Puma Blues 

The Puma Blues was a comic published from 1986 to 1989 and was a post-apocalyptic graphic novel detailing the importance of nature. It follows a US agent and his job dealing with displaced animals caused by a nuclear bomb going off in northeastern America. Gavin was completely isolated, with the exception of a puma that would occasionally visit him. The U.S. Agent watched countless tapes of his late father, wishing to find the secrets he left behind. Gavin wishes to hide the significance of certain “animutes” (mutated animals) from the government, ensuring that the secret of them does not get out. The comic’s themes are very significant for the era, with environmental responsibility being the primary focus. Taking place in the future, it juxtaposes nature with the technological advancements humans have made. A critical scene of the comic shows a woman pick flowers but leaving behind trash in her hurry to pluck the flowers. This comic featured detailed psychedelic illustrations of nature, showcasing how terrifying nature is when its left behind and discarded by technology and time. Each comic issue had sub sections with “Notes on Nature”, and “The Fraying Weave” that detailed alarming facts about our rainforest. This comic came out at a critical time, before the 90’s era of mainstream comics. Author Stephen Murphy details he would gather notes during his nature hikes in his 20’s. Realizing what could be lost if the cold war went a route where humanity could not recover. The surrealist art featured in the comic was highly influential and has left an imprint on modern graphic novels and design, being referenced and acknowledged in modern media, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This graphic novel never pulled its punches with its statements on nature and drama, and will be forever remembered as a steppingstone for modern bizarre art in graphic novels and design.