Joe Shuster Award-nominated writer Ed Brisson teams up with artist Andy Kuhn to deliver Wild Animals–an unsettling and raw new crime story that pulls you in. Down-on-his-luck 20-something is after vengeance with nothing left to lose in this incredible new series.
Neil’s life has been falling apart ever since his father was killed by crooked cops. Fifteen years later, Neil’s mother lays on her deathbed and he’s stuck in a dead-end job, has nowhere to live, and no hope to speak of. Life keeps kicking Neil and he keeps taking it, too frightened to fight back. Until now. With his world crumbling around him, Neil finds himself backed into a corner, with no choice but to make a stand and right the wrongs that have haunted him for years. Revenge is a dangerous path to walk and the deeper Neil goes, the more he realizes that violence is all consuming.
Wild Animals delivers a raw and unforgettable introduction to a thrilling new Mad Cave series. Ed Brisson immerses us into the unsettling world of Neil, a man with really nothing left to lose. Neil is haunted by the killing of his cop father by three corrupt officers fifteen years ago, he is ready to stop being the victim. His return to his hometown isn’t a simple homecoming; it’s a plan for vengeance and to finish the job his father started. Even only a single issue into this series, it’s clear this is Brisson at his best. With Wild Animals, his roots in high-stakes crime storytelling truly shines.
Brisson crafts a protagonist I couldn’t help but root for. Neil’s journey is driven by pure desperation, yet his reasoning feels somehow relatable. We’ve all faced moments where nothing is going our way and some of us have truly wanted to do what Neil has set out to do, however we hold back. Neil’s resilience and determination resonate, making for a stellar tale and something that can be deeply personal for some. With nothing left to lose, he’s taking the fight to these corrupt cops, and Brisson’s no-holds-barred storytelling ensures every moment hits with a punch–literally.
Pairing well with Brisson’s script is Andy Kuhn’s powerful artwork, which skillfully matches the gritty tone of the story. His ability to illustrate both chaotic fight scenes filled with blood and violence as well as the tender scenes with Neil and his mother is truly amazing. He captures emotion, pain, and even fleeting moments of hope with easy. Its something special when the art speaks as much as the word bubbles–which are also fittingly done by Rob Jones.
Wild Animals #1 is a stellar premiere from two outstanding comic creators. Ed Brisson’s expertise in crafting crime stories combined with Andy Kuhn’s visceral, impactful art create a violent, chaotic, and vengeance-filled story. Wild Animals is an incredible crime story begging to be read.
Wild Animals #1 hits local comic shops on July 9, 2025 (FOC: June 16) from Mad Cave Studios.
Wild Animals #1 Preview
