Regarding the last comic...

I don't see any reason to be scared of the American military unless you have a reason to want to hurt our country or to threaten to hurt our country. And no, it wasn't a random home invasion. It's no different than the police raiding a house suspected of having drugs--but maybe they don't do that in your country.

D.S. Ryelle

This comic sparked a lot of thoughts for me. It was very powerful. My first thought was of course that the man shooting at the troops did it in self defence because they stormed in to their home and pointed guns at his family. I saw very little proof that they would be inherently terrorists. Maybe they were maybe they weren't but American troops can be just as scary. I am not an American so I am don't immediately think of their choices as heroic. This text at least gave me the perspective of having done their research to storm their home. They could be wrong nonetheless but I appreciate the nuance especially since American military freaks me out and is not something I would care to celebrate (nor any military for that matter). But I feel deeply for Brutus and I think it's perfectly reasonable to mourn the people who got injured and killed. Just wanted to write my perspective before I read this text that all i saw was people storming a house and pointing guns at a family and one member defending themselves. Anyway I love this series.

It's the truth, whether anybody likes it or not.

Harriet Rankin

that comic was very good and very intense, it reminded me of the movie American Sniper. Don't be afraid to post some darker comics, Instagram just has a bunch of smooth brains on it. Keep up the good work.

Your work is noble and that last comic depicts the harsh realities some of us must face. Don't let a few complainers get you down; there will always be complainers in the world. "Too Fast" was excellently done and totally yanked my heart strings!

Daren

I jist saw it on Webtoons yesterday (I forgot to update my patreon payment after getting a new card at the end of October) what happened?

TwilightSky15

As I thought the vittle on Instagram was massive. Webtoons were nice, a very sympathetic audience. Instagram was just vile. Can't wait to see what articles say, Bored Panda is usually the first to write one. It will be interesting

BunnyArtist47

As a member of the military I 100% agree with the realities depicting in this comic so isk why people disagree especially Considering they’re not in the military or even have an experience ln the militarily life like yes you’re tight it’s not always depicted 200% accurate but it’s basically a boiled Down version of what actually happens in Afghanistan or Iraq and you did do your research so big respect for putting the minimum amount of effort into realizing what soldiers have to go through where these other people just watch movies and go “you’re just being stereotypical” like no you got it like almost spot on lol

I was just sitting there like.. NOOO PIXIE CAN'T GROW UP!! SHE NEEDS TO STAY LITTLE FOREVER.

Comic was extermly accurate. Just an FYI for folks though. Don't confuse afghan head coverings for Shiks' turbans. They don't sit the same, and you really shouldn't be judging based on the head covering any way. But just FYI, because the Sihks catch a ton of flak from folks who can't tell the difference. Its not fair to them because they have their own religion. I hate how they get messed with because they do alot for this country. Muslims as well do alot for this country; but I just want to drop some knowledge on folks who can't tell the difference.

Everyone can find fault, few can do better....keep up the good work!

As a fellow artist, and as a Marine Corps veteran, I loved the comic, as well as all of your other work. There was nothing hateful or Islamophobic about it. It was just a fictional depiction of an uncomfortable truth that thousands of American service members and military working dogs have had to experience and continue to experience fighting insurgents in the Middle East. It sucks, but it’s reality. Keep doing what you’re doing!

Bill Foster

....read the other comments please... I understand your intention behind yours, but this comic isn't about race. It's about a military dog in the USA, who's explaining his version of the story on how his owner died in a recent war (where were most of the american soldiers in the past decade again?) . So I'm sorry, but what the h*** did you expect? (Oh and btw, Brutus's owner was brown and seemed to have hispanic traits)

You shouldn’t have to explain yourself. People like to turn a blind eye to the reality of things like that. If they pretend it’s not real it can’t hurt them but that’s not the case. Not everyone can’t pretend reality doesn’t exist. Don’t worry about the negative people. Keep making great comic strips!

There's a reason a lot of veterans and active duty dont like to talk about what they've seen and experienced. Its horrific and I can only imagine witnessing that stuff first hand. Thank you to anyone who has served and I hope your holidays are going as well as they can be in 2020.

Kat Young

I have a cousin who is in the Army and he has first hand experience with this. The only thing he'll say about his time there is that on his first day in country his buddy shot an insurgent who was probably about 12 years old. The kid was aiming his gun at my cousin when his buddy spotted and shot him. War is inherently horrific and "sugar coating" it is dishonest and harmful.

Ben, thank you so much for publishing this comic. Reality had many perspectives, from this point of view the pain of the dog is all we feel. We ignore the politics of it. You are doing a great job.

Shiba Munger

Love the strip and I try to bring more people into the pet foolery fandom. I gathered that you had severed in the military Ben. Keep up the good work.

Was very well done, for my money (er.. so to speak n.n). Had a minor rant planned out about this sort of thing, but... yeah, points already covered :)

Eztli Angelos

Good work! I love all your comics and I enjoyed the serious turn for a change

Will you be posting this on Instagram? Because good gracious if the vittle from a minority on Patreon was a cause for concern imagine IG nd it's audience.

BunnyArtist47

I did 2 tours in Iraq, Special Ops Intelligence, I can promise you, everything in this comic is 100% legit. The bad guys are everyone else, until they aren't. There is nothing unbecoming of this.

Dude, I'm active duty and the comic was legit. There will always be naysayers. Keep doing you!

I saw nothing wrong except Pixie didn't hug Brutus lol

Fantasylover4evr

Brutus's handler was a good guy and brown, I saw nothing racist about your comic. I thought you did a good job portraying the life of a military dog.

