Animal Man #19 Review

ANIMAL MAN #19

by Jeff Lemire and Steve Pugh

Well, that was depressing.

Jeff Lemire has instantly put Animal Man back on track. Lemire's story really brings out the best of what made the first 6 issues of the series great. You feel the frustration Buddy feels as he tries to balance family and heroics. And as usual, the characterization is great, as we get to see a very different side of Animal Man. It was also fun to see that Socks isn't going anywhere for now. However, the one thing I really liked about this issue was how tragic it was. Lemire is pulling a Green Arrow #17 on Animal Man by tearing Buddy's life down, and it was really heartbreaking to watch that play out. This is a very grounded superhero book, where the big, flashy action is put on the back burner, and the characters get the focus.

Steve Pugh's art has instantly become vital to the story. Where the Rotworld saga felt to "out there" for Pugh's realistic style, the very realistic story unfolding here plays to Pugh's strengths as an artist. It visually recalls the days of Grant Morrison's run on Animal Man when Chaz Truog was drawing the book.

Animal Man #19 is a return to form for the series. It was good for the past couple of issues, but it's become great once more. 

STORY: 5/5

+ Tragic

+ Lemire's trademark: Character work

+ Socks!

+ SOCKS!

ART: 5/5

+ Finally completely agrees with the script
+ Feels like classic Animal Man

+ Realistic

VERDICT: 5/5