So this is just a brief Clash of the Webcomics because it’s a seven page short story, but man, what a seven page short story.
Over the past month, Disney’s new film Zootopia has done remarkably well with both audiences and critics, with many noting the social allegories that feel rather timely- especially in the midst of the race related rancor surrounding the 2016 political season. Among other reasons, the animated dramedy/mystery has also been praised for its rather upbeat, optimistic tone in spite of its often weighty subject matter.
Within the film’s first week, a GIF of Jason Bateman’s snarky deuteragonist Nick Wilde was posted to Twitter showing him rubbing his neck in relief. The film’s producers noted that the footage was from an earlier draft of Zootopia, a notably darker and more dystopian story where the predator minority was kept in a line of social inequity with shock collars. Whenever an animal would “go savage”, the devices would activate.
As opposed to the more cynical Nick, Disney eventually reworked the story’s viewpoint to revolve around the plucky and optimistic Judy Hopps, feeling that the original concept of Zootopia was too unpleasant and wouldn’t allow for the audience to root for the city to eventually improve. But in this short comic by Housepets creator Rick Griffin, Nick visualizes this alternative concept of Zootopia in a dream that leaves him shaken.
Griffin is spot on in capturing the strength in Nick and Judy’s relationship. His dialogue feels well within the tone of the film, and both of them come off totally in character as Nick cries over the phone to his bunny partner, looking for some sort of emotional reassurance. His art direction is simplistic but also very expressive, and the two retain their cuddly feel as he adds his own personal touch to the furry couple.
This isn’t just a bunch of needless melodrama, it really feels like a scene that actually could have been in the real film. It has the same amount of maturity and humor while telling an exciting, but still family friendly story. As far as brief one-offs go, Zootopia: Night Terrors is as smart and touching as they come, and it more than does Disney’s newest cash cow justice. Check it out here!