives on the forest moon of Endor searching for a secret cache of deadly weaponry! But are they prepared to face off against the battle-ready Ewoks who took down so many of their ranks? Plus: Who is the mysterious new warrior Ewok returning to Bright Tree village, and what is their connection to Wicket W. Warrick?” Written by Steve Orlando (Rainbow Bridge), with art by Alvaro Lopez and Laura Braga. The Ewoks are back this July.

image c. 2025 Marvel Comics

In honor of Pride Month, IDW Comics have released Monster High Pride 2025, an annual special issue of their popular Monster High series. Featuring two teenage love stories — one of them decidedly more “furry” it seems… “First, we all know and love the fiercest and most fashionable ghoulfriends: Clawdeen Wolf and Toralei Stripe, A.K.A. Toradeen. But how did they go from hisses to kisses? It’s simple math, really. Clawculus + a common enemy + forced proximity = the perfect love story. Nothing screams romance quite like math camp.” We’ll take your word for it. And it’s on the shelves now. Happy Pride!

image c. 2025 IDW Comics

The things we stumble across on the Internet — when we’re looking for something else. The Secret Kingdom is a 2023 family fantasy film from Australia, written and directed by Matt Drummond. “Hidden beneath their bedroom floor lies a land of enchantment, which must be protected from an ancient enemy — the evil Shroud. As they embark on their quest to unite five mystical treasures and save the Kingdom, Peter and Verity must face epic challenges that will test their bravery to the limit.” Doesn’t sound like much, but take a look at the trailer (and the poster!) and you’ll see what caught our interest. True, it’s clearly plotted and written for the younger set, but how often do you get anthropomorphic armadillos? It’s available on YouTube and other platforms too.

image c. 2025 Little Monster Productions

With the new Superman movie coming up soon (directed by James Gunn), DC comics have brought us a new tie-in mini-series: Krypto, The Last Dog of Krypton, written by Ryan North and illustrated by Mike Norton. “There will come a day when Krypto stands beside Superman, helping him fight off monsters, aliens, and supervillains — a day when this dog will save his adoptive world thanks to the incredible powers granted him by Earth’s strange yellow sun. But he’s not there yet. Today, Krypto is a normal puppy on Krypton, spending each happy, snoozy, endless day alongside his family: Jor-El, Lara, and baby Kal-El. But when a rocket test goes wrong, Krypto finds himself lost in space — and soon crash-landing, all alone, on a strange and alien world called Earth.” The first installment of this new 5-issue series hits the shelves later this month.

image c. 2025 DC Comics

Escape is a violent new war comic from Image Comics, written by Rick Remender and illustrated by Daniel Acuna. “Milton Shaw is a battle-hardened bomber pilot, flying missions over a war-torn world ruled by a ruthless empire. But when his plane is shot out of the sky, Milton wakes up behind enemy lines—in the smoldering ruins of a city he helped burn. And in less than 24 hours, his own side is dropping the big one to finish the job. Now, injured, unarmed, and being hunted through enemy streets, Milton’s only shot at escape comes from the unlikeliest place: A grieving father and his son — civilians shattered by the same fascist regime that rules this land with an iron claw. Enemies by blood. Allies by circumstance. Together, they’ll have to fight their way out before the bomb drops and erases everything…and everyone. Set in a brutal, fully painted world of anthropomorphic animals — think Inglourious Basterds meets Blacksad — Escape is a gritty, bullet-riddled journey through war’s scorched aftermath.” Funny how they wait until the very end to tell you it’s anthropomorphic, huh? Anyway, it’s coming to your local comic book store this August.

image c. 2025 Image Comics

Recently we stumbled across a new trailer for an upcoming animated film called Iggy the Eagle — from Poland, of all places, but it’s being released in English. The story goes like this: “Every night, a young eagle named Iggy dreams of flying alongside his imaginary brother, Felix. In reality, Iggy lives in a technically advanced society of birds so civilized, they all forgot how to fly. Iggy is being raised by his highly responsible Mom and a slightly rebellious, old-school Dad. When Iggy meets his new aviation-crazy classmate Eve, he finally gets the courage to confront his dreams, discovers the true nature of Felix… and spreads his wings in the real world for the very first time.” The 2D animation on realistic backgrounds style is highly unusual and very interesting in today’s media. We’ll be looking for this one when it comes to North America in 2026.

image c. 2025 Horus Movies

Lulu is a Rhinoceros is a new 2D animated special we just found out about. It’s based on a popular children’s picture book by Allison Flum and Jason Flum. In a world of anthropomorphic non-humans, Lulu appears to be a young, jovial bulldog. But when she looks in the mirror, she sees a rhinoceros! And so she sets out to convince not only her friends but the whole world that that’s what she is — in the meantime, spreading a message of tolerance and kindness for those who might be different and who don’t fit into the Norm. The musical special just premiered on Apple TV+. It features the voice of Auli’i Cravalho (Moana) as Lulu.

