Artist Who Made People Cry With Her ‘Good Boy’ And ‘Black Cat’ Comics Is Back With Another Tearjerker
Freelance illustrator and comic artist Jenny Jinya has amassed quite a following. She has 163K followers on Facebook and 203K on Instagram alone, and her Good Boy and Black Cat strips are the perfect reasons why. Not only does Jenny create compelling characters and interesting narratives, but her sad stories also highlight serious issues that both domesticated and wild animals face in today’s world. Abandonment. Habitat destruction and pollution. These are just a few problems that the artist has already tackled.
Her latest dark comic deals with animal abuse in circuses. Jenny imagined the life of a lion at a facility that forces the king of the jungle to perform. Once again, she did an excellent job showing how cruel people can be towards the creatures we share the Earth with.
More info: Jenny-Jinya.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Image credits: JennyJinya
Jenny told Bored Panda that, of course, not all circuses are bad. “Now, there are [some] where instead of wild animals, huge holograms inspire the audience. Or even circus shows with no animals at all, relying completely on their human acrobats and clowns. I hope this trend will spread,” she said.
However, even though innovations are making their way into the industry, a lot of establishments continue running animal shows. And it’s not just the performance itself that’s harming the creatures. According to Freedom for Animals, a charity campaigning to end the use of animals in entertainment, touring circuses may cover thousands of miles a year, carrying animals from site to site in transporters and cages on the back of lorries known as beast wagons. “Moving location each week means they spend most of the year in temporary accommodation. The animals may be confined for hours, even days, in their traveling cages with their only respite being either limited time in an exercise cage, being rehearsed, or performing,” the organization wrote on their website. “It is impossible for a traveling menagerie to provide circus animals with the facilities they need.”
For this sad comic, Jenny chose a lion but she said that she’s speaking on behalf of all animals that are mistreated for the sake of selling tickets. “It wouldn’t have mattered if I had shown a lion or an elephant. Wild animals belong in freedom, they should sleep in the sun, hunt and protect their families. They should not jump through hoops because they will be punished if they refuse,” the artist explained.
The artist is all about bringing attention to animal rights – to those who don’t have a voice to speak up for themselves but, sadly, some people get a completely different message. This has a lot to do with both publishers and individuals carelessly resharing her content. “The problem is that many … often don’t share my complete comics, only individual pages. They also often leave out the last page where I describe the problem and share links for further information or donations. Some people then see this and do not understand the message. They think I just enjoy drawing abused animals.”
Jenny even started receiving hate mail because of this. “They don’t know that I’m trying to educate and raise funds. But it’s not their fault and mostly I can explain to them what my comics are all about.” If you, on the other hand, want to support the artist and the causes she’s fighting for, consider supporting her on Patreon. Jenny even puts aside 30% of everything she receives to donate to different animal organizations and shelters every month.
In the meantime, check out the other works she shared with Bored Panda, for example, the sequel to the Black Cat or the one about an albatross.
Here’s what people said about Jenny’s comic
I love how Death acknowledges the lion by his rightful title and the last panel with him happily reigning over the ghost cats was beautiful.
It really was tear jerking, I agree with the lion too, If I was just an entertainment tool, beaten every day, I wouldn't feel like royalty even if people said I was.
Load More Replies...That's why i like Circus Roncalli in Germany: Still animals - but holographic ones! Majestic, beautiful and cruelty-free.
circus-ani...logram.jpg you can see them so much better too
Load More Replies...I am a professional magician and have worked in the circus and was the entertainer for a zoo for two years. I have never known anyone who worked with exotic animals who was not attacked or injured by them.
There are animal rehab centers that help some of those big cats abused in circus acts, as well as by private owners. There they get to live out their lives without abuse... and they need our support.
It's not just big cats. "There is not a single species within animal kingdom humans have not exploited, inflict harm upon or killed." The artist said she dedicated her work to expose all sorts of animal abuses.
