Feral #23: The Claws Come Out in Image Comics’ Intense Cat Horror
The terrifying world of feline survival hits another high-stakes turning point. Feral #23 continues the high-octane horror saga from creators Tony Fleecs and Trish Forstner, throwing our favorite domestic cats into their most desperate escape attempt yet. If you are anxious to see how this rabies-fueled nightmare unfolds, you can always check out our latest New Comics to secure your weekly pull list.
Creative Team
- Writers: Tony Fleecs & Trish Forstner
- Artists: Tone Rodriguez & Trish Forstner
- Colorist: Brad Simpson
- Publisher: Image Comics
The Lab Nightmare: Leland Fails the Test
The horror of Feral has always been the tragic transformation of normal animals into rabid, violent monsters. In this issue, the stakes move from the dark, open woods into the sterile, terrifying confines of a research lab.
Our group of survivors finds themselves locked in stacked metal cages, forced to watch the horrific effects of the infection up close.
As the infected cat “Ghost” spits bile and tears at its cage, the reality of their situation sets in. The mysterious scientists in biohazard suits are not trying to cure them.
The realization that their friend Leland “failed the test” sends shockwaves through the cages. These people are cold, calculating, and willing to put any animal down that doesn’t fit their research parameters. The domestic cats quickly understand that staying in these cages means certain death.
Elsie’s Redemptive Choice
At the heart of this intense survival story is Elsie, a cat carrying the heavy burden of past choices.
Reeling from guilt, Elsie apologizes to her pack for previously abandoning them in the woods. She views herself as selfish, but her friends see her differently. They remind her that she escaped Pet City but chose to return to save them.
“You are a leader. That is your purpose,” they urge. This emotional core gives the cats the strength they need to face the challenges ahead. Elsie’s unique ability to open doors becomes their only hope for freedom.
The Escape Dilemma: No Cat Left Behind
With Elsie leading the charge, the cages are opened, but the path to freedom is far from simple. Ghost managed to escape through a gap in the ceiling, meaning the cats have to climb high up to find a way out.
This setup triggers a massive moral dilemma within the group. The kittens are simply too small to climb to the ceiling. A pragmatic survivor suggests leaving them behind, stating they “serve no purpose” and will slow the group down.
However, the protective instincts of the pack take over, leading to a fierce, snarling standoff. The group refuses to leave the kittens to the mercy of the scientists. It is a powerful moment that highlights the humanity and loyalty of these domestic pets in the face of brutal survival.
If you love exploring animal-centric thrillers or want to see how this series compares to classic horror comics of the past, you should see what happened in history on This Day In Comics to discover earlier trailblazing titles.
Collector Guide and Variant Covers
For serious collectors, Feral #23 features an incredibly atmospheric lineup of covers that perfectly capture the claustrophobic terror of the lab arc.
Below, you can preview the stunning artwork options available for this issue:
Standard Cover A featuring the reflection of the cats in a biohazard visor.
Variant Cover B featuring a moody, green-toned silhouette profile.
Variant Cover C highlighting the intense, detailed artwork of the main characters.
No matter which cover you choose, Feral #23 delivers a fast-paced, emotional, and genuinely frightening reading experience.
📢 Join the Conversation
Do you think Elsie and her pack will manage to escape the lab with the kittens? How are you enjoying the transition from the woods to the research facility? Discover your next read with our Comic Book of the Day and let us know your thoughts on X/Twitter by tagging us @comicbookaddt!
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