I'm pretty new to Animal Man's character. I've only started reading Morrison's run, because I like Morrison, and wanted to read that before I picked up the new 52 series. But anyway, there's a small thing I noticed that's been bothering me in the back of my mind.

Animal Man is a vegetarian and an animal rights supporter (at least in Morrison's run), which I understand is really Morrison pushing his own belief themes, but I think it works for the character, given his nature and all. But if he's an animal rights supporter, why does he sport a leather jacket in his iconic costume?

I know it's a small detail that doesn't really matter, but has anyone else noticed this contradiction? Or possibly shed some light on it, or offer opinions?

tl;dr... Animal Man supports animal rights, but yet wears a leather jacket? Why?

could be fake leather

@Zomboid: It talks about it more later in the run. Don't want to give any spoilers.

@Icarusflies: Ah alright, thanks for that then. I guess I should've finished the run before posting.

@Zomboid: It's Grant Morrison, the man knows what he's doing. ;)

Enjoy the rest of the run, it's a WONDERFUL read...drags a tad in places, but it gets AWESOME so don't give up on it.

That is an interesting point and when you get to the explanation that IcarusFlies mentioned I would like to know what it is.

As for his vegetarianism/animal rights activist being Morrison pushing his own beliefs, I think it goes beyond that. I mean one of Buddies main powers is that he can talk to animals. Not just empathize with them, or command them, but he has actually had conversations with animals before. I think vegetarianism is the only natural reaction to anyone who becomes aware that (at least in their world) that animals think as cognitively (or comparably) to humans. I mean if a cow started talking to you, and then she revealed to you that all cattle think and feel as thoroughly as she did, you probably wouldn't be able to eat that next hamburger with out thinking it over for quite awhile.

I'm not saying eating meat is wrong, but if we had conclusive proof that they thought as cognitively as us (like it has been shown in many comic universes) then maybe it would be.

@Zomboid: its pleather lol, just kidding, you got your answer pretty much. just wanted to say enjoy animal man, its a great (if overlooked) character and after morrison's run you will love the new 52 book .