The Unpetables is an ambitious new graphic novel that dares ask the question, “what do animals really think of petting zoos?” The answer, it seems, is not a whole lot. At least that’s the case for child pig prodigy Pigmund and his best friend Lizardo, the iguana(?), who reside at Uncle Milo’s All-Natural Petting Zoo. Having grown weary of the constant petting at the often sticky hands of the zoo’s patrons, Pigmund and Lizardo declare their independence with an honest-to-Glob Declaration of Independence written on the back of a used paper plate. Making their escape atop a pair of “getaway chickens” called Tiger and Stardust, the two friends embark on an epic…ish adventure, determined to find success as freelance pets-for-hire with one rule: no petting allowed!

If the idea of a pig and a lizard riding chickens to freedom intrigues you, then believe me when I saw it’s just as silly as it sounds. Everything about this book, geared towards middle-grade audiences, is silly and weird and wonderful. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion, the first of which was prompted by the reveal of Lizardo’s full name, which is Lizardo van Buren Van Halen by the way. The rest of the cast is just as bonkers from the quasi-villainous Maintenance Man Kenny to the lycanthropic hamster Mr. Buttercups and his owner Chad to the hilariously horrific bodybuilding clown Thaddeus P. Gigglemittens, who thankfully only appears in one panel.

Written and drawn by Dennis Messner, The Unpetables is an off-kilter, rollercoaster ride of hilarity and utter nonsense. The humor and character designs are reminiscent of the animated series “Regular Show” but for a slightly younger but equally immature demographic. Messner’s art is manic in the best ways and while the story feels a bit disjointed, especially during flashback sequences, it all comes together nicely. Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, there’s plenty to enjoy here, though you may find yourself longing for the next chapter as soon as it’s over.