In a 1950s America populated by anthropomorphic animals, John Blacksad is a solitary private detective with a troubled past. Investigating murders, disappearances, and criminal cases, he repeatedly finds himself confronting corruption, racism, political tensions, and the violence running through society. Each investigation forces him to navigate between police officers, criminals, journalists, and powerful figures, while his sense of justice and his own personal wounds drive him to uncover the truth, even when it becomes dangerous.