Animal Man #28 Review

Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Rafael Albuquerque
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 19, 2014

Little Girl Power

Animal Man is coming to an end and that really sucks.  Jeff Lemire's run on the book has been so good and it is a shame that the book has to end at all.  However, it is good that it is ending on such a high note.  Animal Man #28 continues what made this book so great... great art and a familycentric story with humor, heart and plenty of action.

This issue picks up with Buddy and Maxine both fighting for their lives.  You expect Buddy to fight his way out of his situation, but it's Maxine that steals the show.  Animal Girl is in the house and it is so great.  Seriously, it was like watching your own child hit a milestone...walking, talking, using the power of a giant ape.  If  I wasn't also cutting onions at the time I might have thought I shed a tear of joy.  Onions people. Onions.

If that wasn't impressive enough, Maxine shows her selflessness and becomes a true hero.  Meanwhile, Buddy reminds the reader that he is the star of the book.  He has been accused of being an awful husband and father over and over.  Well, he's had enough and kicks ass for his little girl and wife.  It is so satisfying.  Not to be left out, Ellen once again shows she doesn't need powers to join in on the ass (or other body parts) kicking.

The ending is both hopeful and heart breaking.  Lemire reminds us that Maxine is still just a little girl and even though the Baker family has faced tragedy, at least they have each other.  There are still a few issues and the ending also shows the story is far from over.

Jeff Lemire is giving Animal Man fans such a memorable ending.  I'd like to say i can't wait for the next issue, but unfortunately, each issue is one closer to the series ending.  I don't want it to end.

Rafael Albuquerque's art is so good and this issue is one of his best.  The action is great and mix that in with the unique character design and the animal powers and you get a book that is great just to look at. I don't often mention the colorist, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Dave McCaig here.  His colors combined with Albuquerque's art form a kind of demented water color painting.  Kudos to both of them

Bits and Pieces:

Animal Man is ending soon, but Jeff Lemire is going out swinging.  Animal Man #28 is a treat for long time readers and the art and colors by Rafael Albuquerque and Dave McCaig makes it great to look at as well.  It's not new reader friendly, but if you haven't read Animal Man yet, just go back to the beginning and start reading.  Those up to speed will love this issue.

9.2/10