image c. 2025 Apple TV+

More discoveries from this year’s Festival of Books at USC: A new fantasy novel by Daniel Fliederbaum, Smash the World’s Shell. “When a mysterious ring suddenly appears on reclusive teenager Ellen’s bookshelf, she is granted the power to travel miles away from everything she’s ever known. There she meets Shard, a friendly dragon who offers to help Ellen grow her stunted-since-birth magic. Although it seems too good to be true, Ellen accepts, sure she can conquer her self-hatred by becoming an accomplished magician. Little does she know, her magical voyages have raised the suspicions of those who would destroy her… Young and lonely, Shard is determined to find his first friend in Ellen. But befriending a creature as detested as a human could spell banishment from his tribe — or worse. As the bond between them grows, they will have to face their deepest fears. If they can’t, their friendship is doomed … along with any chance they have of saving both their kinds from annihilation.” It’s available now in paperback. Find out more at Water Dragon Publishing.

image c. 2025 Water Dragon Publishing

Looking for something else, we stumbled upon this: The Green Ember series of fantasy novels (with a light Christian theme), written by S.D. Smith. “Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. They discover that their own story is bound up in the tumult threatening to overwhelm the wider world. Kings fall and kingdoms totter. Tyrants ascend and terrors threaten. Betrayal beckons, and loyalty is a broken road with peril around every bend. Where will Heather and Picket land? How will they make their stand?” Several books have followed in the series, but here is where you get started.

image c. 2025 Story Warren Books

The winners for the 2024 were presented at Furry Weekend Atlanta 2025 by Rowedahelicon, one of the newest members of the Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Association (ALAA). This year’s recipients, as chosen by furry fans like you from around the world, included:

Best Anthropomorphic Music: Monarch of Monsters, by Vylet Pony

Best Anthropomorphic Web Site: FurAffinity.net

Best Anthropomorphic Game: Webfishing, developed and published by Lame Developer

Best Anthropomorphic Published Illustration: Adventurers and Explorers, by Royz

Best Anthropomorphic Magazine: Dogpatch Press, edited by Patch Packrat (We came in 3rd!)

Best Anthropomorphic Comic Strip: Foxes in Love, by Toivo Kaartinen

Best Anthropomorphic Graphic Story: Swords and Sausages, by Jan

Best Anthropomorphic Non-Fiction Work: Celebrating 85 Years of Conventions, by Con History

Best Anthropomorphic General Literary Work: Swords and Sausages — Volume 2, by Jan

Best Anthropomorphic Short Fiction: Monarch  of Monsters, by Vylet Pony

Best Anthropomorphic Novel: The Varcross Key, by Aeron Dusk

Best Anthropomorphic Dramatic Short Work: Bun Hunting — Overture, directed by Piti Yindee

Best Anthropomorphic Dramatic Series: Beastars — Season 3, directed by Shinichi Matsumi

Best Anthropomorphic Motion Picture: The Wild Robot

The ALAA congratulate all the winners, all the nominees, and all of you who took the time to nominate and vote! Makes sure to do so again in early 2026! Visit www.ursamajorawards.org to find out more about the awards.

image c. 2025 ALAA

And then, we went to the L.A. Times Festival of Books — where we saw things like the preview of Ten Ton Titan Terrier, a new comic from writer David Pepose (Spencer & Locke) and artist Ornella Greco (Total Suplex of the Heart). “When an asteroid unleashes a horde of alien monsters known as Bio-Titans, Earth must turn to a suit of extraterrestrial battle armor to save the day — but there’s just one catch. Because the only creature on the planet capable of turning it on… is an 11-inch-tall terrier named Holly. With the Bio-Titan threat escalating by the second, Holly and her scientist owner Sam will find their unique bond tested, as he trains his mischievous mutt to become not just man’s best friend, but humanity’s only hope.” Look for it this October, from Papercutz.

image c. 2025 Papercutz

Here’s another independent comic book series that’s been around for a while — but we were only lucky enough to discover it recently. Tokai is a shaded black & white science fiction comic written and illustrated by A.R. Lytle. According to them, it’s about “…a little alien named Tokai caught in a war on his home planet, Arurha. He’s taken in by a family of rebels, bent on reclaiming their planet from the Network Invaders. The only problem,:Tokai is a pacifist. Tokai must use his wits to stay alive and protect the innocent as the war gradually descends into chaos at the hands of religious fanatics.” Four issues are available now.

image c. 2025 Andrew Lytle Press

More kung fu fighting from WonderCon! Last year brought us a new comic, Animal Warriors of the Kingdom, written by Jason Bienvenu and illustrated by Utuma Prastha. “The Great Houses of the Animal Kingdom are in shambles. A tyrannical ruler has all but consolidated his complete control over the land and sea. With the impending fall of the last resistance stronghold, the flame of hope is almost extinguished. One last beacon of light is all that remains of the once robust resistance-a young ape named Pale, whose quest to mend the fractured trust between the great animal houses will be tested as he seeks to neutralize, Emperor Kah Lee!” The big news? This year the creative team were introducing a brand new line of tie-in action figures from Spero Toys.

image c. 2025 Spero Toys

While at WonderCon we met Stephan Franck and got to check out their new full-color furry comic. Here’s how they describe it: “Romance in the Age of the Space God takes place in a world not unlike ours, in which Nate, Lydia, and Anya struggle to find their place and purpose, only to find themselves at the center of a mysterious plot of cosmic proportions. [It is] either the first chapter of a long saga, or an open ended short-story—only time will tell. It is part dystopian sci-fi thriller, part slice-of-life, part political satire. It is about life in a world where the unthinkable has been slowly normalized, and follows adorable little mice struggling to find their purpose and meaning in it.” Take a look at the preview pages over at the web site for Dark Planet Comics.

image c. 2025 Dark Planet Comics