We already knew cats were out of this world. With Strayed, we see an orange cat named Lou forced to use his astral projection powers.
Cats and a space story? Way more than enough to firmly grasp my attention and heart.
Created by Carlos Giffoni, the comic is inspired by the military’s historical case of studying astral projection for spyware and takes it into space. A military operation called Strayed is carried out the unwavering intent of colonizing planets and obtaining of resources with the means of violence and brutal domination. We’re not sure or how but a military scientist, Kiara Rodriqguez, created a communication device to communicate with her cat, Lou. It’s not too far fetched to assume that Kiara has the same desire as anyone who absolutely adore our felines: we just want to talk and understand. Especially when it comes to their quirks (why are you using my head as as launch pad at 3 am?!?!).
Since Kiara is the only human that Lou will communicate with, they are both held as prisoners as she communicates to Lou to use his astral projecting powers for their missions. While Lou finds these planets for the humans to colonize, the military has been creating their own devices so the need for Lou and Kiara is quickly losing its worth. Even more worrisome is that alien lifeforms have warned Lou of the the impending doom of his beloved human if these colonization actions continue.
The whole mood of space travel via ships or astral planes is immediately set by the the vibrancy of the artwork of the first space. The unending void of space is beautifully depicted with the bright pinpricks of stars and the temperature gradient scheme of planets and aliens. Action and fiery passion are illuminated with warm heated tones and countered with the cool shades of blue for cold metals and hearts. Lou is the most arresting cat with wide eyes and sleek body. He appears to be a mix of Abyssinian and Bengal, but still heart-wrenchingly adorable.
This comic does a great service to mind with science and heart with kitty goodness. There is also no question of who the reader would side against. What was most likely an experiment that began innocently, full of curiosity and wonder, has been warped to subjecting a loveable cat as a weapon is enough to ignite indignant rage against this fictional military group. The love between Kiara and Lou is sincerely and honestly between the pages. There are plenty of panels that depict the quiet interactions between these two that will truly yank on heartstrings. One particular sequence has Lou’s piddy paws touching the walls was enough to have me wailing to hug my unsuspecting napping cat.
I’m already in love with this cat and my heart is clenched from worrying that something horrible will happen. Especially since the first issue sets up an very ominous warning if the humans continue to do what their doing.
Kiara, protect Lou!!!!
For those that are musically inclined, Carlos Giffioni created a psychedelic music playlist to accompany the comic. The playlist i creates the mood for galactic travels and action. Check it out here: https://carlosgiffoni.bandcamp.com/releases
Also enjoy this interview, Carlos Giffoni during San Diego Comic Con
Strayed is out now at your local comic book retailer from Dark House.
For more on Carlos Giffoni:
Website: https://carlosgiffoni.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlosgiffoni
