What do you think?
Rate this book
Stray Dogs #1
Stray Dogs #1
Lady and the Tramp meets Silence of the Lambs
It’s scary being the new dog.
Sophie can’t remember what happened. She doesn’t know how she ended up in this house. She doesn’t recognize any of these other dogs. She knows something terrible happened, but she just…can’t…recall...WAIT! Where’s her lady?
A five-issue Don Bluth-style suspense thriller by My Little Pony comic artists TONY FLEECS and TRISH FORSTNER, STRAY DOGS is Lady and the Tramp meets Silence of the Lambs.
“My favorite thing about comics is when someone shows you something you didn’t know you needed. The Secret Life of Pets meets Seven? Yes, please!! Welcome to STRAY DOGS. I was blown away!”—BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
It’s scary being the new dog.
Sophie can’t remember what happened. She doesn’t know how she ended up in this house. She doesn’t recognize any of these other dogs. She knows something terrible happened, but she just…can’t…recall...WAIT! Where’s her lady?
A five-issue Don Bluth-style suspense thriller by My Little Pony comic artists TONY FLEECS and TRISH FORSTNER, STRAY DOGS is Lady and the Tramp meets Silence of the Lambs.
“My favorite thing about comics is when someone shows you something you didn’t know you needed. The Secret Life of Pets meets Seven? Yes, please!! Welcome to STRAY DOGS. I was blown away!”—BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2021
About the author
Tony Fleecs
254 books79 followersTony Fleecs is the writer and artist of In My Lifetime, an autobiographical comic book. First published in 2006, ‘Lifetime was an immediate critical success, featured twice in Wizard Magazine, in the Comic Buyer’s Guide and on the Ain’t-It-Cool-News.
Fleecs has since been a contributor to anthologies including; Postcards: True Stories that Never Happened (nominated for the 2008 Eisner and Harvey awards for best anthology), Boom Studios’ Pulp Tales and C.B. Cebulski’s Wonderlost. He and writer, Josh Fialkov, provided the Li’l FireBreather backup stories for Phil Hester’s 2nd FireBreather series at Image Comics. Last year saw his first work for hire writing work when he scripted the comic book adaptation of the classic John Holmes film, Tell Them Johnny Wadd Is Here, widely regarded as the first comic book based on a porno to not be completely awful.
This year, Tony will co-write and illustrate the graphic novel Jeff Steinberg: Champion of Earth (again with Fialkov) for Oni Press.
His company Fleecs Design (who’s talent roster includes only himself) has a client list that features Disney, 20th Century Fox, Bongo Comics, Marvel/Rittenhouse, The Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinatti Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Monster Garage, Taco John’s, major hospitals, insurance providers and banks.
His comics have been published by Random House (Villard), Image Comics, Silent Devil Productions, Boom!, IDW and Terminal Press.
Fleecs has since been a contributor to anthologies including; Postcards: True Stories that Never Happened (nominated for the 2008 Eisner and Harvey awards for best anthology), Boom Studios’ Pulp Tales and C.B. Cebulski’s Wonderlost. He and writer, Josh Fialkov, provided the Li’l FireBreather backup stories for Phil Hester’s 2nd FireBreather series at Image Comics. Last year saw his first work for hire writing work when he scripted the comic book adaptation of the classic John Holmes film, Tell Them Johnny Wadd Is Here, widely regarded as the first comic book based on a porno to not be completely awful.
This year, Tony will co-write and illustrate the graphic novel Jeff Steinberg: Champion of Earth (again with Fialkov) for Oni Press.
His company Fleecs Design (who’s talent roster includes only himself) has a client list that features Disney, 20th Century Fox, Bongo Comics, Marvel/Rittenhouse, The Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinatti Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Monster Garage, Taco John’s, major hospitals, insurance providers and banks.
His comics have been published by Random House (Villard), Image Comics, Silent Devil Productions, Boom!, IDW and Terminal Press.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 24, 2025
(A-) 84% | Very Good
Notes: Read in trade paperback. Collective review for issues #1-5 can be found here: Stray Dogs.
Notes: Read in trade paperback. Collective review for issues #1-5 can be found here: Stray Dogs.
April 28, 2021
That is how you start a mystery series.
Timid Sophie is a new dog in a new home, but she remembers something about her previous owner. The other dogs at her new home tell her to relax and to trust their owner. But Sophie can't shake the feeling that something awful happened to her previous owner. And her new owner may be more connected than she knows.
