Step Inside Fil Barlow’s ‘Zooniverse’ – Fun for All Ages and Species

STORY BY: Fil Barlow
COVER AND ART BY: Fil Barlow
PUBLISHER: Milk Shadow Books
COVER PRICE: $5.99 (AUD)
FORMAT: B/W A5 Mini-Comic
PAGES: 40

Collecting both old and new works, Zooniverse: Zoonimini #1 offers readers a tiny glimpse into the massive “ZOONIVERSE” – specifically a space station known as The Hub. Homeworld to a variety of intergalactic creatures, The Hub is a refuge for any “ZOON” who find themselves in need of refuge from war or cultural persecution. Of course, the lack of social mores also means that (most) of the Zoons here have become vain, interbreeding deviants… but that’s all part of their hapless charm!

First conceived by Australian cartoonist and character designer Fil Barlow back in the mid-80s, the Zooniverse is actually a “living” universe that constantly spawns entire planets and suns, each populated with their own lifeforms called Zoons. Having had years to fully imagine this sprawling universe, Barlow’s professional experience at developing characters on shows like ALF, Mighty Ducks, Extreme Ghostbusters and Tutenstein, is definitely evident with the Zoons.

While we don’t get tons of character development in the two short stories featured – ZOONS! and Zoons at the Ozcon – we do get the feeling that this world has been around for awhile which made me want to learn more. Apparently we might just get that chance with more Zoonimini’s in the works at Milk Shadow, all intended to lead towards a 200-page collection of the Zooniverse series!

WANNA SEE MORE? CHECK OUT THESE ZOONIVERSE ANIMATIONS ON LOOP DE LOOP.