The Creator Of ‘Pixie And Brutus’ Finally Reveals How Brutus Got His Scars, And People Can’t Hold Back The Tears

Interview With Artist

We swear we’re not crying—it’s those darn ninja pandas cutting onions again. Ben Hed, one of the best-known artists on Instagram and the creator of the Pet Foolery Instagram account, has illustrated perhaps the most important comic in the Pixie And Brutus saga.

Ben has finally revealed the full story and the emotional details behind how Brutus the dog got his scars while serving in the military. We won’t spoil anything for you, dear Readers, so go ahead and have a look for yourselves. But be prepared to feel some epic feels. Do you need some funny and light Pet Foolery comics to pick you up after this one? We’ve got you covered. Have a look through some of illustrator Ben’s newest works of art featured on Bored Panda right here, as well as here.

Artist Ben told Bored Panda that creating the newest comic took far longer than absolutely any other comic he’s posted on Instagram so far. The reasons for this were the amount of work he put in: not just into drawing the cartoon, but also into the research. “This comic took longer than any other comic I’ve posted to Instagram, partially because of the length and detail, and partially because of the amount of research I put into it before drawing anything,” Ben said.

“I’d say this was the most important and serious comic in the Pixie and Brutus series, so I took my time with it to make sure I got it right,” Ben explained why he poured so much of his time into the comic.

More info: Instagram | Patreon

Brutus finally revealed to Pixie how he got his scars

The Creator Of ‘Pixie And Brutus’ Finally Reveals How Brutus Got His Scars, And People Can’t Hold Back The Tears

Some people weren’t happy with how things were portrayed in this comic, so artist Ben explained on his Instagram that everything was researched and he went through all of the criticism point by point.

Pet Foolery is a real art whale on Instagram. Ben’s account has over 2.4 million loyal followers on the platform and it doesn’t look like their ranks will stop growing any time soon. So long as Ben keeps pouring so much care and attention into his adorable and emotionally powerful illustrations.

Earlier, Bored Panda spoke to Ben and he was open about how he’d slightly updated the design of Pixie and Brutus and thrown in a few comics where Pixie was a bit older. But before you start worrying about Pet Foolery’s comics changing too much, Ben told us that it’s still “the same ol’ Pixie and Brutus,” just with a few minor tweaks. And a few changes never hurt anybody. They help keep things fresh.

In one of his earlier comics, artist Ben Hed illustrated how Brutus changed over time

One of the main challenges that recurring cartoon artists face is coming up with new and exciting ideas for what to draw next and where to move the story. Ben is no exception. He was candid that it’s “getting harder and harder” to come up with new jokes and ideas. Fortunately, he seems to be doing great so far and we’re sure that he’ll face the challenge and come out on top every time.

Speaking of challenges, the artist suggested that other creators try mixing things up by trying new things, concepts, formats, and styles if they feel like they’ve hit a creative roadblock. Being flexible and open to novelty seems to help.

Be sure to follow Pet Foolery’s Instagram account for Ben’s latest comics. And if you want to support the artist, you can always consider doing so via his Patreon.

The comic about Brutus’ past made a lot of fans of Pet Foolery tear up

The Creator Of ‘Pixie And Brutus’ Finally Reveals How Brutus Got His Scars, And People Can’t Hold Back The Tears

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

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I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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What do you think ?

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Daria Z 3 years ago

Looks like the shooter was defending his wife from the armed foreign troops who had broken into their house. War is so ugly! It hurts all parties... :(

40points

Britta B 3 years ago

The comic actually sparked a lot of controversity. Theres a huge shitstorm going on on his Instagram about it. The artist made clear that the shooter was a criminal/terrorist, who blended in with the locals, hence the "sometimes they look and act like anyone else". He wanted to make clear that the soldiers in his comic don't randomly attack innocent people.

88points

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Mike Crow 3 years ago

It’s easy to judge when you are not there and only have part of the story.

8points

Aski Markup 3 years ago

Exactly, having your homeland invaded, you will do what you can to defend yourself. And then be labelled the "bad guy".

6points

Rissie 3 years ago (edited)

Drawing that conclusion from a fictional drawing, is pretty strange since the artist is clear that's not the case. There are always many sides to one story, but in a fictional one the artist calls the shots. And don't be pc about cultures you know nothing about. This fictional wife you are thinking of is also living the life that becomes her in these specific countries of war. And even though international soldiers (not just US soldiers) are there to intervene, the reason for war to begin with is usually very local with people fighting for money and power. And since oil is a big one in that, international attention is drawn quickly. War stinks, but it's not that simple to say someone invaded your home and all you did was just have a semi automatic weapon to defend your claim to power in it while ordering the females in your household around.

4points

Brandon Wood 3 weeks ago

Did you miss the part where the guy was hiding the AK47? They're allowed to keep weapons in their homes to defend their families from terrorists that would kidnap them. And use the wife and children as ransom to force the father to be a suicide bomber. Or just to execute the family for talking to American troops. We don't just "break into" someone's home at random. They are investigated and questioned, just like the police would do. We don't go in unless it has been determined that there is a terrorist or a LIKELY terrorist. The civilians all know what we are doing. It's explained to them and their leaders by commanders. And commanders keep contact with these leaders so that information can be delegated. Again, we don't just breach because we felt like it. And it's rare that this is done without the suspicion of a known terrorist. The shooter was a terrorist. Guarantee that's what was meant to be portrayed. Talk to a combat veteran. Turn off the news.

0points

Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago

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Mike Crow 3 years ago

Stupid onion ninjas.

35points

Onion Cutting Ninja 2 years ago

11points

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Soap 3 years ago

Aw... Pixie and Brutus are getting older...

24points

Josy Bannon 3 years ago

I liked that too, doesnt happen very often in cartoons

12points

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Daria Z 3 years ago

Looks like the shooter was defending his wife from the armed foreign troops who had broken into their house. War is so ugly! It hurts all parties... :(

40points