Animal Man #23

Animal Man #23, published in May 1990, serves as a pivotal installment in Grant Morrison's critically acclaimed run on the series. Following the conclusion of his meta-textual exploration of the character's existence, this issue moves into the hands of writer Peter Milligan and artist Tom Grummett. The series had become a laboratory for postmodern storytelling, and this transition period maintained the title's reputation for examining the moral complexities of superhero life through the lens of Buddy Baker’s evolving relationship with his powers and his family.

The issue features artwork by Tom Grummett, whose clean, expressive style helped ground the surreal narrative shifts that had become the hallmark of the series. Under Milligan’s direction, the title continued to explore the psychological toll of heroics, maintaining the gritty yet thoughtful atmosphere established by Morrison. Critics and readers of the era often highlighted the issue as a successful bridge that allowed the series to retain its intellectual depth and focus on personal stakes even as the creative team began to evolve.