Timid Sophie is a new dog in a new home, but she remembers something about her previous owner. The other dogs at her new home tell her to relax and to trust their owner. But Sophie can't shake the feeling that something awful happened to her previous owner. And her new owner may be more connected than she knows.
March 18, 2021
I was NOT expecting that twist. I need to know what is going to happen next. Amazing artwork, cute doggies, and potentially a mystery to solve? I am all in.
February 25, 2021
Have you ever found yourself hoping for a series that blends Lady and the Tramp themes with Silence of the Lambs? Well, good news! That is exactly what Stray Dogs #1 promises. So get ready to cry, and probably get a little bit scared at times too. You know, just in case.
They say that dogs don’t exactly have the best memory. At least, that’s the story that Stray Dogs is sticking to. It would certainly explain why Sophie, an adorable little pup, doesn’t seem to recall the horrors that crossed her path.
Stray Dogs #1 is the first of a five-issue miniseries from Image Comics, with the first issue set to release on February 17. Written by Tony Fleecs, with artists Trish Forstner (art) and Brad Simpson (colors), this series is sure to be a memorable one.
Check out the rest of my review over at Word of the Nerd
They say that dogs don’t exactly have the best memory. At least, that’s the story that Stray Dogs is sticking to. It would certainly explain why Sophie, an adorable little pup, doesn’t seem to recall the horrors that crossed her path.
Stray Dogs #1 is the first of a five-issue miniseries from Image Comics, with the first issue set to release on February 17. Written by Tony Fleecs, with artists Trish Forstner (art) and Brad Simpson (colors), this series is sure to be a memorable one.
Check out the rest of my review over at Word of the Nerd
January 13, 2025
What a brilliantly weird and risky concept: take a bunch of cartoon dogs straight out of a Don Bluth film and throw them into a serial killer story.
The people behind “Stray Dogs” (writer Tony Fleecs and artist Trish Forstner) are either out of their minds or on to something wonderful. I say both.
Sophie is a terrified little lap dog who finds herself in a huge farmhouse with a bunch of other dogs. They’re friendly enough, but something’s not right. The Master seems familiar, but Sophie can’t quite place it. Then, she remembers her lady…
As someone who loves dogs, Disney films, and stories about serial killers, the first issue of “Stray Dogs” scratches all my magic spots.
The people behind “Stray Dogs” (writer Tony Fleecs and artist Trish Forstner) are either out of their minds or on to something wonderful. I say both.
Sophie is a terrified little lap dog who finds herself in a huge farmhouse with a bunch of other dogs. They’re friendly enough, but something’s not right. The Master seems familiar, but Sophie can’t quite place it. Then, she remembers her lady…
As someone who loves dogs, Disney films, and stories about serial killers, the first issue of “Stray Dogs” scratches all my magic spots.
April 30, 2021
A fantastic start!
I'm excited to see how this plays out.
I'm excited to see how this plays out.
March 13, 2021
Surprisingly great
January 5, 2022
What did I just read? The story jumps around so much and I have no idea what is going on. I don't think it helps that the digital copy I got out of the library was an issue not the bind up I've been seeing around on various socials. Maybe it would have been better if I knew that from the start, but man, this story decided to go from 0 to 100 in a manner of a panel or two. I guess I'm going to have to try and find the bind up or the other issues somewhere (library only has only the first issue) and then form an actual opinion as this was only 34 pages.
September 11, 2022
Brilliant story, great idea, perfectly executed. Really enjoyed this.
May 14, 2024
Oh my, this was dark and sad! But the concept and art were really good. Dang though, the different dogs and their owners 😭!
February 25, 2021
Nothing too wild here. It was a good introductory issue and I'm intrigued to learn more about the master and every dog's past. Also the last panel was pretty funny.
February 1, 2025
Noooooooo. Por Dios, que forma de prenderme. De verdad.
Si quieren hacerme enojar mientras leo, usen perritos o gatitos como personajes en una historia, y háganlos lidiar con un problema mayúsculo que requiera de todas sus habilidades y que, además, los ponga en peligro.
Eso sí que me puede irritar mucho, y justo hoy lo descubrí cuando empecé a leer este cómic.
