Critters #4

Fantagraphics' Critters #4 brings a wonderfully absurd fantasy energy to the page, with cover art by Ken Macklin depicting a sword-wielding rabbit hero standing triumphant against a blood-red sky, raising his blade over a crowd of scowling, armed animal warriors — cats, bears, and various other critters who look none too pleased about the situation. The title "Zany But Deadly!" perfectly captures the mix of humor and genuine menace that Fantagraphics was championing in 1986 through this anthology series. With interior work from Tom Stazer and John Williams, this issue is a fine example of the creative, creator-driven funny-animal storytelling that made Critters such a distinctive corner of the indie comics scene.