Animal Man #17 Review

It is finally here; the finale of "Rotworld". It is what all Animal fans have been eagerly anticipating for the last few months, so can it live up to the hype that Jeff Lemire has built up for it? I think this issue certainly does. The action in this issue is brilliant, and there were some moments in it that I was truly not expecting to see. When I read that it was part one of the finale, I did initially let out a moan, however I am now very happy that it is continuing into the latest issue of Swamp Thing as well.

One thing that made this issue different to how I was expecting it to be was the way it constantly jumped from the Animal Man story line and the Swamp Thing storyline. I had a feeling this would be the case considering Synder is credited in this book, however it was not something I was necessarily looking forward too. I have only been reading the Animal Man chapters of this storyline, so was not too bothered about reading what was happening on the other side.
However Synder made it very enjoyable and accessible, especially considering I am a new reader to the Swamp Thing. Nothing was too confusing, and the way this issue went back forth felt very natural. It flowed beautifully.

As mentioned above there were some moments in this issue that I was completely not expecting. I am slightly concerned about giving too much away with this review, so I am going to attempt to keep spoilers to a minimum. Saying that though, this issue really needs to be checked out for the change of Green Lantern, as well as the final page which I think was shocking and pretty horrific.
Throughout the issue we were given the feeling that the good guys were going to come out on top, and most probably end the issue in a good position for the next instalment  Unfortunately for Buddy though, this did not happen. The last page of the book has made me want to pick up Swamp Thing #17, as I am unsure how Buddy can continue in this fight, as well as reverse what changes have been made to someone.

Overall, this was yet again another solid issue in this series. I had concerns that maybe this finale would not live up to the months of build up, however it looks like I am completely wrong on that front. It seems to me that after reading this book, AM fans will be happy with the start of this finale, and also be desperate for more. It has made me want to pick up Swamp Thing #17 as I said; so surely that means that this book has done its job?

Rating: 8 / 10

Animal Man #16 Review

Jeff Lemire has really been writing some quality comic books during this Animal Man run of his. The Rotworld story arc has been going on for what seems like forever, which is not a bad thing, but we are now coming near the end. This is what I guess is the penultimate issue for Rotworld in Animal Man, and it really is full steam ahead for the finale next month.

I mentioned in a previous review that I wished it would take them a while to get to Arcane's base, but in reality it was just a turn of the page. You would think that this would annoy me but it did not at all due to what had come before that in this issue.
We had a beautifully looking battle in Metropolis which I think was pretty much filler in this issue, but if you read AM, then you know that even the filler is way above average when Lemire is on form. We also learned more about the scale that Rotworld was on, as well as just how powerful it is. Of course we knew it was powerful, but when the Guardians cant even stop it, you know you are really in trouble.

The highlight of this issue had to be the other plot in this book; which is of course was Maxine before Rotworld had started. I was really enjoying how she had to grow up and take responsibility for who she was destined to be in previous issues, but with this issue the rug really was pulled right from under our feet. Something happened here that I was really not expecting, but it also makes sense considering the effect that Rotworld has had on Earth. In fact, thinking about it, I am surprised that I never saw something like this coming. I am just hoping that Lemire can somehow make everything better, but with the tone of this book something tells me that I may be wishing for something that will not happen. Happy endings are never guaranteed with Animal Man.

This issue was mainly build up for the final battle next issue; which happens to include some familiar faces on the opposition side. However, that is not to say that this was a bad issue, in fact it was a very good issue. Some plot points came together which helped to make sense of what has happened on the planet.
Rotworld has been such an epic event, that may have gone on just slightly too long, but with the end in sight now I am just very pumped to see how this will all end.

Rating: 8.3 / 10

Yes 8.3. I think I am going to break out into these type of ratings from now on.

Animal Man #15 Review

What a fascinating arc this is turning out to be. When Rotworld first started I was not too happy due to having not read any of Swamp Thing in the New 52, so not being too familiar with one of the main characters involved. However, I have come to realize that that makes no difference at all. I still do not read any Swamp Thing and I am really enjoying this story arc from one perspective.

This issue had lots in it. We first saw a big battle against the Gorillas led by Grodd. I really enjoyed Frankenstein's appearance during all of this. I have read none of Lemire's work on the character, but really loved his role in this issue. He seems like a great character, and a great choice to involve in this arc.
My favorite part of the book had to be the chilling dream that Buddy had about his family. Seeing Cliff in the state he was in was chilling to say the least. It is these horror aspects of the series that make it so different to any old Animal Man books, and also so successful. One full page spread during a flashback involving Little Wing also showed off the horror aspects nicely.
There were also some nice character moments during the groups travel to Metropolis after they had defeated the gorilla army. They really feel like a tight knit group who are all trying to achieve the same goal.
What was the most shocking part of this issue was what they found when they finally reached Metropolis. They went there expecting to find Superman held captive, but they ended up finding another member of the Justice League. The shock was helped seeing as the reveal was shown as a last page full spread. It was a true holy hell moment.

I am very excited for the next issue, and I really cant get enough of the current team dynamic. I do not think that this will last long however, but I am having fun just going along on this journey with Buddy Baker and the rest of the gang. It still has that Stephen King feel to this current arc, and I can see some more twists and turns occurring that would make the master of suspense proud to have as his own.


Rating: 9 / 10