Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Elephantmen: Man and Elephantman #1Elephantmen: Man and Elephantman #1
Image Comics
Starkings, Medellin, Roshell & Cook

The second issue of Elephantmen to ship during March is a one shot that promises to be a great jumping on point for new readers. Not only is there an extensive recap page to begin the book but the contents of the issue takes the reader on a bit of a history lesson of the Elephantmen in terms of where they've come from and where they are right now. It's a good issue that covers a lot of ground, but the teaser for the next issue titled, "Sea of Suffering" has me forgetting this one and clamoring for the next one. That's because this series always manages to leave me wanting more. Such is life I suppose.

The comic book is about Hip and his desires, both hidden and known. While Hip certainly isn't the only Elephantman that this series is following, he is the one that most recently had himself a breakthrough. Hip, in the previous issue, hooked up with Miki, a human. While this isn't absurd on any level, it is the first real romance blossoming that this series has shown between a human and an Elephantman. Horn and Sahara have always been together since this series began, but Hip had always steered away from Miki – until now.

Hip awakes with Miki only to discover that he's a human. However, Hip is the only one that seems surprised by this transformation. To complicate matters, Hip either thinks back or visits with the other women of this series, even ones long dead. The issue has a surprise ending and a terrific journey getting there as the character of Hip is explored in deep.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsMedellin has an amazing ability at drawing the female figure. He gets his shot at almost every single female character from this series' history and he delivers the goods on each and every one of them. He brings danger, sensuality and beauty together so naturally in this issue. To keep the reader honest he does put some brutal images in a few panels – after all, this story is based off of a war. It can't be all women and fun all of the time. Medellin is proving to be a perfect fit for this title.

Starkings has created an amazing set of characters and an incredibly creative universe, but he can still bring the goods by just telling an old fashioned, interesting story as he does here. While I think this issue is geared towards the new reader, I don't think the long time reader is going to be disappointed. The character of Hip has been expanded in a big way with the last few issues and this is the cherry on top. If you are looking to get into this series then pick this issue up. I am fairly certain you will be hooked. This is well worth the price of admission.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles