The Astounding Wolf-Man

The Astounding Wolf-Man is a comic book series launched in the United States on May 5, 2007. The series was created and is written by Robert Kirkman with Jason Howard handling the artwork. Unlike most comic books, the first issue of Wolf-Man was given away for free as part of Free Comic Book Day. A "director's cut" edition of the first issue was released the same date as the second issue. The story is that of Gary Hampton, a CEO who is bitten by a werewolf while on a family vacation. The story revolves around Gary's efforts to use his powers for good and to be a superhero, despite having an evil curse.

Storyline

After his second out-break of "Were-wolfism", Gary is visited in his home by a stranger who he first thinks is paparazzi. The stranger tells Gary that he can help him with his "problem" because he "has experience with the super-natural". He then gives a menacing smile which shows the stranger's long, sharp teeth; that, coupled with his glowing red eyes, suggest he is a vampire. At the start of the second issue it is revealed that the stranger is named Zecheriah. He begins to mentor and tutor Gary and help him to harness his werewolf abilities. They visit super-hero outfitter and tailor Al Rosenfeld, who designs a costume for the newly christened "Wolf-Man". The costume includes an arm apparatus that harnesses moonlight, so that if Gary is ever caught in sunlight he will have some time to take cover before transforming. Gary's first night performing as a super-hero has him teaming up with a team of other heroes, called "The Actioneers", who he helps take down a multiple-headed monster. Meanwhile, Gary's family life begins to deteriorate: his daughter Chloe is not aware of her father's condition, and his wife seems to resent it. Gary starts on his way out of his bedroom to meet with Zecheriah for another night of training, but instead stays with his wife and they start to have sex. However, during foreplay Gary transforms into his werewolf form and, seemingly out of control of his actions, leaps out the nearby window. In his transformed state he kills a member of the Actioneers, "Sergeant Superior".[1] Issue 3 opens with Gary sitting in his secret base underneath his home, seemingly distraught at his actions. Zecheriah drives in in the new "Wolf-Car", and Gary transforms into his werewolf form before attacking the vampire, angry that he has been missing for a fortnight, in which time he has killed another person. Zecheriah turns into his mist form and dodges the attack, before calmly explaining that he knew Gary would be out of control when he transforms at a full moon, but that he needed to feel the rage to understand it. He then apologises, saying he made mistake. The following evening, Zecheriah and Wolf-Man head onto the streets in pursuit of a super-villain called Thrill Kill, who's taken a girl hostage. They succeed in defeating the villain and saving the girl, but as Wolf-Man heads back to the car he finds himself in an ambush situation with four other werewolves, one of whom has Zecheriah around the neck. Wolf-Man fights off the werewolves, and Zecheriah turns into his mist form and escapes. The werewolves retreat, stating they will be ready for the 'elder blood' Zecheriah next time. The next morning, over breakfast, Gary reveals to his wife that he has been voted out of his company by the board of directors, before Dunford comes in to tell him that a "group of men" are at the door, and are there to evict Gary from his house. Issue 4 opens with Gary and his family trying to cope with their recent financial troubles. With his family now relocated to his hideout and his daughter made aware of his "condition", Gary continues his work as a superhero.

Characters

Gary Hampton- The story's protagonist and titular character as Wolf-Man, Gary starts the series as a wealthy CEO trying to balance his family life with his corporate duties. After his ill-fated family vacation and subsequent realization that he is now a werewolf, he attempts to make use of his new abilities as a superhero. Gary's transformation into a crime fighter is due in large part to his mentor Zechariah, who has shown Gary everything he has needed to know to be an effective werewolf. The attack and Gary's new life though came at a volatile time in his life and have had significant consequences on his everyday life. Just prior to his attack his company had gone public, and the resulting media frenzy after his near-death wreaked havoc on the company's stock. In the end he was fired in an attempt to recover financially and because Gary's house was purchased with company funds Gary and his family were evicted from it. Gary also has to struggle with the fact that his powers are not fully under control. The full moon triggers an uncontrollable transformation into his werewolf state where he is unaware of his actions. This change has resulted in the deaths of two innocent people and Gary's ability to deal with this violent side effect of his powers has yet to be fully seen. Gary's family has a complicated relationship with his new life. His wife, Rebecca, has made peace with her werewolf husband to a certain extent, though she does not trust Zechariah. She is also making do with their current financial situation, though the news of their eviction was a very distressing event for her. Gary's daughter, Chloe, has only recently learned about her father and his double life and was visibly stunned at the sight of him transforming. She is not pleased in any way by their new financial situation. Zechariah- Gary's mentor and supernatural partner. As a vampire he has a variety of powers, not the least of which is his ability to revive himself after seemingly fatal situations. While the help he has provided Gary is invaluable he has many secrets and his true intentions are, at best, obscure and many other characters distrust him. This distrust may not be unwarranted, since he hid from Gary his murder of a werewolf child, allowed Gary to go on a rampage when he knew it could be prevented, and has Sergeant Superior captive in his apartment, the man Gary believes he killed in blind rage. What Zechariah's true intentions are and how Gary fits into them have yet to be revealed, but they will certainly have a huge impact as the series progresses.

External links

• Image Comics site
• Kirkman's Buy My Books Column on Comic Book Resources