Artfully Satirizing Through Cartooning

Juni Ba’s Return to ‘Monkey Meat’: A Satirical Triumph

Senegalese cartoonist Juni Ba stands out in the comic book world today. Known for works like Djeliya and The Boy Wonder, Ba’s style is unmistakable. However, his brilliance truly shines within the pages of Monkey Meat. Last year, this anthology captivated readers with its satirical lens on modern society. Now, Ba serves another slice of satire with the launch of Monkey Meat: The Summer Batch.

A Fresh Take on Familiar Grounds

Published by Image Comics, Monkey Meat: The Summer Batch is a five-issue anthology delivered entirely by Ba. His roles span from writer to letterer. This debut issue offers two standout tales and a medley of additional material. Ba injects humor with letters, puzzles, and cleverly crafted faux ads.

The first tale introduces us to Thad Lug, the beleaguered groundskeeper for the Monkey Meat Corporation. He faces the bizarre task of repeated resurrections to resolve a botched pagan ritual. Meanwhile, the second tale features Monkeagle and Monkey-Girl, cheeky nods to iconic characters, battling for autonomy from corporate clutches.

A Mastery in Visual Storytelling

In an impressive visual feat, Ba removes all dialogue due to “improper language” but keeps readers hooked. The story unfolds with a vengeful spirit, a bungling shaman, and Lug’s ever-changing bodies, yet remains coherent. Each twist and reveal utilizes the comic page to its fullest, delivering consistent humor and excitement. The inventive tales exemplify how visual storytelling can drive a narrative without a single spoken word.

Yet, it’s Thad Lug’s determined efforts that resonate. The character embodies the blue-collar worker’s ethos, wrestling with challenging environments and magical chaos. His no-nonsense nature is presented through rich iconography, creating a vivid connection with readers. It reflects the broader theme of struggling against oppressive labor conditions while maintaining a comedic undertone.

Bold and Subversive Humor

The second installment ventures deeper into the heart of its satire. With clear nods to Batman and Robin, Monkeagle and Monkey-Girl embark on a legal battle for independence from their corporate overlords. Hints of their complex existence, spanning decades and iterations, emerge in their courtroom drama. The story mirrors real-world battles over intellectual property, making sharp jabs at the corporate grip on beloved characters.

Ba crafts a narrative accessible to superhero aficionados and newcomers alike. The courtroom antics offer amusement beyond specific comic lore, exploring broader societal critiques. Ultimately, the story’s success lies in its execution. Each page hums with humor, and the conclusion cleverly anchors itself in the unique medium of comics.

A Singular Experience for Comic Enthusiasts

Beyond the core stories, Monkey Meat: The Summer Batch delights with extra content. From a mock letters page to amusing puzzles, every element enhances the reading experience. Even the advertisements hold humor, infusing joy onto each page.

Ba’s creation stands apart from the mainstream. It’s satire crafted with skill, illustrating a distinct voice in the crowded comic realm. Those who appreciate the likes of Jeff Smith or Charles Burn will find resonance in Ba’s work. While billed as anthological tales and extras, Monkey Meat: The Summer Batch delivers an unparalleled comic experience, beckoning all who cherish the art form.