It was a well thought out and perfectly constructed comic that depicted things that could have and probably did really happen. If we as people ignore our past we are doomed to repeat it. Good job Ben

Exactly this! Exactly! And thank you for your service as well, brother.

Brett Bernard

I hate that people are giving you shit about the comic. It was short straightforward and still had an insane amount of impact. Personally I thought it was well done and before I even read all your explanations I was thinking to myself "it looks like he researched stuff for this strip". I hope you don't get too discouraged from a minority of readers that are outraged for no rational reason.

This is awesome! Thank you! 😂🤣😂🤣

Ashley Epperson

Keep up the good work❤ Thank you for what you do

Lone_silverwolf1

I understand what you're saying, but just because the comic is being made in 2020 it doesn't mean that it takes place now. The artist may have been sitting on this idea for a while before being able to bring it to life.

Hopefully those haters leave you alone after this! Your strip was factual and in NO WAY implied all Muslims are bad. Keep up the great work!❤️💪🏼

Arses21434

For the people that think this is offensive, this is also how they clear a school after a shooter and kids do this every year with real officers so they know what to expect. It doesn’t just happen in other places, it happens in your own high schools. On that note, if you have PTSD, don’t be a teacher. Don’t make the same mistake I have made!

You're cool, they're complainers that complain for the sake of complaining, or because they project whatever is wrong with them on to your work... I have been there and seen what happens, and you were spot on! Thanks and forget about the critics! PS: Most of those I encountered in Iraq in '91 were happy and thankful for us to be there, and they were absolutely NOT bothered about religious differences... Most just want to live in peace, just like we do! But there's always a few rotten apples in any place, race, religion or creed!

Ard Rí Sídhhe Dragon

Getting rid of Islamophobia (which I am all for, BTW!) will not fix the sad and ugly truth that there ARE extremists out there that will do anything to kill, maim or enslave people not part of their specific sect of their specific faith... And that does not only apply to Islam!

Ard Rí Sídhhe Dragon

I agree with your comment, but I just wanted to point out that many NATO/UN allies work together worldwide... Most of those countries may not have the budgets the US does, but they still participate!

Ard Rí Sídhhe Dragon

Stories like yours make it worth the sacrifices... <3

Ard Rí Sídhhe Dragon

o7 Amen Brother! And thanks for your service

Ard Rí Sídhhe Dragon

Amen! When you deal with an ideal that considers everyone not part of your group as inferior, or even as animals, it is incredible to what extent the horrors can go against those outsiders. It's what has been happening in history over and over again, and you cannot protect against that with niceness, unfortunately. As a former army medic, my initial gut feeling is to want to help and heal, as that is what I was sworn to do, but as a (former) BIA, I know that sentiment has to come second to survival in such situations! And one final observation: it is NOT just "over there", it is EVERYWHERE extremists operate!

Ard Rí Sídhhe Dragon

I for myself fell in love with one of the comics about Brutus as a pup. Are you considering the idea of him telling Pixie more stories from his past? A funny ones or something deep, but with a happy ending.

Anybody who complained about the last comic is one of the people that are always LOOKING for something to complain about. Pay them no mind, they're not worth your time. You continue doing you, and keep putting out awesome comics! Btw, I have friends and family who are in the military and this 100% fits stories they've told about multiple different occasions. Unfortunately, the extremists over there use tactics that are absolutely horrible and makes it that nobody can be assumed innocent.

SesshouFan22

Whatever you do some people are gonna complain. It sucks you have to explain yourself for making something realistic 😑😑😑 and I never got "black people bad" vibes, we all knew Brutus was in a middle eastern country so it made sense that people were middle eastern, duh 😅

Laumi Rez

Don't apologize for your work. Honestly I think the people complaining about this all fall into the following categories. 1. Looking to be offended. 2. Live in a fantasy land 3. They are projecting It was tactful and showed a real situation.

Sorry you have to even make this explanation. I don't see any prob with that comic - I love it, appreciate your efforts in doing research with the three military personnel, and am disgusted at the fact that certain people choose to be ignorant, unreasonably "sensitive" and drawing conclusions that have no solid logic leading to them. Keep up the good work - the backstory is absolutely gold.

There’s always going to be somebody looking an excuse to be offended. You can’t apologize to these people because as soon as you do they won’t let you stop. You’ll never be able to please these types of people so in my opinion if somebody chooses to get offended over something so ridiculous they’re best left ignored. Sorry you have to deal with toxic people. I loved the comic, keep up the good work :)

I'm flabbergasted that you have to explain this reality to people. You've made it clear in other Brutus centric comics that he served in the middle eastern conflict. What did people honestly think. I applaud you giving him a realistic background and trying to make it accurate, as ugly as this reality sadly is.

FennDra

Look, Ben. You’re an artist, a creator. You have to stop this endless explanations and regarding. Don't cast pearls before swine. Just do your thing and be proud of it. You’re a good artist, please, stop dancing around fools. You know, as a Russian, I think that Hollywood movies portraying us not so accurate and realistic, as do games, memes, jokes an other. This is stereotypical. I never take this as offense, only as fun fact, or a “this is just the way it is”. If one wants to be offended, believe me, he will be. So just do your thing, you doing it good, and stop excusing!

I was a little... trepidatious? When you said you were doing it just because of the sensitive material, but I thought it was done as tastefully and sensitively as possible, and still felt within the tone of the comic in general. Some people just want to be mad.