Load More Replies...I love these drawings. Some are sad... Very freaking sad. But the ideea itself îs beautiful, somehow like the ideea of Death not being something to be scared of ( rather than the usual ideea of Death being always the bad guy)
Exactly! In many somewhat similar stories, Death is the bad guy, taking things away and ruining everything. But, if there truly is a personified entity that is Death, I’d like to think that they are more like this; a kind and compassionate being just doing their job. In these comics, Death never makes the dead feel bad or disrespects them but instead honors them for their accomplishments and personalities in life. Death is simply trying to get the lost souls safely to the afterlife, always trying to grant them a last request and make them happy as long as the laws of nature allow for it.
Load More Replies...I'm happy that animals in circuses are forbidden here. It's unbelievable how people can ever think it's funny or entertaining to see wild animals perform tricks and live their lives in tiny cages :(
Will this woman never stop tearing out my heart?.... No. And that's good.
I love the idea that death cares about the feelings of those who've died and tries to make the journey to the afterlife as happy and willing as possible. The lion looked soo happy ruling over the tiny kitties.
The Dumb Alex, I'm sure that lion would look even happier to be alive and free of abuse. This is the problem: people care too much if there's life on other planets, about afterlife.... what about caring about ALL life on this planet, in this life???? Suffering is not right!!! Do something about it. There's plenty to be done, and everybody can help.
Load More Replies...Thank you. I'm crying. I wish all animals were able to live free and I support the people that take in animals from the wild to rehab or care for that wouldn't otherwise survive. I'm also not a fan of aquarium entertainment although some say it's educational. If an animal can't live in the wild then I could see an aquarium for them to live out in and educate. But not do tricks. Adopt don't shop.
The poor animals that have to face this... It's very nice of the creator to call awareness to this type of thing, as it is often overlooked.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies...why are people so stupid what if animals had our brains ??!!! they would do the same .. BE HELD AGAINST THEIR WILL TO PERFORM FOR PEOPLE(animals) ENTERTAINMENT .. look at the consequences .. the harm to the environment
And he will be a wise and benevolent King. Death is kind and wise. I'm ugly crying. Again.
This almost mad me cry! I never knew circuses were this bad! Poor animals! And pls make more! I love these! Some are heartwarming too!
Thank you, Jenny, for being the voice for the forgotten victims of human cruelty, whether they are dogs, cats, ducks, seabirds or circus animals.
Thanks so much for your realistic observation, Annie Laurie. The inhumane treatment of animals is the message here, not the job evaluation of Mr. Death, or Ms. Death? Who knows?
Load More Replies...DIE ANIMAL ABUSERS HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF YOU WERE CHAINED UP AND BEATEN AND FORCED TO PERFORM IN FRONT OF CROWDS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS WHO WERE LAUGHING!?!?
No wonder clowns are used so much in horror-related things. THEY'RE EVIL!
I was holding on - until I saw the kitties. Now the lion will reign with goddness and fairness.
Heart wrenching, but important to raise awareness of these issues... still a large number of circuses in South America and other regions that use animals... kudos to the lovely artist! A couple of months ago, my company, Priority Worldwide, organized an air charter for the Animal Defenders International, to move 17 lions and tigers, rescued from Guatemala circus. They were brought to a sanctuary in South Africa and are living their best lives!
The South African government does not take care of its wildlife, they allow trophy hunters to murder even the endangered species.
Load More Replies...OK, either she has to stop drawing these, or I have to stop reading them at work. It's a little hard to explain why I'm sitting here crying.
Keep reading them Leslie, (just don't tell your boss) and then follow up with an action to stop animal abusers.
Load More Replies...hallowed, don't feel heartless about not crying, about not helping to stop abhorrent animal abuses...that's another story. By the way, helping animals, also helps people; there's the indisputable link between animal cruelty and violence against (among) people.
Load More Replies...He's reigning over the ghost kitties.... that's the part that got me.
My poor heart. It’s so sad how animals are abused for human entertainment.
Jenny Jinya, once again, you have touched my heart. I am beginning to like Death / The Grim Reaper. At least, he is respectful whereas humans are not. And, in the last panel, the lion is happy at last. Rest in peace to all cats, big and small.
You should read the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. Ms Jinya may have been inspired by Mr Pratchett's Death character or it was a happy coincidence. See this pic for what I'm talking about: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255157135114415487/
Load More Replies...I don't understand your comment, Water Bottle. That's the artist's intention to bring attention to the atrocities committed by humans, and urge everybody with conscience to help those who fight them.
