AUTHOR: Vaughan, Brian K.

ARTIST: Niko Henrichon (illustrator); Todd Klein (letterer)

PUBLISHER: DC Comics

FIRST BOOK PUBLICATION: 2006

Pride of Baghdad is a profound graphic novel that combines vivid storytelling with thought-provoking social commentary. Authored by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Niko Henrichon, it tells the poignant tale of four lions escaping from the Baghdad Zoo amidst the chaos of war. The narrative cleverly intertwines themes of freedom, survival, and the repercussions of conflict.

Publication History

Debuting as a hardcover in 2006 under DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint, Pride of Baghdad marked Vaughan’s first standalone graphic novel. Known for blending thrilling adventure with social insights in works like Runaways, Y: The Last Man, and Ex Machina, Vaughan took on a new challenge with this narrative. He wished to explore his ambivalence regarding the Iraq War, inspired by a news story about four lions that gained temporary freedom from the Baghdad Zoo during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As Vaughan recalled, "Everything just kind of fell into place."

Niko Henrichon, recognized for his expressive animal illustrations in Barnum! In Secret Service to the USA, was seen as the ideal artistic partner for this project. Henrichon, with his extensive experience at Marvel and DC, undertook the painstaking process of illustrating, inking, and painting over a year. Vaughan lauded his editors for backing the project during a time when dissent about the war was often unwelcome, expressing that Pride of Baghdad remains a pinnacle of his career.

Plot

The narrative unfolds with a bird's frantic warning, "the sky is falling," as Zill, the pride's leader, observes American bombers approaching. The onslaught demolishes the zoo's fortifications, releasing a host of animals into an unfamiliar and chaotic world. Amid the aftermath, the lions initially mistake their newfound freedom for death but soon realize the stark reality outside their former enclosures.

Venturing beyond the zoo, they confront the devastation of war, witnessing a giraffe struck down mid-celebration of freedom. Amidst fleeing tanks, the lions meet a turtle mourning its family, who enlightens them about the human conflict over "poison"—oil. The turtle shares a legend of a Babylonian statue that symbolizes invincibility as long as it stands.

The pride navigates through the city's desolation, encountering wild horses and taking refuge in a dilapidated palace. There, they meet Rashid, a declawed, injured lion, and Fajer, a violent bear. A fierce battle ensues, culminating with Noor's cub, Ali, inciting a stampede that defeats the bear, offering a brief respite for the pride.

In a fleeting moment of peace, the lions climb a ruinous mound to behold a stunning sunset. However, their tranquility is shattered by gunfire, as Zill is struck down. The others attempt to flee but are ultimately gunned down. The narrative closes with a haunting scene of a blackbird perched on a lion statue, underscoring the fall of both the pride and Baghdad.

Characters

• Zill: The pride's seasoned leader, Zill cherishes memories of the wild and prioritizes his pride's welfare over personal freedom. He is the first to explore the world beyond the zoo when the opportunity arises.

• Safa: As the oldest female and Zill's former mate, Safa carries scars from past trauma, viewing captivity as a shelter against the harshness of the wild. Her reluctance to leave the zoo reflects her preference for security.

• Ali: A young, enthusiastic cub, Ali is excited to explore Baghdad's urban wilderness, embodying hope and vitality within the group.

• Noor : Ali's protective mother and Zill's current mate, Noor is a skilled hunter determined to secure a better life for her cub,...