(eyeroll) I can't believe you had to explain this. What a bunch of cherry-picking assholes. If they had been following the comic, they would know that Brutus was a war vet and our most recent skirmishes were in the Middle East. It's not like he was fucking Dog Captain American, who got frozen in the ice with Chris Evans, after defeating Hydra for fuck's sake!

scldragonfish

You did a fantastic job with the portrayal thank you for everything you do

You wrote the reality...kudos.

Julie Prommasit

I thought the comic was very well done ❤️ I had a hard time keeping my composer lol

I am sorry that you needed to make this post. Some people look for reasons to be offended.

Wild Card

The people that complained clearly don't know what's going on in the world.

Max Schmer

I do not comment, on anything, ever. But I have to stand up. I can say (with years of experience in the region) you did just fine. You do not have to explain yourself. Ignore the haters. There are good and bad folk in every culture; it is what it is. It was a great backstory. You do not need to address this.

The comic was great, sadly it portraits reality but that also make it so wonderful.

Brilliant story; let the snowflakes melt away and forget them

Harriet Rankin

You wrote a great response and ignore the haters. Keep the comics coming and I wouldn't even mind seeing a bit more storyline about Brutus's recovery after the incident.

I read alot of web comics. It's not often that one breaks my heart, this one did. Very well done, dude.

You don't have to explain yourself you did a great job.

Darkness_Inside

I love this! Nothing wrong with it! His back story couldn't have been rainbows and star dust. Screw them (the haters). Love you! Keep being you and awesome! 🤎

Aubrey Rich

I was in the australian army for a while about fifteen years go, I never did any tours in Afghanistan but i knew good friends who did, some of them didn't come back and some came back different thank you for not sugar coating the reality

Brad Kirkwood

He chose to depict a foreign woman in a foreign country, dressed as appropriate for the area she was in, her features were not in any way exaggerated, she possessed no fangs, her fingers were not clawed, her tongue was not forked, what is the issue you have?

Brad Kirkwood

I know that it doesn't matter but I didnt think twice about your choices. It was good comic. But I guess theres still those out there who may portray it as something offensive. Keep it up. Dont let the ignorance of others take away from your creative choices. It's a reality. No matter the the race. War is the same on all sides.

EdV

I refrained from commenting (mostly because I do not approve at all of any portrayal of soldiers as heroes), but I can very much understand what people didn't like about it. There is a strong political discourse in many countries about how certain parties use depictions of foreigners to spread racist messages. Your depiction of that woman looks exactly like them. I'm sure your intentions were good and I completely understand your line of reasoning, but this strip leaves me with a rather bitter aftertaste. You chose to go that route. You could have drawn this comic without showing any faces. The "bad guys" could have been silhouettes or masked. You chose to show a clearly foreign woman. And it doesn't look good, no matter the intention.

G. Smith

Well said. Those who know, know. Those who don't, complain.

I have several military friends who were stationed in the middle east that upon return were afraid of anyone reaching for items out of view, including their own children. It is a devastating side effect of war. While not the first time these methods have been used, they're the most prominent in recent history. Sadly from all the stories I have heard, these people are fighting for what they believe is the higher calling from God. It is a situation where no one side can be called wrong just a disagreement about morals and faith.

ChelleAnna

Damn... some folks just look for something to get mad at. Don’t pay them any mind. You keep doing what you’re doing Ben.

Husker_1911

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen. Cancel culture will target even the most wholesome storytellers over anything.

firandor

You did fine. I'm a veteran. Truth is not always nice and pretty. It hit right in the feels, and was spot on. You did just fine.

Brett Bernard

It's sad that you have to actually make a post like this. I liked the backstory strip quite a lot, and hearing about the research you actively did to ensure authenticity only deepens my appreciation.

CanadianGold

I appreciated the backstory and it’s authenticity.

Spooky Rhoades

What... did they expect? The past scenes made it obvious this was going to be in the Middle East. Every single race and creed has crazies/extremists. It just so happens that Brutus was in battle at a time when the major US war was in the Middle East. It’d have been far worse if you’d made a fake culture/country. This really happened. You didn’t make all Muslims bad. Extremely few Muslims are bad, and bad is (somewhat) subjective. (Using children as weapons/mutilating innocents is never gonna not be evil in my book.) My partner told me about the worst thing they did in Iraq. A child came running at their platoon with a bomb strapped to his chest. It was a trigger bomb, so there was no saving him or defusing it. They had to shoot the kid. The kid wasn’t evil, but those who strapped the bomb on him weren’t good. You showed an adult, during a realistic search, as the “bad guy”. You didn’t even make them evil. War is deadly. It sucks. Attacking the enemy is normal. Brutus’s partner was Hispanic, your characters are all ethnicities and I’d assume all religions. (I appreciate religion not being a focus, as unlike ethnicity, it’s not something that is always apparent.) White washing would have been making them not Muslim in an already established Middle Eastern country. Putting the accident during an “epic battle scene” would have had less impact and been less realistic. Soldiers die in unexpected, small attacks most of the time. Not “heroic army face offs”, like we see in historic battle reenactments/movies.

Ugh! The people in that area of the world simply look a certain way. It doesn't mean you were saying they are all bad or anything. I for one am super thankful you posted this comic. It gives us Brutus' backstory in actual detail, which i know many fans have wanted to know for a while now. It also shows that being in the military is not an easy thing. I myself know I wouldn't have the ability to do it. I went through JROTC in high school and I made the choice not to enlist. To those of you who made and continue to make that incredibly brave and courageous choice to serve our country, possibly losing your life while doing so, I have the utmost respect for all of you! Man or service animal. THANK YOU!!!!!