Load More Replies...I've been to a circus once, many years ago. It was phenomenal. Just spectacular. Great experience. And guess what? NO ANIMALS. Animals are not needed in circus acts!
Im so glad that someone is raising awareness about this. Time to cry now.
I thought I wasn’t gonna cry. But then dust must’ve flew into my eye with the cats
Cirque de Soleil are absolutely AWESOME and they don't use animals, ever.
When I was about 6 I was always forced to take care of the family dog who my mom got for my dad ( I always assumed that was crappy) so when he would poop sometimes I would push him over. As a adult I work as a vet and voulenteer I have never forgiven myself and I thank you for sharing this with the world
Oh god... When people hurt these animals... Just when goes through their mind? I know people want money, but when do they look at something and think that's a little over the top? Humans are faulty. I guess the only thing we can do is strive to be better. Strive to improve from what we were and decide who we want to be.
Every time I read these comics I start crying, but I cant stop reading them.
there's this circus that uses holograms instead of real animls! It's really cool!
Any professional trainer will only use positive reinforcement training methods - because they are the most effective. What worries me here is the number of people thinking that only threat of punishment works in training animals - and that must be the training method they use.
Lloyd, again, just to keep an animal (wild or domesticated) in a small cage where it can't turn around and stretch its limbs is a horrific abuse, not to mention to drag it around the long distances. Professional trainers, get out of this 'profession".
Load More Replies...I love how Death acknowledges the lion by his rightful title and the last panel with him happily reigning over the ghost cats was beautiful.
It really was tear jerking, I agree with the lion too, If I was just an entertainment tool, beaten every day, I wouldn't feel like royalty even if people said I was.
Load More Replies...That's why i like Circus Roncalli in Germany: Still animals - but holographic ones! Majestic, beautiful and cruelty-free.
circus-ani...logram.jpg you can see them so much better too
Load More Replies...I am a professional magician and have worked in the circus and was the entertainer for a zoo for two years. I have never known anyone who worked with exotic animals who was not attacked or injured by them.
There are animal rehab centers that help some of those big cats abused in circus acts, as well as by private owners. There they get to live out their lives without abuse... and they need our support.
It's not just big cats. "There is not a single species within animal kingdom humans have not exploited, inflict harm upon or killed." The artist said she dedicated her work to expose all sorts of animal abuses.
Load More Replies...I love these drawings. Some are sad... Very freaking sad. But the ideea itself îs beautiful, somehow like the ideea of Death not being something to be scared of ( rather than the usual ideea of Death being always the bad guy)
Exactly! In many somewhat similar stories, Death is the bad guy, taking things away and ruining everything. But, if there truly is a personified entity that is Death, I’d like to think that they are more like this; a kind and compassionate being just doing their job. In these comics, Death never makes the dead feel bad or disrespects them but instead honors them for their accomplishments and personalities in life. Death is simply trying to get the lost souls safely to the afterlife, always trying to grant them a last request and make them happy as long as the laws of nature allow for it.
Load More Replies...I'm happy that animals in circuses are forbidden here. It's unbelievable how people can ever think it's funny or entertaining to see wild animals perform tricks and live their lives in tiny cages :(
Will this woman never stop tearing out my heart?.... No. And that's good.
I love the idea that death cares about the feelings of those who've died and tries to make the journey to the afterlife as happy and willing as possible. The lion looked soo happy ruling over the tiny kitties.
The Dumb Alex, I'm sure that lion would look even happier to be alive and free of abuse. This is the problem: people care too much if there's life on other planets, about afterlife.... what about caring about ALL life on this planet, in this life???? Suffering is not right!!! Do something about it. There's plenty to be done, and everybody can help.
Load More Replies...Thank you. I'm crying. I wish all animals were able to live free and I support the people that take in animals from the wild to rehab or care for that wouldn't otherwise survive. I'm also not a fan of aquarium entertainment although some say it's educational. If an animal can't live in the wild then I could see an aquarium for them to live out in and educate. But not do tricks. Adopt don't shop.
