Animal Man #26 Review

Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Cully Hamner
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 18, 2013

In Space they Can See You Bleed

Animal Man in Space!  Buddy finds himself on a distant planet and learns that there is much more to the Red than he ever imagined.  It's the beginning of the end for Buddy Baker as his future is laid out before him.

Jeff Lemire's run on Animal Man has been so good, but unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Yes, it was recently announced that Animal Man is canceled with March's issue #29 being the last.  While the news came as a shock to some, this months issue shows that Lemire was not only aware of it , but had indeed begun to prepare for the end.

Buddy found himself on an alien planet at the end of last issue and he quickly learns this was not a mistake. He has been summoned by the mysterious Bridgewalker, who explains the true scope of the Red and Green and makes a deal with Buddy that sets up his future and the end of the series.

The sudden shift to an alien planet is a bit jarring, but Lemire expands the mythos of the Red so well that it is quite welcome.  Plus,  Lemire makes Buddy's decision regarding his future hinge on saving his family so it fits perfectly with the tone of the series.  The end is in sight and this little detour opens up a mess load of possabilities for the final issues.

Cully Hamner's art is really good in this issue, it just doesn't fit the tone of the book.  It's a bit too cartoony for the heavy themes Lemire presents.

Animal Man #26 is the beginning of the end.  Jeff Lemire sets up a meaningful end for Buddy Baker and expands the mythos of the Red and Green in the process.  Cully Hamner's art is good, it just doesn't fit the dark tone of the book.  I'm sad to see Animal Man go, but Lemire has set the pieces up for a great finale.

8.0/10