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

Animal Man #14 Review

Animal Man has been one of the surprise hits of the New 52. Jeff Lemire has been hitting it out of the park most months, however I feel like the last 2 or 3 issues have not been up to the standards that we have got used too. This "Rotworld" story arc is something that I was a bit unsure about. Saying that, this issue has gone some way into persuading me that Animal Man is starting to get back on track.

I think the best part of this issue, as well as this arc so far, are the flashbacks to Buddy's family before Rotworld began. The start of this issue was something that I wasn't expecting, half due to the fact that I forgot what happened at the end of last issue. However, seeing Buddy's family pretty much destroyed within the first couple of pages was shocking to say the least.
Maxine is now the last one standing. "Little Wing" was someone who I wasn't really too bothered about throughout the series until this issue. I am starting to see some great possibilities for some fantastic character development. I always forget that she is only four years old, and it is now clear that she will be facing some really difficult decisions in the next couple of issues. It is starting to look as though this part of the story is worth the price of admission alone.

Lets not forget what is happening in the other half of the book, Buddy Baker in Rotworld itself. In this issue we saw Buddy and the rest of the gang fighting some of Arcane's men which were sent for them; it was a nice little batlle. However, what we learned at the end of the battle is what was the most interesting; Maxine is being held captive by Arcane, and that Buddy must go after Arcane in order to save her.
I felt that this twist along with the surrounding area that Buddy finds himself in; gave this story arc a bit if a Stephen King feel to it. It is pretty hard to explain unless you are a fan of Kings' work, but it just feels very familiar; which is a really good thing by the way. I think some of this may be down to the art of Steve Pugh, along with the colours of Lovern Kindzierski. These two combine to give the book a very unique feel to it, as well as making it feel like a comic book for some sort of Stephen King novel.

All in all I feel like I am once again invested in the story of Buddy Baker; and I wish him all the best in it. I hope Lemire prolongs the travelling aspect of the book so we get to see more of the environment. However, I am now confident that whatever path is chosen, it will most probably be the correct one.


Rating: 8/10