What do you think?
Rate this book
Elephantmen #2
Elephantmen, Vol. 2: Fatal Diseases
Collecting issues #8-14 of Image Comics' hit Pulp Science Fiction series, Fatal Diseases details the lives of Hip Flask, Ebony Hide, Obadiah Horn, and the rest of the survivors of MAPPO's genetic experiments in Los Angeles, 2259, as a meteor falls in Santa Monica Bay and a new epidemic must be contained!
224 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2008
10 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Richard Starkings
602 books29 followersRichard Starkings is a British comics professional, known for writing the hit sci-fi series ELEPHANTMEN and specializing in lettering, thanks to his award-winning Comicraft lettering studio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 3, 2022
We slowly get to know more about the Elephantmen reality, which is fine, the problem this pace feels false as anything that doesn't really pertain to the main storyline (and there's a fair amount) comes across as filler. What this great world building series needs is ...sub-plots! 7 out of 12.
2019 read
2019 read
March 3, 2011
I felt that there was too little "main story" in favor of back stories, side stories, supporting character short stories and other extras. I would have thought that by now, 2 trade paperbacks or 14 issues or so into the series, we would be done setting the scene and introducing the world and the story would be moving forward.
Just the same, the art is still very, very nice and the overall book design is gorgeous, making it really stand out in my bookshelf. I'll probably buy one more volume before deciding whether to continue with the series or not.
Just the same, the art is still very, very nice and the overall book design is gorgeous, making it really stand out in my bookshelf. I'll probably buy one more volume before deciding whether to continue with the series or not.
June 23, 2018
Druhej book Elephantmen je trochu zklamani. Z cca 10 sesitu se hlavni dejovy lince venujou tak tri a zbytek jsou ruzny back story vedlejsich postav nebo random historky, ktery s dejem nemaj nic spolecnyho a slouzi spis k tomu, aby dostali prostor hostujici kresliri.
Moritatova kresba je fajn, dokud kresli Elephantmeny. Jak se pusti do lidi, tak je to trochu slabsi.
Kazdopadne se tesim na dalsi book a doufam, ze se bude vic rozvijet hlavni dejova linka.
Moritatova kresba je fajn, dokud kresli Elephantmeny. Jak se pusti do lidi, tak je to trochu slabsi.
Kazdopadne se tesim na dalsi book a doufam, ze se bude vic rozvijet hlavni dejova linka.
May 3, 2020
This series just continues to be amazing. Whether it's the art, the meditations on humanity, the side stories that seem like loose seems before becoming part of the larger narrative, and the sheer level of humanity in every single character in this book. Elephantmen kicks ass.
September 14, 2022
I enjoyed volume 1 quite a bit, but after reading 14 issues of this series I feel like I haven't learnt a thing about the Elephantmen that I didn't know in the first couple issues, I don't know any of the characters, and the story is meandering and dull.
The artist is phoning it in - check out his work with Jodorowsky on the Final Incal for a comparison. I don't mind the artwork, but it's very loose and the digital coloring ruins everything. After Ladronn leaves the book, the art becomes very inconsistent with various artists doing the various stories.
The artist is phoning it in - check out his work with Jodorowsky on the Final Incal for a comparison. I don't mind the artwork, but it's very loose and the digital coloring ruins everything. After Ladronn leaves the book, the art becomes very inconsistent with various artists doing the various stories.
July 27, 2016
This is growing on me!
The art is really good by the way.
The art is really good by the way.
July 2, 2024
I had put the first two volumes of this back on my to read pile a while back.. I remembered really liking them, and who doesn't love the concept of 1/2 animal soldiers from a visual standpoint>
Now I remember... despite the great premise and awesome art, the story just never really does anywhere. It meanders between flash backs and present day, with a few 'imaginary' stories mixed in... not unlike when TMNT got passed around to different writers back in the day.
So in the end, I'm back where I was with it.. maybe I'll pick up more if they ever turn up for a good deal, but not really worth going out of the way for.
