As the lions roam the streets of Baghdad trying to survive, each lion comes to embody a different viewpoint regarding the Iraq War. In the end, the lions of Baghdad find what they sought - a simple reconnection with their base needs and that is ultimately what “Pride” explores: The push to keep your most basic needs satisfied.Īnd as a comic book fan, “Pride of Baghdad” fills my basic needs - the need for a thought-provoking story and lush art.The story revolves around the brief freedom experienced by a small pride of captive lions, who escape from Baghdad Zoo during the 2003 invasion of Baghdad by the U.S.-led coalition. Though it’s still a comic with talking animals, his art roots the story in a surprisingly majestic environment. Vaughan’s gritty story is countered by dynamic and vibrant art by Niko Henrichon. And others believe it’s to be unhindered by any borders and rules. To others it’s about living by your wits. Some of us see freedom as safety and comfort. With the family dynamics of a “pride” as the story’s background, Vaughan explores different views of freedom. In that sense, “Pride of Baghdad” seems to channel works such as “Watership Down” and “The Plague Dogs.” It’s a battle of raw nature against human violence and insensitivity. Instead, this is a story about illusions and bitter truths. Sure, the lions talk with one another and other animals, but there isn’t any “Hakuna Matada” moments in “Pride of Baghdad.”

Vaughan fleshes out his own, somewhat over-fictionalized idea of the lions did during their few days of freedom - but be warned this isn’t some cute “Lion King”-style story. But in the graphic novel “Pride of Baghdad,” writer Brian K. That’s all we know that officially happened. Sadly, they didn’t last long in the war zone as they were gunned down by American troops. You may remember the story at the dawn of the war in Iraq: A group of lions had escaped from the bombed-out Baghdad Zoo and were roaming the war-torn city streets.

Brain vaughan's pride of baghdad