Last year's Hip Flash: Unnatural Selection was a surprising and astounding achievement in comics storytelling, so suffice it to say, I was looking forward to this latest chapter in Richard Starkings's world of men and genetically engineered animal-men. The good news: Elephantmen is a worthy followup, offering the same kind of imagination and stunning artwork that we come to expect from these creators and this property. The bad news... dude, there is no bad news.
The genetic creations of Dr. Nikkon and the Mappo corporation have joined Western society, but the transition has not been a smooth one. The humanoid animal creatures -- dubbed the Elephantmen -- are viewed with suspicion and are the victims of hate crimes. One of their number -- Obadiah Horn -- has risen to corporate power and prominence in Los Angeles, while another, Hip Flask, works as freelance government troubleshooter.
To describe Ladronn's artwork -- blending both seemingly alien technology of the future with the twisted but rather natural and organic look of the Elephantmen -- as awe-inspiring doesn't even come close to doing it justice. It's remarkably detailed, and the muted colors give the book a ghostly look. The colors also capture the arid nature of some settings, while conveying a dreary, damp look for the cityscapes. The late Jack Kirby's influence shines through clearly, but so does a more refined and alien European look. I was also reminded of Steve (Preacher) Dillon's style at times as well. Ladronn's work here is unbelievable, and it's well worth the price of admission all on its own.
The most interesting thing about this story is that Hip Flask really isn't a central figure. This is much more about Obadiah Horn, a half-man/half-rhino who has overcome racial barriers to rise up in the corporate world. Horn is a fascinating figure, as it's not entirely clear whether or not he's a protagonist, antagonist or perhaps a little bit of both. There's an intelligence to the character that's admirable, but there's also a harshness -- perhaps even ruthlessness -- to him that's a little unsettling as well. His relationship with Sahara seems both intimate and cold all at once, a stark contrast with the more tenuous and playful interplay between Hip Flask and Vanity Case.
Hip Flask brings an easy-going attitude to the book that balances out Horn's more stoic nature. He's immediately likable; it's easy to see past his gruff exterior. Vanity's interest in him is intriguing as well. I enjoyed how she's a bit ill at ease around him, worried about offending him and appreciating his presence at the same time.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
