The Horizon Experiment is an initiative from Image Comics headed by Pornsak Pichetshote to give voices in comics to protagonists from marginalized backgrounds. The opening round of this initiative is 5 one-shots and Moon Dogs is one of these books. Let’s sink our teeth into this werewolf tale about a family from East Africa.

Moon Dogs #1

Written By Tananarive Due – Art By Kelsey Ramsay

Colors By Jose Villarrubia – Letters By Jeff Powell

Edited By Will Dennis – Published By Image Comics

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

It’s Not Even a Moon Night

The story opens in Little Havana, Miami with a gruesome murder scene. Reporters Nala and Carlos are on the scene and seem to be concerned that this is the work of Moon Dogs, even though it is not dark out or a moon night. Police officer Luis shows up and does not want the help of the reporters, despite having a personal relationship with them. He also knows Nala’s secret, she’s a Moon Dog.

Carlos and Nala go to her parents home and it is discovered that Nala’s whole family are Moon Dogs. Her brother Kai is having a hard time because he’s tired of feeling like a second class citizen. We also learn that Nala’s parents use a tea that helps them control there transformations. Unfortunately, Kai has given a bunch of this herb to a group of Moon Dogs that want to be out of the shadows, and who also are responsible for the murder in Little Havana. It is now up to Nala to not only expose this group, but also to save her brother and her kind.

“We Were All Riding into Our Future Together”

Moon Dogs #1 is an awesome read, with not only a great story, but also a great message. Tananarive Due mixes in the very real world message of being treated differently and less than because of being “different” with a really good werewolf tale. The message is intertwined so well into this story that it never is over bearing, but at the same time it is ever present. A true masterful work.

The art in this book is phenomenal. Kelsey Ramsay does a great job of bringing the world to life, well using almost what feels like a retro comic art form. The character designs are beautiful and the background art is stunning. Jose Villarrubia’s color pallet makes the art pop in every panel and brings the panels to life.

Check Out My Review of Killadelphia #35

Final Thoughts

Moon Dogs #1 has a wonderful message and brings some serious thoughts into social prejudice and how that effects people. At the same time it’s also a really good werewolf story that has some great horror tropes. The only bad thing about this book is that as of right now it’s only a one-shot and not a monthly on going series (let’s try and will that into the world). No matter what you need to run to your LCS and grab a copy ASAP.

Final Grade: 9.5/10

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