Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #1 – 2021 marks the return of one of the most emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted supernatural series in modern comics. Written by Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer, with evocative artwork by Benjamin Dewey, this new four-part story transports the critically acclaimed Beasts of Burden saga to post–World War II Japan, expanding the mythos of these brave, magical animals into new and richly layered territory.

This issue introduces readers to an earlier era in the history of the Wise Dogs—the protectors of the natural and supernatural world—focusing on Emrys, a battle-hardened veteran, as he recounts a chilling tale from his younger days in the East. As strange deaths begin to surface in occupied Japan, Emrys is tasked with investigating a haunting presence tied to ancient spirits, violent curses, and buried history.

The blend of folklore, ghost story, and wartime aftermath gives this instalment a unique tone—both haunting and heroic. Dorkin and Dyer’s storytelling is poignant and character-driven, laced with emotional weight and quiet bravery. Meanwhile, Dewey’s detailed, painterly illustrations bring both the natural world and the eerie supernatural elements to life with breathtaking clarity. His rendering of animal expressions and traditional Japanese landscapes adds a level of storytelling that feels both timeless and grounded.

For fans of intelligent, emotionally rich fantasy and horror storytelling, Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #1 is a standout first issue. It’s accessible for new readers while offering rewarding depth for long-time followers of the series. This is a must-have for collectors of Dark Horse Comics, animal fantasy, or carefully crafted supernatural tales.

Available now from ComicBookXS.com, this issue is kept in excellent condition. Orders are securely packed using reinforced, protective materials and dispatched swiftly—ensuring your comic arrives flat, clean, and collection-ready.