The other comments covered anything I could have possibly thought. I've been in the Army for 6 years, did a tour in Iraq. I had no problem whatsoever with the story; It tugged on the heartstrings as intended. Please keep up the good work.

Pravvus

As a person of colour and someone who lived in a middle eastern country for 4 years, I didn't get a sense that you are targeting Muslims or brown people. The people who lives in (what I'm assuming is) Afghanistan/Iraq are predominantly Muslim. It would be weirder that the story is in the middle east but the killer is of a different ethnicity. It's a story, not a educational piece. Thank you for the comic though, I really enjoyed it and felt sorry for Brutus.

TJ Tiong

Brutus story made me sad for him. But I thought it was really well done. Sorry you had to go and explain yourself to others. You do a great job with your comics and even gave back to nonprofits in November. Keep being awesome.

My brother is in the military, according to him he lost a good friend of his when a toddler was used as a suicide bomber back in 2004. So... yeah... war is hell.

Fluffy

There is literally no way you could have told this story without offending someone make them any ethnicity your racist, make them white your white washing, make them vague your being a mary sue, there is no way to tell this kind of story without making someone the bad guy and people are going to be upset by that

Rob the Hungry

It's honestly sad that this had to be said at all. Please PLEASE continue writing in the manner that you have. You're not going to please these people and it's a fruitless task to try. Write it how you want. The Sane members of your fanbase will always have your back <3 keep being awesome.

Fox Miller

I just honestly don't know what they expected. Like, the soldiers aren't gonna bust down the front door of a middle-eastern building and get in a close-quarters gunfight with a bunch of pasty white accountants.

Ben Hed

Good for you for offering an explanation. You're never going to be in a position to please everyone, but clarifying intent can help assuage concerns with sane/logical folks (don't worry about the rest). And in other cases where you may inadvertently misstep, it's good to raise your own awareness... so win-win :) Keep the comics coming. I love your work!

I think you did a beautiful job in presenting the story of an older person explaining a thing that happened in a war to a younger person. He says "bad guy" so Pixie understands the role. I think he hesitates because he knows it's more complicated than that (maybe it was meant to be because she wouldn't understand 'insurgent' but Brutus doesn't hesitate to teach her new words). I think it's because Brutus knows that it's not black and white. You depicted it well- the woman and the old man were scared. The 'bad guy' wasn't even depicted as evil. Their appearance was just accurate for the story, they were drawn well, not characteristically or in a racist manner. You did good. I hope messages like mine provide some sort of comfort - this is a comic about pets. One happens to be retired military, and you told his story in the most respectful way possible. What more could we ask for? And to anybody who might be reading this that wants to be offended - the owners of the pets are a diverse cast who are depicted in a positive manner. You pretty much covered this next thing, so I think you're alright here, but I'm going to put my brick in the wall of reassurance - if somebody wants to project their bigoted thoughts onto that comic, that's their own cognitive dissonance. It's not your job to fix them, or prevent them from being... well.. stupid. I for one gained respect for you Ben - I don't see how you could have done it more respectfully while still being true to this comic.

ShawnTheGirl

Yes most US troops are placed in Antarctica where there's a lot of infighting amirite? You should have portrayed them fighting the whitest of white people. *Heavy sarcasm* and I say this as a brown person. I welcome the @s.

I think you handled it wonderfully, you thought about it and paid a great deal of respect to the issue xxx

Are you serious! You wrote a story about a dog that takes place on earth and already established he was in a real war in a real country with a real race and made bad guys that aren't glossed over fictional beings! Really! How dare you! Alright, I'll stop with the sarcasm. LOL I didn't see it as offensive. You based it off actual time frame events in war in an actual location. As a writing advice column I once read not everyone will fall into your 'target audience' or be happy with your work. And the hard part is that people just can't accept not everything is catered to them and move on. If the complainers don't like it they can leave and those of us that like seeing a comic of a war dog and his kitty sister can keep giving our monthly dollars to see more.

Dawn

Love your comics and thank you for standing up and speaking the truth about reality. Too many people bend the knee to crazy people who want to pretend the world is all sunshine and rainbows and are threatened by anyone who has the courage to say the ugly truth. Not all muslims are bad but some are. Evil comes in many shapes sizes and colors. The continued denial of this just makes it happen more often. Sorry to ramble. Thanks for all you do and again thanks for not submitting to to the crazy internet mob.

-_- we just cannot have nice things. I enjoy the comic a lot, and war has all kinds of ugly side. Please do not be discouraged by the comments. IT'S A COMIC PEOPLE!

Good story, love this comic, please keep them coming! Just ignore the crazies!

The fact that this has to be said is ridiculous the whole point of this comic series is about a retired MWD of which i expected that this MWD was attacked due to terrorists so yeah have some common sense here

i'm sorry you got negative comments. i always enjoy your comics/posts.

My only problem was the length of it (or lack of it). I expected a little longer comic for a backstory.

Vorcute

You can't make everyone happy, and it's a waste of time to try.

Well said.

Felicia Gomez

I can attest to this. My boyfriend is a captain in the army and after I showed him this, he could only sigh in a solemn way. As always, thank you so much for your comics Ben. Don’t give much attention to the naysayers/haters/overly sensitive/etc. It’s surprising, and unfortunate, that it’s often those with the least experience who are the most offended.

I think you did an excellent job portraying a difficult topic. You do not need to explain or justify anything about your story. Very well worded and balanced response.

Ben, I loved this story. I am a product of war, and yes, I know children were used as bombs. I was fortunate to escape that fate. Your story was realistic without being graphic and I so appreciate it. Thank you.

