ANIMAL MAN #16 

WRITTEN BY JEFF LEMIRE

ART BY STEVE PUGH AND TIMOTHY GREEN II

SWAMP THING #16

WRITTEN BY SCOTT SNYDER

ART BY YANICK PAQUETTE

REVIEWS BY BOOSTER COLA

I have come to a point where reviewing both of these title together has become a natural evolution. Both Animal Man and Swamp Thing individually are a masterpiece to behold, but together dive much deeper than event title in recent memory, sans Snyder's other event(Batman). Swamp Thing grasps the more horror aspect of its namesake while Animal Man contributes with a more super-hero lean as stated before, many times. If you haven't noticed, the review crew here at BKBN.NET really, REALLY, enjoy these titles. 

Animal and Swamp Thing are of course taking place on Earth one whole year after the present. Here the Earth is engulfed and 90% taken over by the Rot. The course of action was to seek out the champions of Earth, if they still are alive. Buddy headed to Metropolis to seek out Superman, whilst Swamp Thing headed to Gotham to seek out Batman. In the last issue Animal Man finds the Green Lantern prisoner in the heart of Metropolis and Swamp Thing finds Batman, in a sort of a manner. Buddy and his pro-Red crew free the Green Lantern who reveals himself as Medphyl, the plant world-based GL. They have a fight with a villain named Blackbriar Thorn and move on through Metropolis with the aid of Frankenstein and his patchy cohorts. All the while we see the flashbacks of Maxine with Socks(the cat, an older Red avatar) and their situation with William Arcane. Maxine makes a severe life-changing decision not be spoiled here. In the end, Animal Man confronts the unfriendly Justice League and a major magic character may bite the dust next month.

On the flip-side  Swamp Thing with the aid of Barbara Gordon learn of Batman's plan and secret hideout, inside Arkham Asylum. We get more glimpses in both titles this week of more dead superheroes and villains which add to aesthetic of the story and setting. I'm absolutely loving the design of Barbara and the survivors wearing Robin t-shirts, very fitting. As both Swamps and Babs make their way out of the dilapidated Gotham after Giganta's attack, the Green team goes on the attack towards the Rotted Superman. Abby Arcane's story line is even further developed in this issue where a grand and surprising fate is defined for her in the end. Overall this story is crazy awesome. Crazy being nonstop and mind-blowing. Awesome being defined as something that keeps me glued. The two best elements that comics strive for. 

What can be said about the art that has not been said already. Gritty and perfectly fitting. The screenshots above elaborate on my aforementioned statement. Horrifically beautiful have been what comes to my mind and I'm absolutely loving it. I am scared when writing teams change though, nothing to mind will top Rotworld, but that is the joy of comics. What will come next?

There isn't much to complain about in these two titles this month. Both Animal Man and Swamp Thing maintained their status quo as best of the best. Both Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire are both on a great run of their individual comics cooperating to create this horribly decrepit world that is mysterious and dangerous. Are you tired of my metaphors praising these books yet? I give both Swamp Thing and Animal Man #16, a 5 out of 5. Flawless Victory.

Have you guys started reading this yet? If not, for shame!

Let us know what you like better Swamp Thing or Animal Man?