Animal Man #1

There seems to be a running theme with all my reviews of the 'New 52' DC comics: I never have any background knowledge on the characters whose comics I'm diving into. Buuuut c'mon, with a cover like that who could resist picking up this issue? So yeah, I was totally determined to pick up and read this comic.... and oh boy, I'm sure glad I was. Animal Man #1 has got to be one of my favorites (if not my absolute favorite) out of the 'New 52' lineup. On my personal list it's right up there with Batman #1, and trust me that's saying something because I loved that issue. That being said, do you even need to continue reading this review? Of course not, silly goose! What you need to do is to stop reading this and go buy this comic! However, for the sake of doing Animal Man #1 justice, I will attempt to write a kickass review. Lezzz gooo!

The Good:

• What grabbed my attention first? The stunning art. It has a classic, old-school feel to it mixed with the type of art you'd generally find in an indie comic. Very unique out of the rest of the 'New 52' and it's a style that I genuinely enjoy looking at. The facial expressions are quite detailed and realistic as well. The color choices are great too. It isn't vibrantly colorful enough to cause seizures but also isn't dull enough to cause lifeless panels, a perfect balance.
• The characters are done so well in this book that you can sympathize with all of them. Readers will actually be able to understand, sympathize, and maybe even relate to Animal Man's struggle in this book to balance his various career options with his family that he cares so much about. Every character is introduced nicely and is given dialogue that is realistic making this book more than just a superhero book, and more like a dramatic family sitcom where the dad just happens to be a superhero. Strong family theme in this issue.
• Great jumping on point for the new reader. The very first page, which is done in an interview style, tells you all you need to know about Animal Man i.e. what he's been up to, where in his timeline we are in, and the theme which the series seems like it will be based off of: family.

The Bad:

• I honestly can't complain. I'm just sad that the issue had to end. It was all great.

The Verdict:

Much to my dismay, Animal Man is not the grown-up version of Beast Boy which was my initial guess. Turns out his power is actually much more complex and cooler than that. He has a special relationship with all animals that is very delicate. He doesn't talk or communicate with them, but instead is able to tap into their animal traits and borrow their skills. Anyway, I digress. I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and will definitely ride this series out for as long as it lasts. Animal Man is one of my new favorite superheroes! Buy, Try or Pass? Duh, absolute buy! This issue will change you and make you think twice about animal rights. Chicken wings? I'll pass. Pick up this issue now and be the envy of all your loser peers who weren't cool enough to pick this gem of an issue up.

Rating: 5 Zoo Animal Crackers out of 5.