I think you hit the nail on the head about the military, we should support the troops themselves but not the politics that put them there!

Lilac Weather

I also upgraded my patreon fee to give a few more dollars a year, it isn't much, but I hope every dollar can help in some way or another 🥰

Frostlilja Jarlsten

This is a very poignant story to me. I spent 21 years wearing a uniform and years of my life in the Middle East. There is so much truth in this particular comic. No where in this did you even imply that every person there is a 'bad guy'. You showed the military members being aggressive but not abusive. You showed one person, likely exactly who the team was looking for, being the 'bad guy'. This isn't even representing the parents as doing anything wrong, just one person. Good job on showing some realism without going overboard in such a short strip. That said, the last part of this makes me tear up every time as it reminds me of those never coming home. I mean this in a good way as their sacrifice should be remembered. Thank you for this comic strip.

You did a fantastic job with your comic and I'm sorry you've gotten a lot of hate for it! One of my closest friends is Saudi and he had no issue with your portrayal of war in the Middle East because it's entirely accurate --- if anything, you went one step further than most media does by making it clear Brutus's handler was Hispanic. The war is a fucked up situation that the U.S. government and people in power are almost entirely to blame for, not the individuals in the military who are sent into these kinds of situations every day. You did good and i hope you don't let the haters get you down!

Lilac Weather

I love your commics, and since I'm a Caucasian atheistic woman from Scandinavia I can't really say anything about the newest comic. Other than I love to finally know Brutus' backstory.. 💖 Thank you for being an amazing artist, and actually looking up info before making the comic and trying to do it realistic.

Frostlilja Jarlsten

it was fantastic ingnore the weird sensitive people

ThatFurryGamer3

Most of us were moved to tears by Brutus' pain and Pixie's compassion. The people who chose to read other things into it are the ones with the problem. This was well-done and very realistic(you did warn us)and you shouldn't let the haters bother you. I'm glad you stood your ground.

Cathy W.

I think the backstory was great. You don't have to defend yourself because there's nothing wrong with it. Don't listen to the few who draw these conclusions, listen to the many who love your work and understand what you actually tried to depict with your comic.

Becca

War sucks. War is violent and harsh. You drew from the reality of the wars we have been fighting for the last 20 years. For me personally I found nothing offensive about a realistic depiction of the horror of modern warfare. If anything it drives home the point that wars should be avoided.

Im guessing some were deleted 😐

Frostlilja Jarlsten

A hard "discussion" to have, and handled well. Looking forward to more comics. Keep up the great work!

Katie Lipton

Strange that anyone would question it. I mean... it's set in modern day, and American soldiers have been in Middle Eastern countries for the past 20 years. Even though I'm half Middle Eastern none of the backstory came off as shocking or surprising. It was a perfectly reasonable story to show his injuries. You did good, Ben!

Thank you so much for defending your decision and your story, rather than apologizing to those who were determined to be offended by the truth. As soon as you posted it, I knew you would face backlash for it, and this is exactly how I hoped you would respond.

I come from a military family. My mother was in desert storm and now she herself is Muslim. I think you did an excellent job in this comic and I didn’t think once that you threw it together nor got the implications that it was ‘hate towards brown/other races’. Ignore the haters and I look forward to the next comic!

The comic is beautifully drawn and poignant, and I feel it is also well-grounded in reality. The few people voicing their dislike on how you portrayed the 'bad guys' have issues that have nothing to do with the comic. They're most likely actively seeking things they can assault this way, for what motive, your guess is as good as mine. You shouldn't give them any attention, they don't deserve it.

Jussi-Pekka Jokinen

Thank you for showing war as it really is. War is not pretty. War is not PC. War is war and anyone who is "offended" by it can do something about it by standing up to the war mongers. Not by being "offended" by a comic. Love Brutus including all his life experiences.

Thank you for putting this out there, I genuinely appreciate it as a family member to many armed service veterans.

Well said 👍🏻

8 years in the service an it baffles me how trigger happy people get about real life struggles. Don't pay any attention to the negative people, your comics are amazing cause I can connect with em

Sorry people didn't get it. You'd already shown that Brutus served as a war dog in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Not sure why people would be shocked that the fighters against US soldiers there would be natives, and look like natives.

I love how you used *bullet* points. But in all seriousness, as someone with family in the military, I get it. War is terrible, and it doesn't happen in nice neat lines with fancy uniforms on both sides anymore. I support our troops, even though I'm not happy with the politics that brought us to this point in the war. I love Brutis all the more for that, simply because he imbodies the war dogs that make it back.

AS900

Islamophobia is real, but so are brutal truths of the individuals who risk their lives overseas. If people care, change the policies that send our troops into danger in the first place, don't comment on art representing one aspect of that reality. I thought the comic was moving and well done.

Mariela Renquist

I’m a 17 year Army vet. I’m fortunate that in my career I’ve never been in that situation, but I’ve had lots of friends and comrades that have, some of whom aren’t here today. To paint this in any other light would do them a disservice. Thank you for not caving to the cancel culture that seems to want to replace reality with their own worldview, as well as make villains out of heroes and vice versa.

Well said 👏 and well explained. Mostly we could see that you had done your research so no worries. It was very cool chap.

Please don't take this the wrong way as I'm not trying to disrespectful, but I can't seem to find these people who are complaining? Where are you receiving these messages?

Nugget0

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying about the woman and old man part.

CSDX

Don’t let the haters get to you. People are offended by everything these days.

Understandable have a nice day

The amount of thought you put into the comic was evident to me and I was so happy with the outcome of the story! ❤️👏🏻 I think you really couldn’t have done better, it’s very well done.

