Written by Gerry Conway
Art by Chris Batista; Dave Meikis; Mike Atiyeh; & Clem Robins
Cover Art by Brian Bolland
SUMMARY:
Published for September 2009 by DC Comics, this third issue of the six-part mini-series is entitled “Part Three: Bargain.” Set five years into the future (2014), a despondent Buddy “Animal Man” Baker is rapidly losing his superhuman powers. Even the super-science of the League of Titans (including Superman; Starfire; Red Tornado; Nightwing; Power Girl; and a new Flash) can’t halt Buddy’s crisis.
Optimistic about gene therapy, Buddy seeks DNA samples submitted by his two kids. He also tries reconnecting with his neglected wife, Ellen, and later, with their children: attorney Cliff and high school basketball player Maxine. Ellen addresses Buddy’s long-standing selfishness, Buddy’s recent foe, Prismatik, seeks to escape a maximum security prison’s hospital ward.
Rebuffed by his kids, Buddy finds his super-power dilemma is irreversible. Could he find emotional solace with his long-time friend, Starfire?
REVIEW:
Including its spot-on cover image (although Superman doesn’t sport gray temples), the art team’s visuals are stellar. On top of his game, writer Gerry Conway poignantly depicts a middle-aged Buddy’s personal crises (especially, his long-standing neglect of his own family) with well-written dialogue. More significantly, Conway’s scripting imbues a welcome sense of realistic depth re: Buddy’s epiphany about the long-term consequences of playing super-hero.
Between Conway’s ace storytelling and the exquisite artwork, Last Days of Animal Man # 3 is definitely a worthwhile read for adult fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “DC Nation” column by Dan DiDio pitches upcoming Blackest Night spin-offs in the form of individual mini-series for Superman; Dick Grayson’s Batman; and the Titans. There is also a five-page preview of the new Adventure Comics # 1 (starring Conner Kent’s Superboy).
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
