REVIEW: ‘Auntie Agatha’s Home For Wayward Rabbits,’ Issue #5

Auntie Agatha’s Home For Wayward Rabbits #5 is published by Image Comics, is written by Keith Giffen, and illustrated by Benjamin Roman. Last issue, Sawyer, with the help of Loomis the mouse, was deciding whether or not to go with their dangerous plan. Plus, Mr. Jackson struggles to understand how his two enforcers, Naomi and Raquel, were spooked by a bunch of rabbits. This issue picks up with Sawyer hosting a community meeting with all of the rabbits. He’s decided to go forth with the plan but needs his fellow rabbits to support him. Meanwhile, Naomi and Raquel make their final move to obtain Auntie Agatha’s house.

If I haven’t said this already, I’ll say it now; this has become one of my favorite comic series of all time. From the comedic timing, the overall concept of wayward rabbits living with a woman and her niece, the friendships formed and the build-up to saving their home, these and many more aspects have carried this story forward. Every month, I’m expecting the next issue to be as compelling as the last and I’m never disappointed.

Tensions are at an all-time high in this issue. Sawyer clearly wants to save his home and hopes that the other rabbits follow him. It’s a given that this would cause panic amongst some of the rabbits, but Sawyer’s determination that they all need to save their home doesn’t let this panic defeat him. Sawyer’s character growth in just five issues is quite amazing. When we first met him, he was this care-free rabbit who was friends with Julie. He’s now in this leadership position and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those he cares for and their home. He’s quickly become one of my favorite characters of the series.

At the same time, Julie is extremely worried that all Sawyer is doing is just creating panic amongst all the rabbits which will only make things worse. She cares for the rabbits and doesn’t want them to get involved. Both main characters want nothing but for this situation to be over and not having to give up their home. This tension is formed out of desperation to find a way to make this dilemma go away. This could have been written completely different but it definitely wouldn’t have had the same effect. If readers aren’t convinced as to how much these characters care for each other like a family, then I don’t know what will.

Even though it’s upsetting to see that this is the penultimate issue, I’m looking forward to seeing how this story ends. I really enjoyed reading this issue. I’m normally not a big fan of stories ending on cliffhangers but the way it was done in this comic only increases my excitement for the finale. Both Giffen and Benjamin have created a story that many readers will not only love but will genuinely enjoy reading.

Auntie Agatha’s Home For Wayward Rabbits #5 is available now wherever comic books are sold.