In MAN GOAT & THE BUNNYMAN #2, available from Zenescope Entertainment on May 26th, 2021, Floyd’s worst nightmares may have a basis in truth, and Phil learns about the dangers of modern dating the hard way.
The Details
- Written By: Joe Brusha
- Art By: Guillermo Fajarda
- Colors By: Walter Pereyra, Ulises Arreola
- Letters By: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Art By: Geebo Vigonte, Ivan Nunes (cover A)
- Cover Price: $5.99
- Release Date: May 26, 2021
Was It Good?
It was better than good. It was great!
In the first issue, readers have to settle into this world of cryptids with everyday human problems. You had to suspend some disbelief, especially when you realize these “hidden” monsters are the very worst at hiding anything.
Read our MAN GOAT & THE BUNNYMAN #1 review for the straight bunny poop.
In this second issue, Brusha dispenses with the setup and moves more fully into the main plot of a local, Satanic cult that has its eyes on Man Goat aka Floyd. This issue feels more focused, particularly when it weaves in Phil’s dating life.
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Regarding the art, we often cite how Zenescope issues maintain a consistently good house style. When you get a Zenescope comic, you know what to expect in terms of the art.
That said, the art quality in this book is a step above typical Zenescope quality. The colors are bold. The textures are rich, and the lines are amazing. Zenescope would do well to put this art team on as many of their titles as possible.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Man Goat aka Floyd is troubled by dreams where his goat form is a side effect of being the spawn of Satan rather than a freak of nature. The more he resists Satan’s call the more he fears the connection is real and not a self-conscious hang-up over his appearance.
Meanwhile, Phil feels nervousness creep in when he gets ready for his date with Lauren, the pet shop worker. When Floyd heads out to figure out if there really is a major cult presence in town, Phil refuses to go so he can get ready for his date.
What’s nice about both scenes is how much Brusha infuses very human neurosis into both characters. If you read their interactions on paper without knowing they were cryptids, their interactions would fit right in with any roommate/best friend buddy drama. They don’t look like real people, but they talk and act like real people, and that’s what makes them relatable beyond their appearance.
Floyd heads to Tammy’s place to get help figuring out the location of the cult. It’s clear Floyd is attracted/interested in Tammy, but she makes it clear the feeling is not mutual. They find a likely spot for the next cult ritual and head out to scout for clues.
When they get to the potential cult ritual location, Floyd and Tammy run across some monster hunters with an axe to grind. Floyd nearly gets skinned when the fight is interrupted by the cult they were looking for. The hunters are killed but Floyd is left unharmed because the cult has orders to bring him in alive.
Again, a strong highlight of this issue is the art. Fajarda makes great use of camera angles, close and wide shots, and figure movements to capture a down and gritty fight. The quality of the fight rivals anything you find in comics out today from the largest publishers.
Cut to Phil on his first date, and it’s going VERY well. So well that he’s just spent the best 4 seconds of his life with a woman for the first time. When Phil isn’t paying close attention, Lauren doses him with a chloroform rag to knock him out.
Back to the woods, the cult tries to take Floyd in by force. It looks like Floyd is going to lose the struggle when something completely unexpected happens. Floyd wins by unleashing hell flames from his body. The story turns Floyd’s fears about a satanic lineage into a likely reality.
Later, Phil wakes up tied to a post in the satanic cult’s lair. Lauren is a cult member, and they’ve captured Phil to use him as bait (and a sacrifice) to get to Floyd.
We conclude the issue with the cult letting Floyd know how serious they really are.
How Does It End?
Floyd and Tammy return to her cabin shaken but mostly unharmed. The cult has grand visions for Floyd’s future. What’s in the box?!?
Final Thoughts
MAN GOAT & THE BUNNYMAN #2 picks up the tension, action, and stakes from issue #1. The writing is authentic with a bite of wit, and the art is on another level.
Score: 9.5/10
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