Review: Robyn Hood The Children of Dr. Moreau

Zenescope continue their own style of publishing, moving away from the structured mini-series style to deliver connected one-shots. They have used his approach across a number of their books, complimenting the ongoing Grimm Fairy Tales and Quarterly Tales of Terror. keeping this up, ensures that there is a schedule format for a variety of readers.

Now that Robyn has been cured of her innate darkness, she now has the added pressure of being a good guy for good reasons, rather than cleansing her soul. In the city that never sleeps, it seems that a strange rash of unconnected disappearances has gained the attention of Smithy and Robyn. So it’s back into the sewers for Robyn, who along with an added guest star, tries to tackle the mysterious Dr. Moreau!

Taking a bit of break from the norm, this book has a sole writer in Joe Brusha, a Zenescope veteran. Brusha looks to continue the change in Robyn’s life. True, her aim the save the city is still there, does the lack of darkness affect her ability to shoot arrows into people? Guest stars have been included in recent issues, whether it be Robyn or Van Helsing. The idea of having characters show up inn each others book has a two-fold benefit; one it shows the connectivity of the Zenescope universe and secondly, if there is a character that maybe isn’t as popular or doesn’t have a regular publishing gig what better way to get them some “reader time” than to have them guest star? Brusha mixes in tell not show aspects of the story with plenty of action scenes. Even so, the book does get a little bogged down in the middle act, though Brusha tires to correct this course.

The art is provided by Ismael Canales who matches the Zenescope style well, at least for the most part. Things start out well enough, though figure work takes an inconsistent turn with faces also getting a sort of mix ‘n’ match affair. With that said, Canales does give the book a sense of energy, regardless of the odd poses characters can fin themselves in. Canales also suffers from that odd indie artist kind of thing where they try and fit the whole figure into the panel. Sometimes this works, most times it doesn’t. If there was any improvement required, for more than one artist, it would be better camera angles. Colors are provided by Juan Manuel Rodriguez which meets the production values expected of a Zenescope book. Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios also supplies the font in his usual expert manner, even getting a cover credit! A quick shout out to cover artist Jeff Spoke who does his best Adam Hughes impression.

Is this the best book you will see this week. Nope, not at all. But is it the worst one? Again, nope not at all. I quite like the extended issues format with minor carry overs from previous books. This method works for both returning and new readers alike. It is true that despite the high production values, Zenescope books can still be a little off kilter when it comers to interior art. Fix that and I assure you that more people would be buying their books. As for now, Zenescope remains a guilty pleasure.

Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars

Overall – 3 Stars

Written by; Joe Brusha
Art by; Ismael Canales
Colors by; Juan Manuel Rodriguez
Letters by; Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios
Published by; Zenescope Entertainment Inc.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network