Writer: Dan Whitehead Art: David Hitchcock Publisher: U.K. Comics Creative
WHAT IS IT?
Dr. Frankenstein and his monster escape to Texas to escape their pasts, even if what they really need is to escape themselves.
It's like if Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein were super serious and dramatic and the same movie.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
(Minor Spoilers)
After Dr. Frankenstein and the Frankenstein Monster are chased from their home, they board a ship to the new world. That's where we pick up their story.
As they try to start a new life in this strange, new world, they're besieged by violent outlaws...and old impulses.
Can they truly start over? Is decision more powerful than destiny? And is there a future in America for monsters like these?
WHAT WORKS?
The storytelling here is tight and feels like you're watching a feature film
For what may initially sound like a silly premise, we quickly settle into the dark and tortured tone we know so well from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
While thoughtful and introspective, it also has plenty of action and suspense to keep those pages turning
Hitchcock's line art is especially impressive, haunting and beautiful at the same time
While this comics stands on its own well as a complete story, it also leaves the door open for future tales in this universe
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
While there's no color in the comic, the time period and the fantastic shading and line art make color much less of a necessity
Some character choices at the end are questionable -- I don't want to spoil the ending, but certain choices felt avoidable and artificial
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
Whitehead, Hitchcock and Campbell build a truly compelling and human experience on a premise that would be absurd in anyone else's hands. It's a read you won't regret.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
Hex Loader, #1 by Dan Whitehead & Conor Boyle
Copperhead, Vol. 1 by Jay Faerber & Scott Godlewski
Sherlock Frankenstein, Vol. 1 by Jeff Lemire & David Rubin
If you like the art:
Springheeled Jack by David Hitchcock
Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman, Andy Kubert & Richard Isanove
Witch Doctor, Vol. 1 by Brandon Seifert & Lukas Ketner
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Dan Whitehead – Writer
Often writes about, and is inspired by, video games
His background is also in writing about games and writing scripts for them
Has also written 2 official Star Wars books
David Hitchcock – Artist
Award Winner: Won an Eagle Award for his comic, Springheeled Jack
His work tends toward historical British eras and style
Jim Campbell – Letterer
Outlander: Hails from the United Kingdom
Multitalented: Also enjoys the art side of the creative world
Dream Team: Often does lettering for writer, Dan Whitehead
HOW DO I BUY IT?
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