REVIEW: Frankenstein Underground #1

You know how it is, you right all year for a Frankenstein book and then two come along at (roughly) the same time.

Here was have the trials and tribulations of one of the most, if not the most famous of man made monsters, Frankenstein.  We join the story with a shot Franky looking for solace in a cave and finding shelter and a witch (she has been called worse, apparently), who heels him, protects him and in some way, looks to try and install some humanity.  All this under the watchful eye of  this story’s version of the Evil King, complete with a magic mirror.

This book is another extension of the Mike Mignola’s Hellboy franchise, with Hellboy going as far as making an appearance, in a fashion. As with Abe Sapien, Mignola is writing and whilst the book is an opening chapter, replete with an origin and the set up of further adventures, the script does capture your imagination. This includes the allusion that there are God’s and very real evidence of demons. The big bad, the Marquis Addet de Fabre, is a “moustache twirling” villain who threatens when he doesn’t get his own way.

Art is supplied by Ben Stenbeck, who had previously worked with Mignola on Baltimore. The inspiration is clear throughout the book, particularly apparent with panels featuring  Franky and the witch. What also becomes apparent is that, when neither are there, the art style seems to change. I wonder how the styles will mesh when the Marquis and the monster finally meet.  The colours are provided by Dave Stewart which again helps with the Mignola comparison with the use of black in the opening few pages.

If there is a disappointment, it’s that Mignola doesn’t provide the interiors. The cover shows what a talent Mignola remains to be. This book is interesting enough wwith just enough to whet the appetite of anyone who is a fan of this classic monster.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

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

Latest entries

• Comic BooksOctober 14, 2024Review: Absolute Batman #1
• Comic BooksSeptember 25, 2024Review: Defenders of the Earth #2 (of 8)
• Comic BooksAugust 7, 2024Review: Gatchaman #2
• Advance ReviewJuly 30, 2024Advance Review: Defenders of the Earth #1 (of 8)