Reviews

Animal Man, Volume 1: The Hunt by Travel Foreman, Jeff Lemire

secrethistory's review

4.0

I've never read Animal Man before this, so I don't have the issues with the New 52 comic book, like some other reviewers have had. I think it's an extremely fast paced, dream-like, interesting book. An evil force called The Rot is taking over, and only Animal Man's four year old daughter, Maxine, can defeat them. I do think it's extremely interesting that she's the real hero, in the traditional sense of the word, and Animal Man, at least at this point, is mainly her protector.

The art is very good. Animal Man's wife, Ellen, is drawn very differently from most women in comic books. She's very slim, but her waist is bigger than the width of her head. It's a start, and pretty female friendly. The animals are a beautiful mix of Moebius and Clive Barker. My one qualm with the art is that Maxine looks much older than she is. She's four, but is drawn to look like a ten year old with some make up on.

I loved this book and can't wait to get the second volume. It's Sandman-esque hellish "dream" world is nightmarish, and Buddy Baker and family are likeable. The plot is good old straight good vs. evil. However, this book is not for the faint of heart. I don't know what age range this is for, but I wouldn't let most kids read it, that's for sure. I'm honestly really surprised this is under the normal New 52/DC imprint, and not under Vertigo. That's half of what makes it so great, though.

kenningjp's review

5.0

Travel Foreman's artwork is spot on, a perfect fit for this creepy comic.

bmaackreadscomics's review

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Writing: .75
Art: 1.0
Characters: .75
Enjoyment: .25
Originality: 1.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death and Body horror

directorscut's review

4.0

7/10

Easily the best of the new 52 I've read. Not great but genuinely good and interesting. The only one that has me thinking about getting the next volume to see how it continues.

booknooknoggin's review

4.0

Never read this series before,but this is an interesting story....plus it's Lemire. This will be a good story to see what comes next.

ehawk's review

4.0

Jeff Lemire is outstanding, and I am really enjoying his exploration of animal man. Travel Foreman's art really lights up this disturbing story.

vreadsabook's review

5.0

I read this in the comics as they came out. This title is definitely the best of the New 52 series.

rachelelizabeth's review

2.0

Um...what the actual HAYL. Listen, Animal Man was on the list of DC comics I was supposed to try but he's boring and this storyline they're setting up seems super grotesque and not up my alley. I usually read 3 comics before giving up but...I dunno. He bores me already. He's no Steve.

manxomemia's review

3.0

Oh man, I think Travel Foreman is a little TOO good of an artist; that art is freaky as hell! I think the external circuitry and bleeding eyes almost made me need to put it down for a while. Really great art, just... bleugh!

Alright, the story was pretty good. I liked the new take on the family-man super hero, and there was a lot of intrigue to the mythology. The villain-type creatures are very creepy, which is always a good thing. I enjoyed this altogether, but I'm not sure if I'll be rushing to pick up the next volume just yet. I think some of the other new 52s I've picked up recently have made a more lasting impression on me then this one. Definitely keen to get onto more of Jeff Lemire's work, though, because so far I've been impressed with his work.

andizor's review

3.0

Whoa. Just whoa. This was creepy and weird and I want to know more! Also SWAMP THING IS COMING. The art was really neat, complex, unique, highly detailed. I will definitely keep reading these.