Pigs get an unfair reputation. They are clever, social and famously tidy when given the chance. The pigs in the Piggy Collection, however, did not get the memo. These are round, pink, orange-topped characters in neckties, each one convinced he is the most important animal on the farm, and each one caught in the middle of proving he is not.
The talkers
Sir Complains a Lot has one eyebrow up and his mouth already open, a chubby piglet in a red tie with little motion lines around his head, because he has been grumbling long enough to vibrate. You can practically hear the list of grievances. My Open Mouth Spews Lies leans in with bulging eyes and a crooked grin under a flame-shaped orange forelock, the kind of pig who says the quiet part, then the loud part, then something that was never true to begin with. Both of them look thrilled with themselves, which is what makes them funny.
The showmen
Then there is the piglet on parade. One design shows a speckled pink and orange pig trotting forward with a red scarf flying off his neck and his wispy hair swept up like a pageant finalist, mouth wide open in pure delight, tiny hooves mid strut. He is a performer, and the audience he imagines is enormous. In Bacon I Trust takes a quieter approach: a big-eyed pig standing very still in a purple suit and red tie, a glossy orange wave of hair curled down over his forehead, staring straight out at you with an unsettling sincerity. The caption is a motto he has clearly thought about. It is the most earnest face in the collection, and that is the punchline.
For the one who never takes the bait
This collection is for the friend who can sit through a long, loud rant at the holiday table and answer it with one arched eyebrow. She has heard every talking point, and she would rather laugh than argue. Hand her Sir Complains a Lot and she will know exactly who it reminds her of, probably before you finish explaining. These pigs do the complaining so she does not have to. And if anyone asks what the fuss is about, she can point to the little one in the purple suit, who has made his position on bacon perfectly clear.
Written by James. Thanks for reading.
