ZOOPHOBIA

I'm stuffy when it comes to books.

If I can't have a copy in my hands, my desire to read drains away.  I'm very sorry, All Webcomics- but if trees haven't died to bring us together, odds are we won't meet.

But I stumbled across Zoophobia- and, hot damn.  Intense, vibrant, it blew through my fuddy-duddy preferences and had me hooked.  If you haven't seen it yet, just take a glimpse:

zoophobiacomic.com/

The cartoony style explodes with life.  It's manic, distorted, potent- reminiscent in some ways of Ren and Stimpy.

Now, as a kid, I never really got into Ren and Stimpy.  It's a great cartoon, of course- it was groundbreaking with its perfectly articulated vulgarity.  Other cartoons have followed in it's footsteps, using exaggerated visuals to amplify their satire.

I think as a kid, that's why I never got heavily into Ren & Stimpy.  I had a thirst for emotionally relatable stories, but their style was used to spotlight grotesque absurdity.  

And in mainstream cartooning, that's what this dynamic style came to be used for- sarcastic depictions of stupidity.  Suitable for mockery, or shows that patronize children.  

Not so with Zoophobia.  

I think that's one of the reasons I love the series-  it's a counterpoint, proving that exaggerated cartooning isn't by definition limited to derisive caricature.

Vivienne takes this beautiful style and uses it with sincerity and verve.  The characters are distinctive and lively- and while humor is present, it isn't used to denigrate the cast.  They're fleshed out over time, allowing a full spectrum of emotions and drama to emerge, amidst a wildly imaginative yet coherent fantasy world.

If that sounds like your cup of tea, try the link above and give it a read!  And, hey- free cartoon!  Vivienne posted her award-winning thesis animation not long ago:    

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCuseh…

She's got a Patreon here:  www.patreon.com/VivienneMedran…
And a tumbler:  zoophobiacomic.tumblr.com/

So if you were ever curious, go forth and enjoy the visual incarnation of fun.