MUTTS (Volume 1)

I will keep this short and simple. The first volume of "Mutts" by Patrick McDonnell is simply the best comic strip since "Bloom County." This book was touching, funny, and cute. It took me to that special place where life is cozy and beautiful. If Mr. McDonnell can keep this strip going at a high level of quality like this first volume, then I will plan on reading "Mutts" for the rest of my life.

I loved it so much I bought ALL of Patrick McDonnell's other books and an extra for my dad, who also likes comics. McDonnell has a true gift in capturing innocence through an animal's eyes, and draws out in us that parental mushy feeling that we pet lovers are all too familiar with. He consistently delivers chuckles page after page and seemingly never runs out of ideas. I am also in great admiration of the man who dedicates his art to reminding this busy planet that animals are people too and they need a good home and lots 'o love just like we do. He well deserves the many awards he's received for his work.

When I read my first Mutts strips, I knew I had to have the books. I own them all, and I love them all. The strips are smart, touching, thought-provoking, memorable and funny. Not since A. A. Milne's Pooh Corner have animal characters possessed such distinctive and interesting traits and personalities. I can't wait for MUTTS V to come out so I can see what's new with Mooch, Earl, Guard Dog, Crabby, Sid, Shtinky Puddin', Woofie and the rest of the gang! Patrick McDonnell is a true dude.

Fans of classic newspaper strips, and of comics-based narrative, know what I'm saying here. MUTTS is the best thing to happen to the funny pages since that kid with the stuffed tiger. Many have called him our new Herrimann, but, despite having a cat in the strip, I think that's misleading: McDonnell is our new Cliff ('Polly and Her Pals') Sterrett. He shares so many of Sterrett's strengths and tendencies it's scary. Buy this book and help keep the dying lost art of the syndicated strip alive another day!

Having occassionally read this strip in a newspaper I don't regularly purchase, I knew I wanted to see more of it, and so I ordered the first collection. Believe me, I'm ordering ALL the collections! This is a whimsical bit of fun, featuring, especially, a cat that brings back memories of two other wacky felines, Mehitabel and Krazy Kat. At times, I grinned. At times, I grinned with empathy. At times, I laughed out loud. If you like dogs, or love cats, or both, or just enjoy a good laugh, I heartily recommend this book...and the others in the series that I WILL be ordering!