Norma Editorial brings us reinterpretations of Animal Farm by George Orwell, Animal Castle by Xavier Dorison and Felix Delep.
George Orwell was one of the greatest journalists and writers of the last century and today. His satirical novels about totalitarianism, written 50 years ago, are still relevant in society today. It is not for nothing that Orwell is the creator of the concept of “Big Brother” and today it serves as a critique of modern spying methods. Of all his novels, 1984 and Animal Farm are two that can be considered the most influential. The latter, published in 1945, was a riveting, riveting tale of how the Soviet Union corrupted socialism into a form of totalitarianism (Orwell was a self-described socialist).
Xavier Dorison and Félix Delep are two artists who wanted to take the myth of the animal farm and modernize it for the present, thus the Animal Palace was born. Norma has been in editorial charge to bring us the first half of these stories in one comprehensive episode.
Sweet and beautiful life in the country
The story takes place some time ago and for whatever reason, people left the place and only the animals were in the castle. The animals were happy and thought they had the chance to be free and citizens in the republic they had created. Today in the castle there is a brutal government led by Silvio, a huge and strong bull who uses dogs as a police and repressive force. The rest of the animals live in semi-slavery, working on a small scale and receiving only the bare minimum to survive and continue their work.
Life in the castle goes on as usual until a small commotion breaks out which is quickly put down by the dogs. But this small act ignites the spark that ignites the fire of rebellion as an imported animal informs the citizens of the republic about Gandhi’s peaceful rebellion (he doesn’t say a name, but it’s obvious). So our protagonists (a cat, a rabbit, and a mouse) follow in Fakir’s footsteps and start a peaceful rebellion with two clear goals: to expose injustice and to end fear.
The story written by Dorison is very well done, the behavior of all the characters is very well done, as well as the behavior of the main character. The narration is also well done, besides being so universal that anyone from any place and age can understand what Dorrison wants to convey. The fight can be done in many ways, from strikes to comedy, but above all, finding the strongest alliance among the most vulnerable. Beating tyranny at its own game is very difficult so we must find other ways.
Dorison’s creation is very well made, but it feels like he took certain concepts from Animal Farm (Animals and Tyranny) to create his own tale, which has nothing to do with Orwell’s creation. Another negative aspect that I consider to be in this comic is the idealism of some of the moves and the revision of history.
Gandhi was a key figure in the liberation of India, but it is a bit naive to sell that this Asian country evicted the British without violence and bloodshed, because there were revolts and attacks in India. It is naïve to think that revolutions in history have happened without sweat and tears. It feels like this in the story, but the last scene of this volume may suggest that the animal castle is not as ideal as it seems, we can see this in the second part of this collection. Finally, powerful people know how to play their cards, sometimes enough to create a goat.
Dorison’s career may have some negative aspects, but Delp’s career does not. The level of artistry displayed by the artist in this collection has nothing to do with the work of artists like Juanjo Guarnido in Blacksad (it’s impossible not to draw this analogy). Animal design, pose and movement, hair, feathers and face are very good. There are very shocking scenes and the fact that it is impossible to criticize the picture, as well as the color used by the artist.
Animal Castle Edition. Norma Editorial General 1
As always, Norma once again brings us an amazing edition of European Comics. The complete is made of two original volumes published in France, so that in Spain we receive the same content but in half the size. This edition is a comprehensive hardcover with 148 color pages of excellent quality and weight. Before starting the comic there is a small introduction by Xavier Dorian explaining what was the inspiration for this comic and the purpose of the project. Finally, the dossier appears with several drafts of the vignettes, as well as the covers of the various French editions.
Animal Castle is a very interesting and recommended story. Although it seems that George Orwell is moving away from what he wanted to tell in Animal Farm, the messages that Xavier Dorian wants to convey in this comedy are very accurate and universally understandable, even if they seem naive at times. Félix Delepe’s art is the great attraction of this comic and it cannot disappoint the reader. The sheer artistic quality of this comic is amazing. You can get this great comic for €32.00.
Animal palace. Integration 1
Authors: Xavier Dorison | Felix Delep
Publisher: Norma Editorial
Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 24 x 32 cm
Pages: 148 in color
ISBN: 978-84-679-6661-9
Price: 32,00 €
Summary: One of the best European comics of the last decade has arrived.
Once there was a tower in the middle of the forest. First it was a fortress, then until the exploiters abandoned it, leaving there, forgotten, a few animals that founded a republic. Unfortunately, selfishness and the changing times have eroded that animal utopia. Today it is ruled by various ethnic groups, and the rest are deposed, angry, or rebellious. But what is the most effective way to change things?
Screenwriter Xavier Dorison (Welcome, Long John Silver) and brilliant artist Félix Delepe reinterpret the themes and concepts of George Orwell’s classic Animal Farm, bringing them fully into the 21st century in this fantastic series presented here in two comprehensive volumes. .