Animal Man #0 Review

 

Animal Man #0

by Jeff Lemire and Steve Pugh

 

According to the solicit for Animal Man #0, this is meant just to be an origin story for Buddy. It's not. It feels more like the origin of Buddy in a new light. It takes elements of the classic Grant Morrison origin, and blends it with the epic mythology Lemire has created for the character in only 12 issues.

 

After an opening showcasing the evil that Arcane has done, we move straight onto the Red, who has just lost its avatar. So instead of making a new one (Maxine was meant to be the next, but wasn't even born), the Red chooses Buddy as its placeholder, by giving him the watered down version of an avatar's power set. This is a truly interesting  take on Buddy's origin. I read Morrison's take on the origin through a free Comixology issue, and this issue takes that in a totally different direction, which is awesome. Coupled with that, Lemire's characterization is right on the dot, and it seems like this issue actually will have repercussions in future issues. My only quip with the story is the lack of heartwarming character moments. Usually, Lemire just endlessly pours them out, but here, he dedicates most of this issue to Buddy's origin. Don't get me wrong, there are still some nice character moments here, I'm just used to more of them.

 

Meanwhile, Steve Pugh brings his A-game to the issue. It's not as horrific as past issues of AM, with the exception of the opening. Thus, this is the first time I've actually seen Pugh's style as necessary to the book. He can really capture the emotion of the scenes in the book, from Buddy's dissapointment to his latest acting role, to Ellen's shock from seeing him fly for the first time. 

 

This is definetley a BUY this week, for fans of Swamp Thing too, as ST's archrival shows up in here too. As a quick closing comment: I would totally pay to see Chicken Thief 3.

STORY: 4/5
ART: 4/5
VERDICT: 4/5