1978 represented a real shift in the animation landscape, with creators aiming to upgrade the industry’s reputation from kiddie fun to mature contemplation. In the U.S., we put Fritz the Cat’s Ralph Bakshi on a Rotoscope-heavy rendition of Lord of the Rings, and over in the nation of Britannia? It was rabbit season. Based on Richard Adams’ novel that’d come out two years prior, the animated adaptation brings all the drama and adventure into a full visual spectacle. These are no hopping little bunnies but characters struggling in abysmal circumstances searching for someplace to call their own – and spilling plenty of blood along the way. AFS and partner Alienated Majesty Books screen the furry feature as part of book club Paper Cuts, which pairs it with anthology Dark Entries, Vol. 3: Excursions into the Gothic. – James Scott
