History & Exploitation of the Pug Review

History & Exploitation of the Pug (Canis Cunnilingus) Since the Eighteenth Century

Publisher: Mary Mother Press
Creator: Nicky Arscott

Review by Anelise Farris 

History & Exploitation of the Pug (Canis Cunnilingus) Since the Eighteenth Century is an indie comic written and drawn by Nicky Arscott. I was immediately intrigued by this comic because I love pugs. However, I have never owned one, and I don’t know anything about their history of exploitation.

Apparently, there is a long history of nothing short of pug-worship. From aristocratic ladies, to members of the “Order of the Pug,” this is one dog that has continually been objectified. You might think that a dog who is favored by the elite is one lucky breed, but, as Arscott shows us, the pug became a trophy.

Unbeknownst to me, and probably many readers, pugs are actually bred in a way that intentionally accentuates those features that we all love: the big eyes and flat face, as well as a host of other characteristics. While adorable, pugs are suffering health-wise for our entertainment. All my animal lovers are probably sighing right along with me right now as Arscott’s comic is uncomfortable, but that’s exactly why it is so important.

And, although brief, each page is truly a work of art with full-page, highly detailed pencil work. Furthermore, the art works with the text to help readers question their own objectification of this breed. It’s impossible to walk away from this comic without viewing pugs differently.

Verdict
Buy it! This is a thought-provoking, beautifully-illustrated comic that raises awareness about an important issue related to animal rights.