Aleena Phillips

Considering the effect it had on the MP I showed it to, you did the right thing and a great job. He's recovered from PTSD over losing his partner (MWD) to a similar situation but it was a couple wives that had the weapons. Fuck all other opinions, he appreciated the show of solidarity and was tearing up. The guy's a certified badass, but this hit him hard. Bravo, and good job.

Lamenters' Devastator

I'm former military. And I know a LOT of people who have been depyed to the Middle East, and rhis is the harsh reality of life there. I uave a friend who was severely injured while clearing a house--the door was rigged with an IED. I don't see it as racist in the slightest. In fact, that strip brought tears to my eyes.

Having researched MWDs at length myself, i found this depiction of Brutus' past to be very accurate. Thank you for taking the time to dive deeply into his backstory, and ensuring accuracy.

gstar

I was impressed and very moved by the comic, and I honestly don't know what else people expected to see. Our soldiers aren't fighting orcs out there. Real life can be really ugly, and that's unfortunate but true, especially if you're talking military operations. If it's too real for some, best to avoid the backstory altogether. Brutus didn't retire from being a seeing eye dog. I genuinely don't know what else people expected to see. The part that, for whatever reason, hadn't crossed my mind before is that Brutus blamed himself, at least to some degree. That was like a punch to the stomach. :/

Amen! I personally think it was a great comic. I liked the back story of Brutus. Keep going and don't let anyone tell you other wise

Thank you for voicing this so well, and most of all – thank you for your service.

gstar

Great comics. One of the best works of You. :)

Michał Tuszowski

I'm so sorry you've had to deal with complainers and naysayers on Brutus's backstory. It was obvious you put a lot of thought and research into showing an accurate portrayal of what our servicemen and women and their k9 units go through. Just because some people don't want to accept the reality of the situations overseas doesn't make them any less true and I applaud you for your boldness in sharing the story the way you did. Keep up the great work and don't let the negative comments get you down! There are way more people that support you than those who are offended.

Laura Pommier

Ben - Thank you. The truth is unless we have lived in the reality of the conflict portrayed, we don't understand what it is like, from the perspective of the soldier, the owner of the home that was being cleared, the insurgent who did the shooting, their family who may have supported the insurgency or not, or anyone else. This story of Brutus was clear from the start - he is a military working dog who was stationed with his handler in Afghanistan, where his handler was killed by an insurgent and where he was wounded. It portrays how PTSD also affects animals, and how a silly little kitten can help Brutus learn to cope and to settle into retired life. There is no way to portray this story without using the culture, color, and ethnicity of the people who inhabit Afghanistan.

Ivonne Yeste

I love you and I love the comic and I love this post <3

Everyone seems to love the idea that Brutus is a Military K9, yet are shocked when they see that Brutus had to do Military K9 stuff. The Service isn't pretty or glamorous like it's portrayed in Hollywood. It's gritty. It's messy. It's f'd up and the people involved have to make hard, split second decisions. This comic portrayed one of many very realistic scenarios that take place to this day. It's not supposed to be pretty. Brutus and Sergio went through some stuff that a majority of the people here will never have to do. (talking to you, people who are complaining). It's real life. As we sit here typing away on Patreon from the comfort of our homes, we cannot forget there are still active conflicts going on involving a select few men, women, and K9s. This series has always hinted at the past of Brutus, and how you can take the warfighter out of the battlefield, you cannot take the battlefield out of the warfighter. It's why Brutus is so protective of Pixie. Why he's "so mean" to Randal. Why he's scared of Fireworks. Why he has literal battle scars and a tough demeaner. I'm sorry you have to deal with such hard criticisms from people who are a tad out of touch with the reality of the world, PF. This backstory comic is incredible, deep, and highlights important points in a real scenario of modern warfare. It's uncomfortable. It's supposed to be. It's hard for people to acknowledge, and brings awareness to the struggles Servicemen and Servicewomen face when coming back home and try to adjust to civilian life. Long comment, I'm sorry. But I'm not because I'm just ending 6 years in the Army. I never had the opportunity to deploy, but I have plenty of buddies and NCOs who did, saw stuff, and came back totally different people. Brutus is no different just because he's a fictious dog. He is a pretty good representation of K9s everywhere. It irks me that people get "offended" at the reality that they'll never have to experience.

The back story strip was gut wrenching. It had to be. The truth about what soldiers ( human and canine) experience is harsh reality we all need to face. Thank you. Thank you to all soldiers and veterans.

Dont listen to the woksters and sjw types. They know jacksquat and assume their experts on everything

TheOleRazzleDazzle97

I think you handled this very well and your researched portrayal makes sense. My only real complaint with the comic, is that I thought it was a bit “short”. I know it sort of goes against your normal style, but I for one would love to eventually see a longer story arc about Brutus, Sgt. Castillo and their time together!

I knew you would have people complaining. It seems like people will have something negative to say, no matter what it is.

I 💖 this comic ssooo much.

Spot on and well done. Love the whole story and especially last panel.

Jim Steelman

I’ve heard that ones kinda inaccurate actually 😅. From what I’ve read, the most accurate tv portrayal of what it’s like for soldiers in the Middle East is a show called Generation Kill. This comic also took some inspiration from a scene in American Sniper

Ben Hed

I have a movie recommendation for the critics: THE HURT LOCKER.

I don't comment on here, but I will for this. Your comic was spot on, and anyone who didn't like it can shove off. I spent more than 2 years of my life over there, and I see nothing wrong with what you portrayed.

This is very well said and I am sorry people are looking to be offended.

