THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN review

(Review by Melody Werner)
The Astounding Wolf-Man is a 25 issue long 2007-2010 series published by Image Comics (later co-published with Skybound, but only in the last few issues and later collections, as Skybound hadn't come into being until Wolf-Man was wrapping up), written by Robert Kirkman, and illustrated by Jason Howard. It's about Gary Hampton, who is turned into a werewolf during a camping trip, and chronicles what goes on afterwards, as he's tangled between being a father, hero, monster, fugitive, and more. While the initial concept seems tired, it's a tour de force of awesomeness, so let me dig right in and try to convince you to give it a bash.

The art is terrific. While it starts off looking more cartoonish (which isn't necessarily bad, of course, it's just not as distinct as it becomes), it soon starts to find its footing a few issues in, and fits in with the tone of the story to a fucking t. What's better, being a years long endeavor, Howard's work gets even slicker from then on. There's a ton of gore here, once it starts going down the darker route. On that note, the action is great--enjoyably brutal. The colors by Fco Plascencia & Ivan Plascencia are as delightful as they are on Invincible. The lettering by the ever reliable Rus Wooten is top-notch.

The plot of the series is excellent, and features a myriad of plot twists and purely deranged moments that'll knock your socks off. Strangely, the lore part of the series is also very strong. I was very interested in the origins of the werewolves and vampires it brings. The pacing of the series is on-point and there's always something going on, and the series never rehashes itself unless to cement a point or something of that sort. The finale feels a tad rushed, but it focuses on what it needs to focus on and it's satisfying, but features a cliffhanger that actually works. I want more Astounding Wolf-Man, and hope Kirkman and co. return to this series someday if they are ever willing/able. It doesn't piss me off like some cliffhangers do and if the series doesn't return it's not going to make what we've got worse, if you catch my drift. The world of the series seems massive though it focuses on a select group of characters, which is appreciated.

The dialogue is very well written and definitely hits the more emotional moments and more savage parts home. The main characters are likable and interesting, and I found myself rooting for the good guys but still getting what the bad guys were doing, because I want to follow the protagonists and the antagonists have actual complexity, and aren't one-note. There were some parts when I questioned some actions of the characters and some parts that are annoying, but they work with the plot perfectly and overall work into the series like they're supposed to.

The Astounding Wolf-Man is an excellent series that had me completely engaged for the four hours it took me (of course, your mileage my vary especially if you space things out). It completely astounded me, beating out my expectations resoundingly. If you're interested, definitely check it out and give it a few issues to set the scene. You'll know when, once the shit hits the fan a few in. The Astounding Wolf-Man earns a 9.5/10.

Must-read

Summary:
Amazing art, great action, a thrilling plot, solid pacing, intriguing lore, great dialogue, an astonishing cast of characters, held back a tad by some minor grievances.

(originally posted: 3/27/2016)