The art and the character designs though.. great stuff.
Now I remember... despite the great premise and awesome art, the story just never really does anywhere. It meanders between flash backs and present day, with a few 'imaginary' stories mixed in... not unlike when TMNT got passed around to different writers back in the day.
So in the end, I'm back where I was with it.. maybe I'll pick up more if they ever turn up for a good deal, but not really worth going out of the way for.
The art and the character designs though.. great stuff.
May 2, 2018
Pretty incredible artwork/character design. Expect a lot of diversions--weirdly, the creators of this book appear to be fan-fictioning themselves. This series is entertaining and certainly original, but there were times it didn't really hold my attention.
I find it funny that the creator's name is so close to Ringo Starr's real name, Richard Starkey. I'm sure he's heard that before a time or two.
I find it funny that the creator's name is so close to Ringo Starr's real name, Richard Starkey. I'm sure he's heard that before a time or two.
September 5, 2019
Your ability to enjoy Elephantmen is probably equal to your ability to put up with the "Hot Dame" character in a noir.
I have a limited tolerance for "Hot Dame" but managed to look past that to read some genuinely engaging storytelling and pleasant artwork.
Just be prepared for "Hot Dame" to be shoved in your face repeatedly.
Oh, and if you can't take a hippo in a fedora seriously Elephantmen probably isn't for you...
I have a limited tolerance for "Hot Dame" but managed to look past that to read some genuinely engaging storytelling and pleasant artwork.
Just be prepared for "Hot Dame" to be shoved in your face repeatedly.
Oh, and if you can't take a hippo in a fedora seriously Elephantmen probably isn't for you...
October 6, 2022
I enjoyed Elephantmen Vol 2 more than Vol 1. I loved the fleshing out of side characters with little stories, and the multiple in universe fan-fiction comics with different art styles... expanding the world of the Elephantmen. The main plot is still a slow burn, but does get moving at Elephantmen's trademark glacial pace.
April 19, 2020
Not quite as good as the first volume, but it is still very enjoyable
January 17, 2012
This TPB of Elephantmen, collecting issues #8 to #15 plus the "pilot" issue, continues where the first volume left off and only gets better.
The world and characters are more fleshed out and the entire concept begins to really solidify into a coherent whole.
The art continues to be strong, though as in the other volumes, the computer generated nature of much of it is readily apparent. Again, this is not a bad thing, but I think the desire to apply the lush computer colours overshadows the need for the strong linework and dynamic inks that traditional comic book art is known for. This results in some of the art suffering from an almost pixel-like nature in the lines, but it's not too obvious unless you're looking for it.
This does vary from story to story though, depending on the artist and you'll see pages and panels from some you know well: Tim Sale, Jeph Loeb and others, as well as covers from some high profile guys like J. Scott Campbell, Joe Madureira and even Todd McFarlane (what the hell is that guy up to these days anyway?). All in all, there's actually a pretty wide variety of art in this second volume as the Elephantmen universe seems to gain steam and attract more attention. I guess that meant more and more artists wanted to get in on the action and supply their own depictions of Starkings creations.
As mentioned earlier, the story has really begun to come into it's own and the world of Elephantmen has become much more fleshed out, it's recent history and current events nicely depicted.
Moving on to volume three I'm really looking forward to seeing this universe expanded in more detail, but more so I'm hoping to see some real focus on the main characters and have the less important things fade into more of a background noise.
The world and characters are more fleshed out and the entire concept begins to really solidify into a coherent whole.
The art continues to be strong, though as in the other volumes, the computer generated nature of much of it is readily apparent. Again, this is not a bad thing, but I think the desire to apply the lush computer colours overshadows the need for the strong linework and dynamic inks that traditional comic book art is known for. This results in some of the art suffering from an almost pixel-like nature in the lines, but it's not too obvious unless you're looking for it.
