“Animal Man: The Hunt” was one of the best opening stories from DC Comics’ New 52 because of Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman’s storytelling abilities. (Cover by Travel Foreman and property of DC Comics)
By: Jacob Elyachar
DC Comics has been releasing graphic novels of the New 52’s first story arcs. One of the titles that I waited to read was Animal Man. Before DC Comics’ newest re-launch, I just could not get this hero. Bernhard “Buddy” Baker became a superhero after he discovered that he could briefly borrow traits from a near-by animal all thanks to being in the proximity of an exploding alien spaceship. Now, the superhero is back in the spotlight all thanks to the creative team of writer Jeff Lemire (Justice League: Dark) and Travel Foreman (the Immortal Iron Fist).
In the series’ first arc, “The Hunt,” Animal Man’s daughter Maxine begins to develop uncanny powers of her own. She is now connected to the Red, DC Comics’ supernatural area that connects all animal life in the universe. Unfortunately, the Red is under attack by the forces of the Rot. As Animal Man and his daughter travel to the Red to investigate, a monstrous trio known as the Hunters Three head to kill Maxine because of her future as an avatar of the Red. The trio kills humans and wears their skins as their disguises. Eventually, the trio were defeated by the animals of the forest who consume them and fall under the Rot’s control forcing the Bakers to retreat and begin a journey to find Alec Holland, who could help them stop the Rot.
One of the reasons why comic book lovers should pick up Animal Man’s first softcover tradeback is Foreman’s artwork. The Immortal Iron Fist artist perfectly brings a new wave of terror to Buddy Baker’s world. He successfully brought Jeff Lemire’s nightmarish visions to life that will terrifying and wow comic book readers. In the upcoming stories, it will be interesting to if Foreman continues his hot streak on artwork.
This is my first time reading Lemire’s work and I was impressed on how much detail he went into explaining both the supernatural forces of the Red and the Rot to new readers. In addition, he also developed Maxine Baker in a way that will evolve her from Animal Man’s innocent daughter to a potential future hero in the DC Universe. If Lemire continues to script excellent adventures, Animal Man will start being a title fans should start reading.
Final thought and grade: Lemire and Foreman presented a wonderful take on Animal Man that will bring make him an A-lister and a future icon in the DC Comics superhero pantheon. A
