Vaughan's heart-wrenching story is graced by some of the most stunning visuals every collected in a single volume. They provide a recognizable hierarchy, but the fact that they are animals never detracts from the magnitude of the story. Like Orwell's Animal Farm, the creatures of the zoo are merely vehicles for a human tale of struggle and loss. The characters in Pride are among the most believable and realistic ever put on the page. Even as the stress of the day wears on and the internal struggle for power among the adult lions intensifies, their bond as kin is unbreakable.ĭon't expect the animal kingdom to break into a rendition of 'Circle of Life.' This is a far more powerful and original tale than The Lion King. Despite their differences, the pride stays together and protects one another. Though there is a level of political and social commentary in Pride of Baghdad, at its core, this is a story of family. They have lived for so long in the comfort of a cell, they aren't quite sure where to go or what to do In a sense, the lions are institutionalized. The pride soon discovers that outside the safety of the zoo's walls, they are no longer in a position of power. Naturally, status is often determined by power, making the lions kings of the zoo. Each wants to protect their own and better themselves. The zoo has its own social system, with the different species akin to different cultures or races.

Then there is Safa, an old lioness who appreciates the safety of the zoo and believes freedom comes with too high a price to personal safety. She's inquisitive and impulsive, as any child would be in a wondrous new world such as the one found outside the zoo. She believes freedom from a cage is all that's needed to find true happiness. Noor is Zill's current mate, who schemes of ways to escape the zoo even before the bombing. Zill, the male lion, has grown comfortable and fat in his zoo cage, but he dreams of one day seeing the horizon again.

Vaughan takes a cue from George Orwell, gifting the animals of the zoo with personalities, backstories and the ability to speak.

Brian vaughan's pride of baghdad