Pride of Baghdad is a graphic novel written by Brian K. Vaughn. The novel tells the story of a group of lions that escaped from the Baghdad Zoo after an American bombing in 2003. This is a fictionalized account of a true story.
For CNN's account of the wartime animal escape at the Baghdad Zoo click here.
The animals in the story have personalities, backstories and the ability to speak. Like the real world, the zoo has a social structure. Race, culture and species all come into play as each animal or character is out to protect himself and his own. Inside the zoo's walls, the Lion is king. However, the pride soon finds that once they escape the cages and confines of the zoo that they are no longer the most powerful species in their world.
These animal characters are symbols for the human struggle of loss and life. Rape, blood, and violence are all present here, showing a political and social agenda through the creatures of the story.
CNN's coverage of the Baghdad Zoo was very different than what I would have expected the news story to say having read Pride of Baghdad. I must say, the Vaughn was quite the mastermind to be able to take that event and turn it into Pride Of Baghdad!
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