The poor animals that have to face this... It's very nice of the creator to call awareness to this type of thing, as it is often overlooked.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies...why are people so stupid what if animals had our brains ??!!! they would do the same .. BE HELD AGAINST THEIR WILL TO PERFORM FOR PEOPLE(animals) ENTERTAINMENT .. look at the consequences .. the harm to the environment
And he will be a wise and benevolent King. Death is kind and wise. I'm ugly crying. Again.
This almost mad me cry! I never knew circuses were this bad! Poor animals! And pls make more! I love these! Some are heartwarming too!
Thank you, Jenny, for being the voice for the forgotten victims of human cruelty, whether they are dogs, cats, ducks, seabirds or circus animals.
Thanks so much for your realistic observation, Annie Laurie. The inhumane treatment of animals is the message here, not the job evaluation of Mr. Death, or Ms. Death? Who knows?
Load More Replies...DIE ANIMAL ABUSERS HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF YOU WERE CHAINED UP AND BEATEN AND FORCED TO PERFORM IN FRONT OF CROWDS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS WHO WERE LAUGHING!?!?
No wonder clowns are used so much in horror-related things. THEY'RE EVIL!
I was holding on - until I saw the kitties. Now the lion will reign with goddness and fairness.
Heart wrenching, but important to raise awareness of these issues... still a large number of circuses in South America and other regions that use animals... kudos to the lovely artist! A couple of months ago, my company, Priority Worldwide, organized an air charter for the Animal Defenders International, to move 17 lions and tigers, rescued from Guatemala circus. They were brought to a sanctuary in South Africa and are living their best lives!
The South African government does not take care of its wildlife, they allow trophy hunters to murder even the endangered species.
Load More Replies...OK, either she has to stop drawing these, or I have to stop reading them at work. It's a little hard to explain why I'm sitting here crying.
Keep reading them Leslie, (just don't tell your boss) and then follow up with an action to stop animal abusers.
Load More Replies...hallowed, don't feel heartless about not crying, about not helping to stop abhorrent animal abuses...that's another story. By the way, helping animals, also helps people; there's the indisputable link between animal cruelty and violence against (among) people.
Load More Replies...He's reigning over the ghost kitties.... that's the part that got me.
My poor heart. It’s so sad how animals are abused for human entertainment.
Jenny Jinya, once again, you have touched my heart. I am beginning to like Death / The Grim Reaper. At least, he is respectful whereas humans are not. And, in the last panel, the lion is happy at last. Rest in peace to all cats, big and small.
You should read the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. Ms Jinya may have been inspired by Mr Pratchett's Death character or it was a happy coincidence. See this pic for what I'm talking about: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255157135114415487/
Load More Replies...I don't understand your comment, Water Bottle. That's the artist's intention to bring attention to the atrocities committed by humans, and urge everybody with conscience to help those who fight them.
Load More Replies...I've been to a circus once, many years ago. It was phenomenal. Just spectacular. Great experience. And guess what? NO ANIMALS. Animals are not needed in circus acts!
Im so glad that someone is raising awareness about this. Time to cry now.
I thought I wasn’t gonna cry. But then dust must’ve flew into my eye with the cats
Cirque de Soleil are absolutely AWESOME and they don't use animals, ever.
When I was about 6 I was always forced to take care of the family dog who my mom got for my dad ( I always assumed that was crappy) so when he would poop sometimes I would push him over. As a adult I work as a vet and voulenteer I have never forgiven myself and I thank you for sharing this with the world
Oh god... When people hurt these animals... Just when goes through their mind? I know people want money, but when do they look at something and think that's a little over the top? Humans are faulty. I guess the only thing we can do is strive to be better. Strive to improve from what we were and decide who we want to be.
Every time I read these comics I start crying, but I cant stop reading them.
there's this circus that uses holograms instead of real animls! It's really cool!
Any professional trainer will only use positive reinforcement training methods - because they are the most effective. What worries me here is the number of people thinking that only threat of punishment works in training animals - and that must be the training method they use.
Lloyd, again, just to keep an animal (wild or domesticated) in a small cage where it can't turn around and stretch its limbs is a horrific abuse, not to mention to drag it around the long distances. Professional trainers, get out of this 'profession".
Load More Replies...
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