The Snagglepuss Chronicles

 

- Exit stage left: The Snaglepuss chronicles. By Mark Russell, Mike Feehan, et at. 

In 1953, famous playwright Snaglepuss is enjoying a hugely successful life as an American Cultural Icon. Even a preliminary hearing from the deranged House of Un-American Activities Committee could not do much to soil his reputation. But evil does not rest easily —and it has already hit so many of his personal friends and colleagues. It has claimed the life of his best friend. Now he must engage in a final battle not for himself but for dignity of gays all across the world…

What at first seems a bizarre attempt to bring famous cartoon characters to a world frighteningly resembling ours soon reveals itself as one of the best comics in years. The most memorable examinations of past eras are not only about the period being examined but about the era in which they are written. As Miller writes “The Crucible” ostensibly about the witch-hunts in Salem —but truly to critique the many crimes of McCarthysm, then this comic examines 50’s cold war paranoia to staunchly expose several contemporary (this comic was collected in 2018) attitudes. Say, the anti-kink discourse demanding that gays present a squeaky-clean image for ‘respectability’, not unlike a 50’s senator deflecting her guilt in causing the suicide of an important literary figure. “I never intended… if he had just kept it private…”. Cowards always blame everyone but themselves. 

In this study of 50’s gay life, Snaglepuss is almost an answer to that other legendary furry comic about the 50’s — Blacksad. And as Blacksad’s one flaw was its timid portrayal of gay and generally queer issues, then Snaglepuss corrects that one grave omission. That it uses a famous pink panther character (one of a few, you could argue) in contrast to the also famous black cat is remarkably fitting —a cherry on top, if you will. 

And there is so much more to discuss about this comic —about the alternate history of a world where humans and furries exist side by side (the author kindly includes a few historical notes at the ending). Or about the meta-textual presentation of theater, television, and eventually cartoons (in a comic). But all are best served by you reading and discussing this comic. 

In sort, quite recommended. 

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