This does vary from story to story though, depending on the artist and you'll see pages and panels from some you know well: Tim Sale, Jeph Loeb and others, as well as covers from some high profile guys like J. Scott Campbell, Joe Madureira and even Todd McFarlane (what the hell is that guy up to these days anyway?). All in all, there's actually a pretty wide variety of art in this second volume as the Elephantmen universe seems to gain steam and attract more attention. I guess that meant more and more artists wanted to get in on the action and supply their own depictions of Starkings creations.
As mentioned earlier, the story has really begun to come into it's own and the world of Elephantmen has become much more fleshed out, it's recent history and current events nicely depicted.
Moving on to volume three I'm really looking forward to seeing this universe expanded in more detail, but more so I'm hoping to see some real focus on the main characters and have the less important things fade into more of a background noise.
August 6, 2009
This latest and second hardbound collection of Image Comics’ Elephantmen deepens the plot since the last time Starkings and Moritat took us into the world of Hip Flask and friends. Not only does an alien virus hit the earth, with potentially fatal consequences for one major player in our futuristic serial, but Sahara’s father ominously emerges out of the shadows as a powerful character whose motives are dubious at best, and malevolent at worst. Wheels within wheels and fires within fires.
Although the main plotline is clearly building to a fever pitch that will take future serialized issues to truly unfold, I did find the single-issue diversions to be simultaneously insightful and annoying. Annoying because I couldn’t help but itch for more from the drama in which Hip Flash, Horn, Miki, Tusk, Trench, and Sahara have immersed themselves in – much of which is not of their own making, in this world gone topsy-turvy with questionable scientific ethics and specism.
However, several stand-alone stories did pique my interest, if not tickle my funny bone – including the hilarious iFrog and dark Alien-esque “Human Remains” episodes. Oh, and let’s not forget that clever Will Eisner homage story-within-a-story, “The Victory of Sammy Thrace”; as it sports a splash page which is a riff on those in The Spirit, as well as characters like “Family” Jules and – later in this volume – Vanity Case.
What future issues of Elephantmen have in store is anybody’s guess – or at least Starkings et al are keeping it that way. But I know that I’ll be there for the wild ride. Oh, and this to Starkings and crew: Can you finish War Toys 2 already? Jeesh, you guys.
Although the main plotline is clearly building to a fever pitch that will take future serialized issues to truly unfold, I did find the single-issue diversions to be simultaneously insightful and annoying. Annoying because I couldn’t help but itch for more from the drama in which Hip Flash, Horn, Miki, Tusk, Trench, and Sahara have immersed themselves in – much of which is not of their own making, in this world gone topsy-turvy with questionable scientific ethics and specism.
However, several stand-alone stories did pique my interest, if not tickle my funny bone – including the hilarious iFrog and dark Alien-esque “Human Remains” episodes. Oh, and let’s not forget that clever Will Eisner homage story-within-a-story, “The Victory of Sammy Thrace”; as it sports a splash page which is a riff on those in The Spirit, as well as characters like “Family” Jules and – later in this volume – Vanity Case.
What future issues of Elephantmen have in store is anybody’s guess – or at least Starkings et al are keeping it that way. But I know that I’ll be there for the wild ride. Oh, and this to Starkings and crew: Can you finish War Toys 2 already? Jeesh, you guys.
June 29, 2014
I am so happy I discovered this series. It really is just one of the most beautiful things ever! I love the art and the stories and the characters and just everything. I read this slightly out of order because I borrowed number 3 from the library but think I will have to buy a copy so I have them all.
In this volume the humour got a bit meta with online elaphantmen comics in the story (which I found a bit disappointing as the art was old fashioned comic book style). There were some great moments between Sahara and Horn. The virus return. While there were many short stories they were all happening at the same time and intertwined into a bigger story which was nice.
I just want to buy all these books and read them again and again!
In this volume the humour got a bit meta with online elaphantmen comics in the story (which I found a bit disappointing as the art was old fashioned comic book style). There were some great moments between Sahara and Horn. The virus return. While there were many short stories they were all happening at the same time and intertwined into a bigger story which was nice.
