Originally published in France in 2023, comics creator Marc Chalvin's Pigeons! A Fable for Our Times proves even more uncomfortably, darkly humorous in 2025. In Chalvin's urban avian universe, pigeons are plentiful--and, initially, content: "Don't we have it good here?" Their complacency makes them easy victims of Korback the crow's manipulations. A pigeon crosses the road when Korbak claims it's safe to and is mowed down by a speeding car; he's watching in glee, commenting, "It really is a miracle the species has survived." Korbak gloats to Seagull about his absolute power over the pigeons, adding, "I have to restrain myself from being cruel."
Seagull wants to educate the masses: "Can't you see that he's taking advantage of you?" Yet all attempts are quickly dismissed. When Seagull finally overhears the pigeons' disgruntled complaints ("yeah, he's always on our backs"), she strategically swoops in to say, "If you want to get rid of Korbak... we need to plan elections." Seagull tenaciously explains the need, the process, the possibilities, even inspiring a candidate from among their own. Korbak barely expresses concern: "The pigeons are immature incompetents." Seagull rallies for their agency: "The pigeons are citizens free to express their opinion." Korbak remains confident, saying, "I'll make history as the first dictator ever to be elected democratically." Let the voting commence.
Chalvin's orderly black-and-white panels mirror the looming control throughout. His simple line drawings gloriously, anthropomorphically depict meticulous expressions and unmistakable body language. Laura Bourbonnais deftly translates. Chalvin brilliantly captures history on repeat: vicious bully vs. idealistic outsider with gullible masses to control. --Terry Hong