Creative Team Takes a 'Bite' Out of Pit Bull Stereotypes with New Graphic Novel
Tackling the negative press surrounding the American Pit Bull Terrier, two artists decide to tell the other side of the story.
Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) August 22, 2007 -- At a time when embattled NFL star Michael Vick faces jail time for dog fighting, and highly-publicized reports of Pit Bull attacks continually litter the news, Jon Bozak and Scott Bruns are out to promote a more positive message about the American Pit Bull Terrier. With their fifty-six-page graphic novel, Demo, the Story of a Junkyard Dog, the duo intend to entertain readers while giving them pause to question the breed's negative stereotypes, and view Pit Bulls in a better light.
The book follows the trials and tribulations of Demo, a good-natured junkyard dog, who, due to his rough-and-tumble appearance, must endure neglect, rejection, and the scariest dog-catching machine ever built, as he searches for a loving home.
For writer Jon Bozak, the project reflects a twenty-year involvement with Pit Bulls. Over that period, he's adopted numerous Pits and Pit mixes -- all well socialized and well-behaved canine citizens. It's one dog in particular, Demo, that inspired Jon to write the book. A dead ringer for Pete, the Pup, of The Little Rascal's fame (also a Pit Bull), Demo's magnetic personality and approachable looks elicit a wider range of responses from people than any of the dogs Jon has previously owned.
"People, who don't realize Demo is a Pit Bull, can't help but come over to meet him," Bozak says. "Later, when I tell them what breed he is, they're actually okay with it, because they've just witnessed his loving nature first-hand."
But for some bystanders, who visually recognize Demo's Pit Bull breeding, the reaction is quite the opposite. Many cross the street when they see Demo approaching.
"People make judgments based on sensational reports they get from the news. What they fail to realize is that Pit Bulls, like any other dog, are products of their upbringing. They're not born bad. It's irresponsible owners who create problem dogs," Bozak maintains. "Fortunately, there are thousands of responsible Pit Bull owners, with dogs just as friendly and well-behaved as Demo, and that number is growing."
It's that core group of responsible Pit Bull owners he believes his book will initially appeal to. And indeed it has, with such notable Pit Bull enthusiasts as NY Post pet columnist Julia Szabo, author and animal behaviorist, Diane Jessup and Animal Precinct's Victoria Wells lending their support. What Bozak hopes for, though, is that the book will eventually work its way into the hands of those who doubt the breed's integrity.
To help illustrate his point, Bozak sought out tattooist and illustrator, Scott Bruns to provide the story with the necessary imagery.
"It was important that the book be exciting for all ages," says Bruns. I wanted to give younger readers something fun to look at, but also make it dramatic and interesting enough for adults."
"We believe the book will find its niche," Bozak adds. "Far too many good dogs are banned and even euthanized, just because of their breeding -- not because of anything they've actually done. It's time to balance out the story -- one reader at a time."
Demo, the Story of a Junkyard Dog is available online at www.demo-dog.com. For additional information about the book please contact Jon Bozak, demo-dog @ earthlink.net or 718 288 6141.
About Jon Bozak: Jon Bozak, is a creative consultant for print and film in NYC. He provides clients with solutions to enhance their graphic, three-dimensional, and editorial projects.
About Scott Bruns: Scott Bruns is a tattooist/illustrator who now lives and works in Wellfleet, MA after spending a decade working in NYC.
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