The Gentle Giant

    By April Jordan

    The Gentle Giant cover image

    02 May, 2024

    a dog standing on a sidewalk next to a dog on a leash and another dog on a leash on the sidewalk, modern european ink painting, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    Once upon a time, in a quaint little town, there lived a dog named Atlas. He was a Great Dane, a giant among canines, with a heart as big as his size.

    a dog standing on a street in front of a building with a sky background and a person sitting on a bench, furry art, a comic book panel, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), comic cover art

    Atlas had a peculiar habit of wandering through the town. His enormous frame drew attention wherever he went. Children would giggle with delight, and adults would stop to admire his majestic presence.

    a dog and a cat sitting on a cobblestone street in a city with a tree and buildings, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, comic cover art

    One sunny morning, a commotion broke out near the town square. A mischievous cat had found its way into a tree and refused to come down.

    a large dog standing on a sidewalk next to a crowd of people in a city square with a tree, hyperrealism, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, graphic novel

    Atlas, sensing the distress, trotted over to the tree and peered up at the stranded cat. With a soft whine, he looked back at the crowd as if asking for permission.

    a dog and a cat are standing in the woods near a tree and a branch with a bird on it, serial art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    Atlas carefully positioned himself beneath the tree. With a mighty leap, he reached up with his massive paws and gently nudged the branch where the cat perched.

    a dog and a cat sitting on a hill in front of a tree and a street with houses and a tree, furry art, a comic book panel, Chris LaBrooy, comic cover art

    Slowly but surely, the cat began to inch its way down, encouraged by Atlas's reassuring presence. With a graceful leap, the cat landed safely in Atlas's outstretched arms.

    a dog jumping up into the air to catch a frisbee in a crowded city street with people, context art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Atlas gently set the cat down on the ground. With a wag of his tail and a friendly bark, he bid farewell to his newfound friend and continued on his way.

    a dog sitting in front of a crowd of people in a city square with a tree in the background, furry art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    From that day on, Atlas became a beloved hero in the town, known far and wide for his kindness and bravery.

    a dog standing on a city street next to a dog on a leash and a man walking a dog, furry art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, western comic book art

    Despite his newfound fame, Atlas remained the same gentle giant. He continued his routine strolls, greeting everyone with a friendly bark and a wag of his tail.

    a dog sitting on a street with a group of people walking by it and a child standing on the sidewalk, magical realism, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    Children would run up to him, eager to pet the town's hero. Adults would smile at him, their eyes filled with admiration and respect for the brave dog.

    a dog dressed as a superhero on a city street with people walking by and a man in a red cape, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Colin Middleton, comic cover art

    Atlas was a big dog, but his heart was even bigger. He showed everyone that size did not define one's character, but the kindness and bravery within.

    a dog sitting on a street with a crowd of people in the background at sunset or dawn, with a dog on the street, furry art, a comic book panel, Anthony Palumbo, comic cover art

    And so, Atlas, the gentle giant, left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. His tale of bravery and kindness was remembered for generations, a testament to his large heart.