Abrams ComicsArts has revealed Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story has already sold out at the distributor and is getting a second printing before its official release. On sale in bookstores on September 3 and comic shops on September 4, Patrick McDonnell is also creating new MUTTS merch — their Living the Dream Collection, which is inspired by Guard Dog.
So what’s Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story about?
Guard Dog, a chained dog longing for his freedom. Over the years, Guard Dog has become one of the strip’s most beloved characters, playing an important role in raising awareness about the cruelty of tethering and inspiring countless readers to become involved in animal welfare.
Check out the swag below.
“In retrospect, it’s clear to me that the first MUTTS comic strip is autobiographical,” said McDonnell. “From the start, it felt like it was what I was meant to do. I was home.”
Don’t miss our interview with McDonnell about The Super Hero’s Journey.
Patrick is collaborating with the Sidewalk Angels Foundation (the organization run by Marisol Thomas and Rob Thomas (Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter of Matchbox Twenty). That includes a shirt McDonnell made for the foundation, which you can check out below!
Also, check out a preview of Chain: The Guard Dog Story below!
For more on this news read the press release below!
(August 27, 2024) Ahead of the book’s publication on Tuesday, September 3, Abrams ComicsArts is announcing a second printing of Patrick McDonnell’s eagerly anticipated Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story. The book’s publication is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of MUTTS, McDonnell’s critically acclaimed and internationally syndicated comic strip which has appeared in more than 700 newspapers and over 20 countries around the globe.
The new, full-color book spotlights the story of Guard Dog, a chained dog longing for his freedom. Over the years Guard Dog became one of the strip’s most beloved characters, playing an important role in raising awareness about the cruelty of tethering and inspiring countless readers to become involved in animal welfare.
Patrick McDonnell published the first MUTTS strip on September 5, 1994, featuring a pair of main characters who were based on real animals. Earl the dog, an innocent pup who loves belly rubs, was inspired by Patrick’s late Jack Russell terrier, who lived with him for over 18 years. Mooch the cat, a canny feline with a funny way of talking (“Yesh!”), is based on several cats from Patrick’s own life. The strip has captured the hearts of millions, garnering international recognition for its gentle humor and powerful themes of kindness, compassion, and friendship.
“In retrospect, it’s clear to me that the first MUTTS comic strip is autobiographical,” said McDonnell. “From the start, it felt like it was what I was meant to do. I was home.”
Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story features the complete Guard Dog story, now in color for the first time, as well as early MUTTS comic strips, and supplementary material. Breaking the Chain presents an emotionally resonant story, grounded in the real-life animal neglect issues that affect millions of chained dogs worldwide, and will move both long-time MUTTS fans and first-time readers. Breaking the Chain features an introduction from Rob Thomas, the award-winning singer/songwriter and co-founder with Marisol Thomas of Sidewalk Angels Foundation. Abrams will donate a portion of the proceeds for pre-orders of Breaking the Chain to the Sidewalk Angels Foundation.
As part of the celebration of MUTTS’ 30th anniversary and the story of Guard Dog, MUTTS.com is also unveiling new MUTTS merch with their Living the Dream Collection.
“Our new Living the Dream Collection is inspired by the story of Guard Dog and the transformative power of hope, love, and compassion,” says MUTTS.com Marketing Director Ali Datko. “Highlights include a new take on our bestselling ‘Break the Chain Tee,’ along with a new shirt featuring Guard Dog (now Sparky), unchained, in the light of his longtime friend the moon. Both tees are made with 100% USA-grown cotton and printed with water-based inks, reinforcing our commitment to being kind to animals and the earth.”
To subscribe to the Daily Mutts, visit MUTTS.COM or follow MUTTS on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
