By d. emerson eddy — Funny animal books don't necessarily have the same market penetration in North America as they do elsewhere, especially across Europe. It's not to say that they don't exist, we've got wonderful works like Maus, The Autumnlands, Grandville, Mouse Guard, and the big juggernauts like Mickey Mouse and Looney Tunes, but it's usually only the latter that seems to have prominence here. Works that are primarily aimed at children. Across European comics, you're as likely to see talking animals in any genre, from adventure through to crime noir. Of the latter, one of the most successful in any language is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido's Blacksad.