This feature is part of my Small Press Manga Feature Program. If you have a similar small press manga/ manga comic that you would like featured here, then read this page.

Urban Beasts is a short manga-like comic series which is produced by ITCH Publishing, a company which stresses to its audiences that their manga titles really do have heart. Their aim is to produce manga titles that may not be suitable for mainstream release. These manga titles are quirky, complicated and immensely entertaining.

Urban Beasts sees Caipora, (a Beast Shaman who has the ability to blend in with the other humans) attempt to stop an animal rights protest from getting out of hand. In Urban Beasts every human bonded with an animal at an early age, and when a computer nerd starts to see these beasts in the place of humans, he attracts the attention of Caipora.

Urban Beasts is an excellent example of how a small press manga comics can explore certain themes that a mainstream one wouldn’t dream of. The humour is witty, and there is just enough of it to keep the whole comic flowing. One particular panel made me laugh out loud, something which a rarely do with manga.

The artwork is a genuine pleasure to look at, special care and attention has been given to the two front covers, and inside each dynamic panel is packed with character. There is some obvious talent in the forms of, Daniel Hartwell, Anna Rubins and Karen Rubins at work here. Each of them have proved their worth on previous projects and have now come together to produce a complicated plot line which will continue to do wonders.

Urban Beasts is the epitome of an up to date manga. Modern references are brought to life with Ipods, laptops and even Google makes an appearance, something which can only benefit the manga. Plus the additional theme of animal rights bring the comic bang up to date with relevant issues.

At only £2 per volume, why would you not purchase Urban Beasts. Not only will you have a wonderful read, but you will be contributing to one of the things I personally feel needs a boost, and that’s small press publishing.

Volumes 1 and 2 are available from this site. The next volume is said to be released some time in the next few months.