Man’s Best #2: Woof Woof, Bang Bang

Creative Team

writers: PORNSAK PICHETSHOTE

artist/colorist: JESSE LONERGAN

letterer: JEFF POWELL

publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS

Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo

Man’s Best #2 continues to charm readers with its epic saga of three lost pets doing their best to survive on a hostile planet. Issue #2 is filled with moments that will evoke a range of emotions from readers.

Athos, Porthos, and Lovey are emotional support animals trained by their owner, “Doc” in using weapons for self-defense. Stranded, they must now put their skills (and teamwork) to the test.  

Issue 1 introduced the trio: a mech-cat (Athos), bionic golden retriever (Porthos), and a rocker powered French bulldog (Lovey), highlighting their range of personalities. Man’s Best #2 has the team on the run from robots known as Klangers and stumbling in their cooperation. It’s evident they care for each other, but their lack of cohesion  is creating a series of problems.

Writer Pornsak Pichetshote has crafted a tight script that balances the exploration of a new world and focuses on the three animal friends. There is much to be discovered on the new planet, but the story provides enough information to create curiosity while offering more insight into the unknown inhabitants. Additionally, Athos, Porthos, and Lovey’s struggle in their effort to work together has moments with comedic banter and tension as they maneuver one challenge after the next.

Jesse Lonergan’s (artist and colorist) visuals are perfectly matched with the script, elevating the overall experience. The cartoonish style conveys non-verbal reactions from the pets and their emotions, while the colors are vivid as the issue has rockets, force fields, and explosions throughout the 20+ page chapter. Letterer Jeff Powell’s animated style wraps up the reading experience with letters and word bubbles that emphasize the dialogue without overshadowing the art.

The entire creative team has put together a comic book that excels In quality writing, excellent characters, and fun visuals. This issue is memorable for its silly and exciting moments that make it pretty close to perfect.

Final Verdict

This issue is an excellent read; the art is quirky with lots of colors to impress readers, and the four legged leads make this an endearing tale.

Criteria	Score
Writing	9.75
Story/Plot	9.75
Art/Line Work	9.75
Colors	9.75
Final Score	9.8/10