The Dam Keeper

The dam keeper is a young pig who inherited the job from his father.  The dam he maintains doesn't keep water out, but instead keeps a dark and evil mist from invading his walled city.  He has maintained the dam so long, that people in the town have stopped appreciating the sacrifice he makes to keep them safe. Then one day a gigantic wave of mist slams into the city, and the Dam Keeper is swept into the deadly land beyond the city wall.

This is kind of a dark and brooding graphic novel that got some starred reviews this year. It is apparently based on a short film, but it is fine to read even if you haven't seen the film. The illustration is stunning, and the story is clearly the opener for a series. I am intrigued that they used kind of a rolly-polly pig as the main character.  It actually makes the whole story more suspenseful to juxtapose the goofy looking pig with the serious content.  I will be eager to see the next one when it comes out. (153 p. 2017)