Graphics engine for iphone game dev

I spent a few days trying to decide which framework/library to use. Initially the options were Open GL ES vs Core Animation. I was going to implement my own sprite engine (or port an existing one). But I couldn't possibly summarise my feelings better than Will Larson did when he faced a similar situation:

That is, until we ran into OpenGL, which was something like coming upon a family of skunks blocking your trail while hiking. I mean, you could walk through them. But, damn it, do you have to?

Fortunately, there's Cocos2d for iphone to save us all from dealing with the skunks.