Veron and Caressa are two people who fall in love. Veron is an activist of sorts who has been fighting in vain against zoning laws that result in quality buildings continuously being torn down and replaced. Caressa works in pharmaceutical marketing. They get married and come up with the idea of the Hypermutt, a mass of dogs that grows with every individual dog it absorbs--a modern-day cerebus of sorts. That is the plot of, "Dogtangle," by Max Huffman. It is weird, and good!
It is a silly concept, and it quickly gets out of hand (encompassing much of the state of Florida). The Hypermutt is a bit of a metaphor, clearly, for corporatism run amok. A lot of, "Dogtangle," features incredibly abstract and intriguing art as well as pitch-black dark humor and a lot of piss being taken out of how we as a Nation seem to be in a state of end-stage Capitalism. A politician jokes that his favorite thing when it comes to holding office is insider trading. A comment is made about how even if the Hypermutt keeps growing, it will eventually run out of steam due to, "built-in obsolescence," that any new product has.
"Dogtangle," has such bizaare and intriguing art that you'll find yourself studying pages as you work to fully absorb the weirdness. Huffman's style is all his own, but it does remind me a bit of the stranger pieces by Michael DeForge--and that's a compliment. Between the peculiar art, clever plotting, and general kooky vibe, Max Huffman has created a surrealist masterpiece. Due to be published by Fantagraphics this November, make sure to ask your local store/library/etc. about getting a copy!
5 out of 5 Stars.
An advance copy of, "Dogtangle," was provided upon my request by Fanatgarphics for the purpose of review.
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