Imagínense que nuestra protagonista es una perrita de raza pequeña llamada Sophie. La nena parece no recordar a su antigua familia, pero eso no quita que llega a su nuevo hogar toda nerviosa y temblando. El resto de los perros en la casa la reciben con amabilidad, pero, debido a cierta acción que realiza su nuevo “amo”, la chiquita recuerda algo muy turbio que pasó entre su dueña y ese sujeto. Algo que no solo siembra la duda en ella, sino que también preocupa a otro de los perros, al grado que está dispuesto a descubrir la verdad.
No inventen, ¿los va a poner en peligro el autor? ¿Qué rayos va a pasar con esa manada?
Solo espero que no se aloque y me los ponga en peligro permanente, o mi enojo va a convertirse en estrés por culpa de la preocupación. Nada más por eso seguiré leyendo.
Si quieren hacerme enojar mientras leo, usen perritos o gatitos como personajes en una historia, y háganlos lidiar con un problema mayúsculo que requiera de todas sus habilidades y que, además, los ponga en peligro.
Eso sí que me puede irritar mucho, y justo hoy lo descubrí cuando empecé a leer este cómic.
Imagínense que nuestra protagonista es una perrita de raza pequeña llamada Sophie. La nena parece no recordar a su antigua familia, pero eso no quita que llega a su nuevo hogar toda nerviosa y temblando. El resto de los perros en la casa la reciben con amabilidad, pero, debido a cierta acción que realiza su nuevo “amo”, la chiquita recuerda algo muy turbio que pasó entre su dueña y ese sujeto. Algo que no solo siembra la duda en ella, sino que también preocupa a otro de los perros, al grado que está dispuesto a descubrir la verdad.
No inventen, ¿los va a poner en peligro el autor? ¿Qué rayos va a pasar con esa manada?
Solo espero que no se aloque y me los ponga en peligro permanente, o mi enojo va a convertirse en estrés por culpa de la preocupación. Nada más por eso seguiré leyendo.
September 10, 2021
I picked this up because I've heard only good things about it and well I like the Dracula homage cover. I've never heard the thing about a dog's memory before; it would make sense that if it's true then scent could trigger memory for them like happened in this issue.
I'm also glad I picked this up the Free Comic Book day version despite already having the first issue. Because I have a prologue that I wouldn't have been able to read otherwise. I get a creepy vibe off of Fritz's ordeal especially since he's not in this past the prologue; I've yet to read any further but I suppose once the mystery is reviled to me I'll be able to guess the fate of poor Fritz and potentially his owner also.
I'm invested in this mystery enough that I will be picking up the trade paperback version in the future.
I'm also glad I picked this up the Free Comic Book day version despite already having the first issue. Because I have a prologue that I wouldn't have been able to read otherwise. I get a creepy vibe off of Fritz's ordeal especially since he's not in this past the prologue; I've yet to read any further but I suppose once the mystery is reviled to me I'll be able to guess the fate of poor Fritz and potentially his owner also.
I'm invested in this mystery enough that I will be picking up the trade paperback version in the future.
March 17, 2021
Since it was announced, I was very curious about Stray Dogs. All of the imagery and promotional material I saw did not shade it as a horror book. Looks can be deceiving, as this is very much at home here. Artist Trish Forstner's style matches up well to the Disney aesthetic, which makes the murder scene so much more frightening. It comes out of nowhere and really shocks the system.
You can read James' full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read James' full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
November 14, 2025
A suspensful comic with a cute style, that looks like something from Don Bluth animated film or Disney. All the characters are quite charming and have an unique mystery to why they are there. The story takes its time giving hints to what happened to each of the dogs, why they are there, what is the house they are staying in really like and whp their new owner really is. Sophie and the other dogs amnesia is handled well, adding to the mystery and suspense. When they show more pieces and reveal more it us so much more disturbing contrasting with the style.
March 29, 2021
Okay, I’m really into this and I’m excited to see what the rest of this mini series holds.
Also the artist HAD to have been inspired by Balto, because the dog design looks waaaayyyyy too much like that movie to not be an influence.
Rusty looks like Balto and Roxanne looks like Jenna. They’re just different colors with slightly different features! I’m totally okay with this because Balto will always be one of my all time favorite movies.
Also the artist HAD to have been inspired by Balto, because the dog design looks waaaayyyyy too much like that movie to not be an influence.
