BOOK REVIEW | ‘Cat People: A Comic Collection’: Meow’s in Charge? Hannah Hillam Flips the Human-Feline Script

Cat People: A Comic Collection

by Hannah Hillam

Brief Summary

Hannah Hillam’s Cat People: A Comic Collection flips the script on the traditional human-feline relationship, presenting a hilarious alternate reality where cats are the caretakers and humans are the pets. Through cleverly crafted comics and Hillam’s signature “unsettlingly cute” art style, this debut collection explores the absurdities of both species, offering a fresh, twisted perspective on the quirks we often overlook in our daily lives with our feline companions.

Rating

4.5 out of 5.0 paws Outstanding

(learn more about our rating hierarchy here)

Recommendation

Cat People: A Comic Collection is a delightful romp for adult readers who appreciate quirky humor and clever observations about the human-feline dynamic. Hillam’s unique blend of the adorable and the absurd creates a reading experience that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. This hardcover collection is perfect for cat enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on their feline obsession. Whether as a gift for a fellow cat lover or a treat for yourself, Cat People offers a wickedly funny perspective that will have you seeing your furry overlords – err, companions – in a whole new light.

Basic Information

• Title: Cat People: A Comic Collection
• Author(s): Hannah Hillam
• Publisher: Hachette Book Group – Running Press Adult
• Publication Date: October 8, 2024
• Genre: Humor, Comics, Cat, Dog and Animal Humor
• Format: Hardcover
• Page Count: 112 pages
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 0.53 x 6.2 inches
• Language: English
• ISBN-13:978-0762486083
• ISBN-10: 0762486082
• List Price: $17.00
  (Note: Actual prices may vary. Check with retailers for current pricing.)
• Website: www.hatchettebookgroup.com and https://www.instagram.com/hannahhillam

Pet-Related Themes/Content

• Cats
• Cat Culture
• Pet Humor
• Human-Pet Relationships
• Feline Behavior

Detailed Review

Comic artist Hannah Hillam’s delightfully twisted imagination brings us Cat People: A Comic Collection, a zany exploration of feline-human dynamics turned on their head. From the prolific pen and brush of this San Francisco Bay Area-based illustrator comes a debut collection that showcases the unique style she describes as “unsettlingly cute.”

In this uproarious compilation, Hillam poses a thought-provoking question that cat lovers and haters alike will find irresistible: What if our cats were suddenly responsible for taking care of us? It’s a premise that perfectly encapsulates Hillam’s talent for finding humor in everyday situations and alternate realities, a skill she’s honed over a decade-long career in digital art and webcomics.

Hillam’s journey to Cat People began in earnest in 2014 when she challenged herself to post a daily drawing on Instagram. This commitment culminated in an ambitious project in 2016, where she produced and shared a 4-panel comic every day for an entire year. That dedication not only sharpened her skills but also expanded her audience, leading to a contributor role at Buzzfeed Comics and eventually, this debut book.

Cat People invites readers into an alternate reality where the roles of cats and humans have been reversed. Through Hillam’s cleverly crafted comics, we follow an unwitting human protagonist thrust into this topsy-turvy world. The result is a humorous and often poignant exploration of the unique bond between cats and their human counterparts.

The genius of Cat People lies in its ability to highlight the absurdities of both species by flipping their roles. Hillam’s keen observational humor shines as she examines typical human behaviors through the discerning eyes of our feline overlords. From grooming rituals to territorial disputes, the comic strips offer a fresh perspective on the quirks we often overlook in daily life.

One particularly amusing scenario depicts a cat attempting to work while its human sprawls across the desk, obstructing papers and laptop keyboard alike – a familiar scene for any cat owner, now hilariously inverted. Another strip shows a cat holding up a stray human, declaring the need to “Call Human Control,” a clever nod to the common practice of managing feral cat populations.

Hillam’s art style perfectly complements the off-kilter premise. Her characters are expressive and endearing, even when engaged in the most absurd situations. The visual gags are often as impactful as the written humor, rewarding readers who pay close attention to the details in each panel.

Rather than observing and presenting a simple comedic premise, Hillam elevates Cat People with layers of surprising depth. Beneath the surface-level humor, the comic collection touches on themes of responsibility, caregiving, and the sometimes baffling nature of interspecies relationships. It prompts readers to reconsider their interactions with pets and perhaps gain a new appreciation for the complexities of animal behavior.

Cat People is more than just a series of amusing comics; it’s a creative exploration of the human-animal bond that is simultaneously hilarious, thought-provoking, and oddly heartwarming. Whether you’re a dedicated cat person, a casual animal lover, or simply someone who appreciates offbeat humor, Hillam’s unique perspective offers something to enjoy.

As the first collection from this talented comic artist, Cat People establishes Hillam as a creative voice to watch. Her ability to find humor in the every day while pushing the boundaries of the absurd suggests a bright future in the world of comic art and illustration. With over 770,000 followers on Instagram, Hillam has struck a chord with her audience, particularly women in their 20s and 30s who relate to her visual diary of personal experiences and observations.

For those who have ever wondered what their cats are really thinking or who simply enjoy a good laugh at the peculiarities of human-animal coexistence, Cat People is a must-read. It’s a delightful romp through a world where the paw of feline authority rules supreme, reminding us all of the joy, frustration, and unconditional love that comes with sharing our lives with pets.

About the Author

Key Points/Takeaways

1. Innovative premise: Flips the traditional human-cat relationship on its head
2. Hillam’s unique “unsettlingly cute” art style brings the concept to life
3. Explores deeper themes of responsibility and interspecies relationships
4. Combines humor with thought-provoking observations about pet ownership
5. Visual gags reward careful attention to detail in each panel
6. Offers a fresh perspective on familiar cat-owner interactions
7. Suitable for adult readers who appreciate quirky, offbeat humor

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Hardcover format made to last
• Preorders get a special offer tote bag
• Perfect gift for the cat lover on your holiday list
• Combines humor with deeper themes of human-animal relationships
• Visual gags reward close attention to detail

Cons

• Niche humor might not resonate with a broader audience
• Limited to 112 pages, which might leave some readers wanting more
• Readers must appreciate offbeat, quirky humor to fully enjoy the content
• May not be appropriate for young eyes due to mature or edgy content

Where to Buy

Cat People: A Comic Collection is available for pre-order at Hachette Book Group and major online booksellers

Editors Note: Special Offer

For a limited time ending at 11:59 pm on October 7, 2024, the publisher is offering a free Cat People: A Comic Collection tote bag with a pre-order receipt. Details are at:  https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/

Preview

Reviewed by Pawzhub on September 20, 2024