Amy Poli

Those few who are offended or have issue with a comic don’t deserve your energy. Many of them just want to find anything to complain about. What attracted me to Pixie and Brutus was how you basically captured the essence of Rondo, my old military working dog who passed away in 2014. You did an amazing job on the last strip and you should be really proud of it. Don’t let others tell you otherwise.

Wayward Stitches

I am an Afghan war veteran and appreciated the comic. I could tell that you did research on it and how accurate you were able to do those sense in only a few frames. Well done.

Got a lot of friends who did tours in Iraq or Afghanistan and said the same things. The back story makes sense, it doesn't try to imply that all of X are like Y, and it reflects a reality that is sometimes harsh. You did good, and have nothing to feel bad for.

Erinnyes

I’m sorry you’re getting comments like that. The USA being in wars in the Middle East is a real thing and I personally didn’t think anything about the strip read “Muslims=bad” but I am speaking as a white, female, American, private citizen. I think Brutus’ back story is very important and sheds light on issues for American vets, animals we use in war and the private citizens in the countries where we wage our wars. Keep on doing what you’re doing. ❤️

Hey buddy, keep 'em coming. This brings to light what soldiers who go to war experience, perhaps people will have just a little more respect for them.

Hugh Fay

I don’t understand why people take offense to everything. Actual veteran here and let me say that not all Muslims are bad but you always have those few that make the image for the rest bad. Saying that because this comic features the primary “bad guy” as a middle eastern insurgent that the comic is insinuating hate or racism/ religious prosecution is inherently said commenter being racist themselves as they chose to take it that Way. As you stated makes sense given that most battles being fought but US military are in the Middle East against extremest Muslims. I had a similar argument with a family member when I referred to a time that I was shot at on domestic soil and referred to the two people that shot at me as thugs. They just so happened to be black so said family member took the word thug and said it was a racist term when by definition it isn’t nor was it being used as a racist term in my statement. The two people who shot at me for gang members. Whether they were white black brown or freaking green for all I care does not exclude the fact that they were thugs. Her taking that word and saying it was racist when it wasn’t inherently makes her being the racist one in that conversation because at no point did I point to race. This is the same concept that is happening here those people saying the comment is racist are inherently making themselves racists by taking something out of context and twisting it to their preferred view of what racism is. Don’t let those people bring you down nor do you need to offer them any explanation cause most of those people have no military background or no subject matter expertise in this topic. I can promise you that 99% of military members wouldn’t take this as racist. You never mentioned that they were Muslim that was their own conclusion that plays no role in the story being told. All the comic said is that were bad guys and that sometimes they looked just like the good guys. Which is a FACTUAL statement.

WyntersMagik

Your comics are well presented and thought out. There are too many politically correct people in the world today who wear blinkers and will see wrong in things. Keep up the good work.

I think you did very well. Friend of mine did two tours in the middle east and one of his worst stories was clearing a house. He ignored the kid thinking he wasn't a threat and that resulting in him getting a hunting knife through the arm. He told me the whole story (he is very open about his time in the war) and it definitely looked like this comic when I imagined it. Thank you for doing your research, and helping shed light on the things our soldiers go through.

Lady Bugg

These people complaining have had no experience dealing with the reality of life outside their bubble. Reality sucks, it's brutal, ugly and your comic was completely accurate. Keep on what you're doing, don't let naysayer Nancy dictate what you post.

Can't please everyone, some people are going to tear into something just to cause a fuss, best to ignore them, you'll never be right in their eyes

Well said 👏

Honestly, wow I'm sorry you're getting comments like that. It's like people just wanna live in a little ignorant happy bubble. War happens. It's happening all over the world right now. And it's horrible and should be shown as such! If that comic snapshot slice of war surprised and offended you, then realize how privileged and sheltered you are and do some learning, people. That comic was deep, sad and resonated with many. Good job!

People looking to be offended will find any reason at all. The story was accurate and anyone getting offended need to get a life. Seriously.

Arctic Wolf

Really, people complained? About a fictional character, in a fictional setting... In a comic. Please people, log off, go do something.

It sounds so exhausting trying to be offended by everything. Not sure where people get the energy to do it.

Overnotee

Who in heck got offended by a pixie and brutus comic. I know the last one had a different tone but anyone who sees this as anything other than backstory for a military dog is someone who wants to be offended and antagonize anything they can get their hands on and aren't helpful critics. In my opinion this post was a wast of your time as the only people who agree will be those who saw the comic for it's intended purpose and those who decided to shame it will have no change in the slightest. Love the comics by the way.

Jesus Aguirre

Pay no mind to the renobs commenting nothing but ignorance. It’s what many people don’t understand about this fight: it’s not like WWII where your target is black/grey cladded soldiers wearing swastika armbands, it’s not like the Civil War where one side wore blue and the other wore grey, and so many other wars prior. The same gentle, kind hand that welcomes you can just as fast turn a loaded AK against you. And MWD’s experience just as much the harsh reality of war as the war fighting men and women themselves. Beautifully done, comic my brotha!!

This was the most accurate portrayal of what life is like when you are deployed. Even at the beginning/caption stated you did research and spoke to actual military!!! It hurts me that people ranted on you for this heartbreaking reality of what life is like being deployed. You are brave for creating this comic. God bless you!

That last comic hit me hard right in the feels and I have no problem with the insurgent and the plot. Given this day and age it pretty much had to be a middleestern setting given that Brutus is a ex service animal in 2020. You did good Ben. You usually do. Most can handle it. A few get offended. That's true for any comic, movie, statement, headline, tweet etc. Do not adapt to it.