Rusty looks like Balto and Roxanne looks like Jenna. They’re just different colors with slightly different features! I’m totally okay with this because Balto will always be one of my all time favorite movies.
October 5, 2021
I read the collected edition of Stray Dogs on Hoopla and was blown away by the inventive storytelling. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't give a summary but the murder mystery story told from a dog's POV is so creepy and heartbreaking, with the use of the dogs' lack of long term/cohesive memory making for a really interesting narrative device. I would highly recommend for any horror/thriller fans but definitely check content warnings because there is some very disturbing content.
April 5, 2023
Dogs have short term memory but what if they remember things they shouldn't need to remember that's where Sophie is in this comic and she realized that her master got killed by the person who took her in as his newest pet. It's a mini-series where you can read it in less than twenty minutes. Strangely, the art style is quite similar to Disney's Oliver & Company and I have no complaint about it.
Overall rating: 4.5
Overall rating: 4.5
June 4, 2024
Título: Stray Dogs #1
Autor: Tony Fleecs
Género: Terror / Novela gráfica
Rating: 🍒🍒🍒🍒
Hace tiempo escuché una recomendación de este cómic y me llamó mucho el tema, sabía que había algo turbio en la historia pero no recordaba bien qué era, la revelación se descubre en el primer cómic así que no se tiene que esperar mucho.
Aunque no hay maltrato animal gráfico sí se podría decir que se ve el sufrimiento de un perrito a través de sus miedos.
Autor: Tony Fleecs
Género: Terror / Novela gráfica
Rating: 🍒🍒🍒🍒
Hace tiempo escuché una recomendación de este cómic y me llamó mucho el tema, sabía que había algo turbio en la historia pero no recordaba bien qué era, la revelación se descubre en el primer cómic así que no se tiene que esperar mucho.
Aunque no hay maltrato animal gráfico sí se podría decir que se ve el sufrimiento de un perrito a través de sus miedos.
March 28, 2021
Wow, I didn't expect that twist in the end! I'm so invested in the story now!!
The art is gorgeous and sweet which is a great parallel with the story. I would love to hear more about the other strays and their stories.
Will continue to read!
The art is gorgeous and sweet which is a great parallel with the story. I would love to hear more about the other strays and their stories.
Will continue to read!
April 13, 2021
Stray Dogs is Disney’s Oliver and Company meets The Silence of the Lambs. It will draw you in with it's cuteness and just when you begin to let your guard down -- WHAM. It hits you over the head with a frying pan.
Recommended for dog lovers and murder mystery enthusiasts alike!
Recommended for dog lovers and murder mystery enthusiasts alike!
July 10, 2021
For the person whoever wondered: how do I pull off a kid friendly Disney-animated style murder/serial killer mystery? This series is for you.
Not to mention, the horror movie homage covers are fantastic.
Not to mention, the horror movie homage covers are fantastic.
December 20, 2024
I loved it!
Its always fun to see animals in comics. For some reason, it just pairs really well. I love dogs and Beasts of Burden so much, that I had to check this out. I am glad it was a good read. I am hooked. Good job !!!
Its always fun to see animals in comics. For some reason, it just pairs really well. I love dogs and Beasts of Burden so much, that I had to check this out. I am glad it was a good read. I am hooked. Good job !!!
May 5, 2026
3.9⭐️
Super cool book really enjoying the mystery and the build up to it was incredible super excited to read the rest of the series. Overall a really fun mystery/horror book super happy I went into it blind.
Super cool book really enjoying the mystery and the build up to it was incredible super excited to read the rest of the series. Overall a really fun mystery/horror book super happy I went into it blind.
February 25, 2021
First issue is a very slow opening to the story.Let's see what we will got in the next issue.Also drawings are very cute 🥺
March 2, 2021
Wow
Started off as a Disney-esq kids book, ended up being something a whole lot different. I was happy with where it went and will definitely continue reading it.
Started off as a Disney-esq kids book, ended up being something a whole lot different. I was happy with where it went and will definitely continue reading it.
April 14, 2021
Okay, wow, this is one of those pulls I completely forgot about, but what a crazy premise. You've got adorable art, but a very sinister undercurrent. Sure to delight the horror furry in your life.
June 7, 2021
amazing start for mysteries comic
June 23, 2021
It starts off so innocently then turns sinister. Can’t say much as this issue is very short
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews