Review by Win Wiacek
Breaking Cat News is a hilariously beguiling web-based comic strip detailing how Georgia Dunn’s own cats have their own news team reporting on what matters to them. Reporting on News That Matters to Cats introduced studio anchor Lupin, and field reporters Elvis (investigative) and Puck (commentary), and Dunn broadens her cast here with Tommy named in the title. He’s a recently rehabilitated wandering cat with a home-share companion Sophie. Could she be more than just a talented creative type? “Local artist creates magnetic masterpieces” suggests otherwise, but Tommy is hopeful and persistent.
Dunn is a master of emotional manipulation and never afraid to tug heartstrings, and this time around a more formal narrative underpins the episodic joys. We learn more about the old converted mansion house the cats inhabit – as well as the history of the previous inhabitants and their humans – in an extended ghost story filled with chuckles and shattering poignancy. Bring hankies. Many, many hankies.
The strips are titled after the opening line of dialogue, so the first hints come in ‘The People have abandoned the Children’, build in ‘Something’s gotten into Puck’ and ‘There’s been a disturbance on the ceiling’ before ‘Things are getting Strange’ prompts The People into doing a little research. They discover what occurred in the old pile they occupy alongside numerous other cat-owning tenants. The mystery is finally resolved in a long-delayed ceremony and ethereal reunion in ‘The People are going outside’.
More recognisable comedy fare comes as ‘Bacon has been spotted on the breakfast table!’, ‘It’s fuzzy blanket season!’, ‘The laundry is out of control’ and ‘˜Elvis has a new toy’. The team expands after ‘There’s a new cat in the backyard’, which introduces cocksure barn moggy Burt (who ultimately takes on the role of AV facilitator) and ancient wisdom source and problem-solver Baba Mouse, who’s a barn cat too and has been for a very long time.
Covering traditional festive cat events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, an edge of drama creeps in after the Robber Mice Gang abducts Puck’s greatest friend and toy, demanding an impossible ransom. Outright war ensues until sagacious Baba intervenes, ensuring the Holiday Season and New Year are times of joy and rapprochement.
Augmenting the tons of mirth and moving moments are further activity pages closing out this tome. Discover how to create your own Pet Rock Reporters!, and see the details of The Big Pink House comprising their home, a map of The Apartment.
Breaking Cat News is a fabulously funny, feel-good feature rendered with great artistic élan and a light and breezy touch to delight not just irredeemable cat-addicts ,but also anyone in need of good laugh. And there’s no better time than now for those, right? Continue with Elvis Puffs Out.
