If you’ve been paying attention to our comic book coverage, you’ll know that it’s no small secret that I am mildly obsessed with Jeff Lemire’s Animal Man. Its frank, stark portrayal of Buddy Baker’s superhero identity and how it impacts his family, coupled with the deeply unsettling supernatural and horror elements that have seeped into the story, make it one of the most exciting titles in DC’s stable. Right now, though, it’s a tough time to be Buddy Baker. His wife and daughter have left him, he’s drinking heavily, and his son Cliff is dead after sacrificing himself to save his father’s life.

By all accounts, Buddy is a messed up puddle of emotions, raging id, and grief, and it makes for some powerful stuff, thanks in no small part to Steve Pugh and Francis Portela’s tremendous artwork. Animal Man #21 is a gentle reminder that behind the Spandex, superheroes are, for the most part, still human, and they are not impervious to emotion. Before Animal Man #21 hits store shelves this Wednesday, take a sneak peek at some exclusive preview pages courtesy of our friends over at DC.

DC’s official description: “SPLINTER SPECIES” begins here as Buddy’s grief and increasing celebrity threaten to tear him apart. Plus, a major new antagonist is revealed!

Click to expand the thumbnails.

Have you been reading Animal Man? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!