Im getting tired of people seeing things in a certain light just to see it in that light. I love your comics. Dont let the naysayers get you down

Eldrid Loksan

Okay, Brutus is a dog, which means he's less that 5 years old. (Maybe a little more than that, but he doesn't look that old.) Where have all the combat missions been in the last 5 years? In the middle east.

Debra Savage

” I reject your reality, and substitute my own!” -people who complained.

Scott Anderson

Anyone who thinks this is racist and not reality for many soldiers in the US Forces is just silly. That was a good portrayal of the truth for those men and women(and army doggos). The simple fact is, there are terrorist organizations that are made up of many different races and backgrounds, but the main ones the US are dealing with(because they’re the largest threat to US citizens currently) are based in countries where many people are brown skinned and Islam is the predominant religion.

You told in earlier comics where Brutus got the scars, so I thought this wasn’t a suprise but a story. I enjoyed it a lot and trust your experience.

Good Lord. These people need to go back to their crying corner with their chamomile tea.

Veronica Vatter

I thought you did a good job. But i would have to agree, people nowadays have to have stuff laid out in front of them or they'll spin it in a completely opposite direction than the artist intended it to be. Keep up the good work Ben! I love your work and it makes me smile when I've had a bad day at work or just need a pick me up!

Some people just look for something to pick on in my eyes. It's a comic guys not some political post. The comics are great so please keep them up!

You did an excellent job and I'm glad you didn't come up with this willy-nilly, but actually did your research. The political-correctnes is often taken way too far, and so there will always be people who will try to shit on you because of their own made up theories and assumptions. You can't please everyone and glad you don't try to.

Oh man I was worried you were going to get complaints about it. But you're right, war is dangerous. I'm glad my brother came home safe, though many others haven't, as your comic shows.

Jessi Renee

It was an excellent comic. I found it very moving.

James Noury

Thank you for an accurate portrayal. I've lost a couple friends assigned to missions like that. Unfortunately it's a situation that is fairly common when searching villages for insurgents, especially since they are just like our own soldiers, having lives and family, living as part of the general population. They're not just "bad guys" 24/7, but human as well.

Well put

Alex J Waddington

Good for you. Thank you, always stand up for yourself 💙👍 Never forget how wonderful you are, you bring joy to so many of us, thank you 🥰

Dayna

I loved the backstory. I would guess most of the people giving you shit for it are less educated on the specific topic than you apparently are. So don't mind it too much :)

Lena Marie

My family has had a history of military service. This is a very familiar scenario that many people I know have had to go through, and not all survive that process.

Tex the Gentle Giant

You stayed true to reality. Unfortunately people can forget that reality can be unpleasant and uncomfortable at times.

Wynter O

I never thought your comic pointed to the mildest has being bad. I just love how your comic shows a big dog and kitten being a family

Michelle

Its sad that we live in a world where something like this needs explained. Excellent comic, plenty of thought and care went into it. Keep up the good work.

People will find anything to be offended about. Sorry you had to deal with some of those but I believe you did your research and portrayed the topic with accuracy. I really liked this backstory, tugged at my heartstrings!

The sensitivities of some people. They look to deep in a shallow pond

BunnyArtist47

The amount of lengths people go to to hate is ridiculous. And the fact that people took offense to the comic, thinking it was portraying brown people or Muslims as bad is just upsetting. It’s sad, the things that people take offense to nowadays. Before we know it, “White Christmas” is gonna be considered “racist” and so will older jazz songs because of the “stereotypical” way of singing. Tsk tsk. Well, I greatly enjoyed the comic, and I know most others did too.

You shouldn't even have to justify yourself! I'm a dog handler and I confirm 100% THIS IS REALITY, and YES there are children, women and elder people who use weapons and are terrorists, and yes, clearing a house is always aggressive as you never know who is good or bad. Local people know it and most of time they just cooperate if they aren't bad people. Everyone knows not all Muslims are terrorists BUT nowadays on missions the problem for military people is that all terrorists are on muslim countries. That's just reality, either you like it or not. Many local people are adorable and help us a lot, but the bad ones well, they are what they are. So stop living on that unicorn world and know reality is bad, brutal and so on. I have comrades who fell in combat in ways that are really similar of what is pictured in this comic and EVEN killed by women and children! I dare you to say to me it isn't true. Thank you to the artist who picture this as it is.

You did an excellent job with this story Ben. And for anyone who thinks otherwise if you don’t like it you don’t have to read it. I’m sorry you can’t handle the realities of life.

Danny

I grew up military and had friends whoes parent, brother, sister, came home under a flag and hearing these same stores and I think you did a good job. To many people get a stary eyed ideal of what military dangers from watching movies. It's rarely that clean. Good job.

Todd

No problem man, great bad story. Maybe add a part where he's in the vet and comes back to the home to the kitten

I'll add to the growing chorus and say that I, too, thought you did an excellent job with it.

Correct. Even the wild dogs are commonly a threat to the working dogs.

Sorry you received such backlash. Sadly it's the internet and people will find a way to be offended by absolutely everything and turn it into something it's not.

Dusty - ZL2TOY

I'm a veteran myself, and it was a very familiar scenario.

Thank you. Lots of good-meaning people are so innocent and Un-hardened by the crueler realities of life, they simply don’t understand. Thank you for your honesty. It’s much appreciated.

Sorry to hear the reactionary crowd is giving you a hard time for the backstory. I loved it, thank you.

Everything you created was spot on, and don’t let anyone for a second make you question what you did and how you did it.

During a war everything and everyone is a threat !

Pandyakuza