I want to like Animal Man more than I actually do.

Some of that’s in the fact that, despite solid characterization, I don’t feel like I know or care – much – about these characters yet. And since this book is as much a family drama as anything, that’s important.

Some of that’s in the fact that I’m not sure how I feel about the art. I don’t dislike it, exactly. The dream sequence late in the issue is great. But the rest – something seems off. Maybe there’s just a learning curve here, and the style will prove effective and relevant to the story. Maybe.

That said, the characters get established, Animal Man’s powers get used a bit, and a really horrific (in the best possible sense) conclusion make this one series I’ll definitely give another shot.