I just want to buy all these books and read them again and again!
August 20, 2016
Not much more to report than in volume 1. Still an interesting, fun world with fun characters and an engaging story. Unlike volume 1, the book isn't physically falling apart, so I guess that may just have been my copy. Maybe...
The one new thing is the "Pilot" section, where a character has a few short comics based on the Elephantman Hip Flask. These are fun stories, fictional within the broader Epephantmen world and they have varying writing and artistic styles. They're all pretty fun (much better than the pirate story from volume 1, though I did like that story, particularly in context).
This volume also sees the development of some new, or not much used before, people, all of whom are enjoyable to read about. Good continuation.
The one new thing is the "Pilot" section, where a character has a few short comics based on the Elephantman Hip Flask. These are fun stories, fictional within the broader Epephantmen world and they have varying writing and artistic styles. They're all pretty fun (much better than the pirate story from volume 1, though I did like that story, particularly in context).
This volume also sees the development of some new, or not much used before, people, all of whom are enjoyable to read about. Good continuation.
April 26, 2016
Assuming you know the basis for this story set out in Vol. 1, here are my thoughts from this wonderful continuation.
One thing that stood out for me not just in Vol. 1, but even more so in 2, was how excellent the characterization is. Even side characters, like Miki, have personality to the point where you care about them and want to see how they develop into the story. I have really enjoyed how layered the story has been as well, combining past flashbacks to fill in current relationship dynamics and conflicts without at times revealing everything. You continue to want to press on and read more. And that, I think, is what all good writers strive for, to make you care about their story and maintain your interest. Mine definitely is.
One thing that stood out for me not just in Vol. 1, but even more so in 2, was how excellent the characterization is. Even side characters, like Miki, have personality to the point where you care about them and want to see how they develop into the story. I have really enjoyed how layered the story has been as well, combining past flashbacks to fill in current relationship dynamics and conflicts without at times revealing everything. You continue to want to press on and read more. And that, I think, is what all good writers strive for, to make you care about their story and maintain your interest. Mine definitely is.
June 13, 2010
The second volume of Elephantmen collects 8-15 plus 'Pilot'. This book is huge. Heavy, dense, thick paper, beautiful design. Despite the individual nature of the series the ongoing story develops further with an intriguing development near the end relating to the past war and the mysterious virus that wiped out Europe. The hard boiled gritty language is entertaining and perfecxt for the genre but really it's all about the art which continues to be beautiful. The dark and grimy future world depicted is simply gorgeous to behold. Continues to be a must read.
November 8, 2011
I love the art in these books and the overall graphic design that goes into them, but continue to find the rather elliptical style of storytelling a bit frustrating. Though I did find, having read volume 2 after volumes 3 and 4, that it didn't really hurt my understanding of events, etc. The way things jump around in time and backtrack and so forth, you can pretty much read these in any order.
September 23, 2012
Oh, man. Muuuuuch better than War Toys. Learning more about Serengheti was great; he's not just a thug anymore, he's got actual depth now, and there's a tie to other characters that make his hatred of the Elephantmen make more sense.
Plus, CHINA.
Plus, CHINA.
November 13, 2014
Richard Starkings and crew deliver again, as advertised, PULP! SCIENCE! FICTION!. I have to admit these are great stories and I was a fool for not picking up the individual issues when they first started.
March 9, 2012
Not 100% sure where the story is going, but the artwork is beautiful. I plan to finish the series.
August 1, 2012
A good continuation of the series. Doesn't have the same smack as the first collection, but still very interesting and intriguing.
August 22, 2012
The visuals are there. The story gets teased out a bit at a time.
July 3, 2016
Good world building but kind of wished that it focused on the ongoing story instead of having a bunch of short stories in the middle but still great artwork and love Hip and all of the Elephant men.
August 24, 2016
Aaannnd I've been sucked in...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews