Lots of spoiler coming up ahead within the black boxes of mystery. Don't say we didn't warn you!
The Good
One thing I've loved about the New 52 (yes, I have no problem saying I love the New 52) is that there are a few books that stray away from the traditional super hero book. Animal Man is a prime example of this. While Buddy Baker AKA Animal Man is, and considers himself to be, a super-hero, the book doesn't read like that. It reads like a family on the run from a greater evil. It's awesome, and incredibly refreshing.
This issue involves Buddy making a stand against the beast and has a couple of "HOLY-%^$#!" moments. Halfway through the issue Maxine learns that she can reach into the Red and move her spirit/soul into another animal, then morph back into a human. This is one cool power. She can also send her previous, dead body into the Red as well. Two pretty big power reveals in one issue, and both of them are insanely cool.
The second crazy moment is the big reveal at the end where Buddy becomes infected with the Rot. We've seen this type of reveal before, but I felt like it really fit well with the book, which already has so many twists and turns.
What I love most about this book, and even this issue is that anyone can pick up this book and read it. I had never read Animal Man before this series (although I really want to read Grant Morrison's run), and I had no troubles jumping right in. This book is very reader friendly. Yes, there are some weird, out of this world ideas, but Jeff Lemire does a great job at keeping the reader invested in the book and keeping these ideas simple.
The Bad
Even though I am not a big fan of two artists on a book, it didn't bug me this issue. Nothing bad to say about this one.
The Verdict
Animal Man 8 is one amazing issue filled with a ton of twists and turns. This is a super-hero book that redefines what it means to be a super-hero book. It pushes the boundries for what you can and can't do with a character in tights. There are two big reveals in this issue revolving around Maxine and her powers as well as Buddy, and it's something you won't want to miss.
What I think most people will enjoy most about this issue is that anyone can jump on and read and get a good understanding about the whole world that Jeff Lemire has established in the past 7 issues. I didn't have any problems with this issue at all.
Overall, this is my pick of the week! I loved this book and this series and I highly recommend it to anyone interested regardless of whether you've read the first 7 issues or not.
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