Before Wonder Man became the Avengers’ actor/superhero, there was Buddy Baker. A professional stuntman, he was near an alien ship that exploded and gave him the power to take on the abilities of any animal. While he didn’t gain traction during the Silver and Bronze Ages, Grant Morrison revived the character in the late 1980s. That is where we get his potential for live-action.
It’s no secret that James Gunn, the co-chair of DC Studios, is a huge fan of Morrison’s work, and much of the DCU Chapter One material is likely to be based around his writings. Couple that with Jeff Lemire’s comments that he gladly would be the showrunner of a hypothetical Animal Man television series, and it should have collectors taking a closer look at these key issues.
STRANGE ADVENTURES #180
The first time readers met Buddy Baker was in 1965, but they did not meet Animal Man, per se. Rather, Buddy first appeared sans costume. Compared to the character’s modern interpretation, this is virtually a different Animal Man altogether.
Given it was the Silver Age and under the auspices of the Comics Code Authority, he was much more cartoony. Then again, that is the appeal of those ‘60s nostalgic superheroes, which is precisely what makes Buddy a very real possibility for the DCU Gunn era.
STRANGE ADVENTURES #190
This could be the bigger of Buddy’s first appearances. While he debuted without his costume 10 issues prior, Animal Man arrived in all his glory in 1966. Again, it came with all the ‘60s flare that fans of escapism could ever want.
Seeing him in the full Animal Man guise should be a boon for collectors as it has been with many characters over the years. Of course, he was known as “A-Man” at this time, but who’s counting?
WONDER WOMAN #267
By 1980, it was time for a change. Animal Man was reintroduced for two issues of Wonder Woman, but he would only make occasional appearances for years.
Eventually, he would be added to the Forgotten Heroes team, and that could be an avenue for any potential DCU arrival. In fact, it may not be a bad idea to keep an eye on their early appearances, either.
ANIMAL MAN #1
While it may not compete with those Silver Age Strange Tales, it is worth adding to your Animal Man collections. This is the start of Morrison’s run on the title. After the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, the legendary writer gave Buddy a makeover beginning with his first self-titled comic. The original plan was for this to be a limited series, but it was so popular that DC decided to make it an ongoing title.
Considering how much Gunn loves Morrison’s work, this would be the hands-down favorite interpretation to adapt for the screen. It doesn’t hurt the collecting potential that Buddy’s daughter, Maxine, is introduced in this issue. Don’t forget that she would go on to become Avatar of the Red in later years.
UNLEASH THE BEAST
Anything Morrison has touched is worth a second look thanks to Gunn’s DCU plans. Between Morrison and Lemire, there’s so much material that could be adapted for either the big or small screen. Animal Man would make for an excellent Peacemaker-style show, and that could quickly usher him into the mainstream spotlight.
