REVIEW: Frankenstein Underground #2

Writer:Â Mike Mignola
Artist:Â Ben Stenbeck
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist:Â Mike Mignola
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: 04/22/2015

First issue was all about Frankenstein. This issue it’s all about the underground.

You may recall, last time out, Frankenstein found some solace before plummeting into the centre of the earth. Whilst he has a fan of sorts, Frankenstein is left to meander into the maze like underground, recapping his misfortunes and believing the perception of being the monster that has been foisted upon him. But as was a wise man once said, allowing me to paraphrase “there is always a bigger monster.”

Mike Mignola continues to impress, the consistency is remarkable, especially when you consider his other books out there. Just check out B.P.R.D and Abe Sapien. Granted, they are all part of the same universe which does allow for some level of familiarity, yet each one has a distinct flavour. Â Here, Mignola progresses the story heaping misery upon misery on to our favourite undead non zombie. Hopefully, Frankenstein will receive his due reward, but it’s looking unlikely at the moment.

Art is by Ben Stenbeck, who again excels at displaying his Mignola influence. There is a mix of styles just as there was in the last issue. The art does gel, but I have to say that I enjoyed the Mignola-esque work better than the other panels, so much soÂ I am left wondering why have an artist that is clearly using Mignola as a frame of reference, when we could have Mignola draw the book as well. Dave Stewart’s excellent work is yet again on show, helping to create the various environments, whether it’s a church or the magnificent cave and city from the last page.

This book is continuing at a pace following Frankenstein’s journey. As part two of a five issue mini series, it runs the risk of faltering, with more transition issues than actual development issues. At this stage however, I am more than content to see how the series pans out.

[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