Nothing is as it seems but the creation of fear can condition how we see things and therefore, how we choose to live and behave.
The Wolf in Underpants (Le Loup en slip) was originally published in French in 2016. Meanwhile, four further parts have been released, three of which are available in English. The graphic novels are humorous, clever and critical, endearing the reader to the wolf and the other forest animals - the squirrel, hedgehog, etc who all assume different social roles.
The animals in the forest are in for a surprise when they are confronted with their biggest enemy and fear - the Wolf. It turns out that the Wolf isn't what they have imagined and so, little by little, they are waking up to a new questioning of things and their role and place in the forest.. but are they really ready to confront the contradictions that lie within them and open their eyes to the machinery of manipulation they are trapped in?
There are not that many books that manage to charm both adults and children. This graphic novel series is one of them with a fun mystery for kids to solve and deep underlying social questions that need urgent answers or at least reflection of how our societies are constructed and the manipulations we are all subjected to, sometimes willingly or complacently. the many graphic scenes allow the kids to follow different trails and take different paths, while the common thread of the wolf and his interaction to the forest dwellers lend unity and complexity to the story.
The choice of the starring wolf..in underpants to booth, lends a light note to the story and subverts this classical baddie figure. The wolf remains mysterious..after all, he is still a wolf..but it is no longer solely the villain but a complex figure that invites both young and old to reflect on their prejudices or preconceived ideas and distance themselves from the status quo...things are never simply black vs white, the complexity and ambiguity lie in each and every one of us, capable of harming and being harmed.
A funny graphic novel with a sharp, critical social message and an invitation to confront our fears and dare to think differently. Intelligently and wittingly done to attract both kids and adults!
Volume 2 . The Wolf in Underpants freezes his buns off (Le Loup en slip se les gèle méchamment)
This follow-up to the Wolf in Underpants was published one year later , in 2017. It is equally witty and mysterious, inviting the reader to follow the forest dwellers in their quest to find out why the wolf is in such a bad mood, what they can do to keep him from turning wild again and who is actually freezing.
It's now bitterly cold in the woods and business is in full swing - coats to keep you warm, fondue and bread galore to keep you stuffed and lots of pleasure for those with the means - sauna, ski, etc. But all of this comes at a price...and not everyone can get their hands in or near the coffers. Once more, a - machinery is in place - cheese factory, bakeries - and it's up to the wolf to open the eyes of the forest dwellers, blind to the inequalities and injustices which have taken root.
While trying to solve the mystery, the useless anti-wolf brigade is once more called in (after all, they pay a lot of money to feel and be safe) after the dwellers' efforts at appeasing the wolf and his coldness (hat and socks are knitted for him by the Independent Owl) prove futile. Together with all the scared, curious dwellers, they march up to the wolf's house on top of the cliff, demanding to know who or what exactly is freezing.
In this second volume, critique on social inequality is much more starkly underlined. The social message is clear - if you don't share, you are all doomed..sooner or later and the forest can be a much better place if we step out of our little worlds and observe how our actions and lifestyle affect those around us..
the Elk Professor (read purveyor of capitalism) however doesn't see why anyone needs to feel bad about their hard-earned and therefore well-deserving wealth...to which the Wolf holds up a STOP sign.
He reminds all the dwellers that the cold 'can make you look frightful, with fangs like ice picks...'
We can never be safe and contented with our well-deserved wealth if there is suffering and misery in our midst..they feed off each other..so the dwellers had better learn or watch out..
Is this a lesson we want to and are ready to face?? Too big a question for one book to answer.
This volume is a welcome introduction to discussing many environmental and social topics in an easy, fun and friendly way. With small changes, the system can be mended..but what if it's the system that is the problem????
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