Animals are Cool
Animal Man #1
Writer: Grant Morrison
Penciller: Chas Truog
Inker: Doug Hazlewood
Colorist: Tatyana Wood
Letterer: John Costanza
Published by Vertigo Comics, 1988.
The Human Zoo
I picked up this classic issue for my Graphic Novel Book Club, and so far, I’m enjoying it.
Buddy Baker is Animal Man, a hero, we learn, who can acquire the abilities of animals in his close proximity. We see him take on the speed of an ant, the strength of a spider, and the flight of a bird.
We also learn that he is kinda down on his luck. He’s been working as a stuntman but really wants to be a superhero. His wife is somewhat supportive of him in that she pays the bills with her story-boarding job and eventually comes around to the idea that he wants to play at being a hero again. But how’s he gonna support a family as a Superhero?
We also meet the Beast, well, we at least see some of his struggles and learn of the chaos that’s brewing inside his head. He seems to be quite angry at the world and doesn’t take too kindly to a mugger who tries to rob him…poor thug.
In any case, this issue lays out a pretty good scenario where we have our hero just trying to get back into the swing of things and a seemingly powerful bad guy that looks like he’s gonna be serious trouble. But that’s not all, there’s been a break-in at S.T.A.R Labs (I didn’t know there was a division in San Diego!) and some pretty creepy stuff resulted.
Verdict
I think this was a great first issue and am looking forward to seeing where things go. We’ve already got some interesting situations, and I’m enjoying the slice of life aspect that Buddy and his family bring to the comic so far. This makes me think the series is not just gonna be about action and punching. I gladly rate this a Must Read for the backstory, the setup of the world and, the characters.
This comic can be found on Comixology or at your local comic book shop.
Comic Corner | Reading Recommendation of Animal Man #1