This anthology collects Stephan Pastis’ popular comic strip, Pearls Before Swine, from January 2005 to August 2006, previously published separately in The Sopratos and Da Brudderhood of Zeeba Zeeba Eata. This funny strip follows four anthropomorphic friends: the cynical bastard Rat, his earnest lackey Pig, Goat and Zebra, as well as numerous side characters – both human and animal.

Beginning as a Webcomic, Pearls currently runs in 400 newspapers worldwide. Pastis lists his influences as Peanuts, Dilbert and Get Fuzzy. This is a nice collection, which cleverly features Pastis’ commentary between strips.

Grade: A-

The Crass Menagerie: A Pearls Before Swine Treasury is currently available.