Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Richard Starkings
Artists: Axel Medellin
Colourist: Axel Medellin
Release date: OUT NOW!!!
Price: Print & Digital $3.99
Image Comics
The previous issue of Elephantmen ended on a cliffhanger. But readers have to be patient because the start Elephantmen #66 is a flashback in which Promethian honcho La Mantia explains that his company has declared war on the Elephantmen, genetically engineered anthropomorphized animals. “Remind the world that these creatures are manmade monsters. Not some kind of elevated ethnic minority.”
When the action starts again in Elephantmen #66, zebra Trench, hippo Hip Flask, elephant Ebony and human Farrell are besieged not only by a horde of armed lizard men but by Hyena-based Dog Soldiers. “Those look like mops to me,” says Trench. He means a clean-up squad from the Mappo Corporation that created the human-animal hybrids. But the metaphor works even without the explanation.
The Jungian themes from the last issue are brought forward. “Man…or Elephantman…sometimes you gotta fight for the right just to be alive,” says Hip. The attacked protagonists try to escape the trap but do so only at a serious cost. The situation’s reality starts to become clear to the heroes. “We’re all on a death sentence now,” says Trench.
Medellin’s art and colouring on Elephantmen #66 continue to charm and please. The first few pages’ view of a blue Los Angeles skyline are truly beautiful to behold, and the later action fluid and cinematic.
There’s not as much action in this instalment, but Elephantmen still has plenty of political suspense. It’s Kafka on steroids and we’re loving it.
Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker