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

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.