Radar: The Scent of a Feline #1 of 4

By Sharayah Read On July 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Comic Books

By: Jonathan Rosenbaum

Maganation

Every now and again I roam strictly for children’s titles that I can give to my young brothers. Today was one of those days and boy, did I come across a gem! Radar is by far the most indescribably cute animated dogs I have ever seen. He uses adorable puns while describing certain situations that will have you whaling with laughter, ‘paw me…’ instead of ‘hand me..’ and my favourite sus-pet – it really doesn’t get any cheesier or better than this.

When all the cats in town begin to go missing, Radar the pet detective goes on the case. Although, I should warn you be careful not to mistaken him as a K-90; he wasn’t a manly enough pup for that. Instead, he finds himself as more of a damaged detective than anything else. With his main suspect, Lily, gone (under a sheet) and none of the many clues adding up, his last hope is with the last and largest kitty in Kennelton, Fluffinstuff.

I was very pleasantly shocked with how self aware and well-thought out this comic was. Sure, it’s a great read for the kids: cute art, silly story, puppy detective, but it’s main pleaser is the ability to amuse the adults. I was laughing hysterically at points and never felt as though I was dumbing myself down in order to enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t overly in depth or deep but, simplistic and generally entertaining. Huge discretion though, if you don’t like cute dogs, cats and the occasional skunk, don’t go anywhere near this book.

The biggest surprise came upon view on the first page though, this art is bloody fantastic! Black and white, cartooned, still three-dimensional and has a strong illusion of depth in nearly every panel. This is the most realistic, unreal art I have ever seen. Especially in kids comics.

This story is everything I wanted it to be and more! Although it is likely more of a girls tale, since guys grow out of their adorable cartoon animal obsessions quite young, I will definitely pass down and encourage my younger brothers to give this a read. It’s an innocent, adventurous, and absurdly entertaining time. 9.5 purrrfect kitty-nappings out of 10, a must buy for any kid you know!