Comics: Elmer ~ Issue 1

Illustration and Story by: Gerry Alanguilan

Rated: 17+ Only

Genre: Anthropomorphic / Drama / Fantasy

Komikero Publishing
SLG Publishing
(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Elmer is a window into a world where chickens have suddenly acquired the intelligence and consciousness of humans, where they can now consider themselves a race no different than browns, black or whites. Recognizing themselves to be sentient, the inexplicably evolved chickens push to attain rights for themselves as the newest members of the human race.

Elmer tells the story of a family of chickens who lives and struggles to survive in a suddenly complicated and dangerous world." 

The Good:

This 1st issue of Elmer begins with the everyday getting-out-of-bed sickness that most of us have.

We follow Jake Gallo, as he orients us to the current situation of the world after chickens emerged as a new race that is at par with the humans due to their newly acquired intelligence and consciousness.

The plot was wonderful. The dialogues may have been hilarious to read but questions regarding the norms of the society were placed with ease.

I think what was great in this comic was how the illustrations were carried out. Alanguilan is really a gifted artist who skillfully shows to us chickens full of emotions. He doesn't need to add an eyebrow to show anger. The facial features already gives the tone of that character.

There was a great splash page in this issue. The illustration of a rooster and his chick enjoying the sunset over a can of beer was delightful to look at. An enlarged and framed illustration of that scene would be great to hang in the house.

The Bad:
With the removal of the tasty chicken dish that we have been accustomed to, ducks now replaces that scene. However, it really seems fucked up to see a chicken eating a roasted duck on some panels. It seems too much for me to accept that part of reality.

The Verdict:
Humans at par with the chickens? Who would have thought of that kind of reality in an alternate universe. Recognizing them to be at par with our level of intelligence and consciousness seems to be a crazy idea. It would also lead us to kissing goodbye on eating our favorite fried chicken since it would then be considered as a crime of murder and as an act of cannibalism.

This 1st issue of Elmer was an enjoyable read. An alternate world where chickens could possibly be your employer is interesting. Even the idea that a nation would later on elect their first (and definitely not the last) chicken president/prime minister of their country would put all into confusion.

Alanguilan tells us to take a peek to experience this other worldly possibility that after all the fight for equality in terms of religion, race, color and sexual orientation comes the fight for chicken equality.

"Aw, dad... this isn't another one of those "oh, you're LUCKY you didn't have to peck dry corn and uncooked rice off the dirt!" kind of thing is it?" - Jake Gallo

Free Digital Copy:
ComiXology: Elmer #1
KOMIKERO DOT COM: Elmer01.cbr