Review: Bram Stokers Dracula
Synopsis:
One of the greatest cinematic experiences came from Frances Ford Coppola based on a literary masterpiece: Bram Stokers Dracula. When Top Cow initially commissioned this work they knew they had to hire the best they could find and thus came Roy Thomas, who had initiated Marvel’s Tomb of Dracula and Mike Mignola, who created the horror/superhero classic Hellboy and whose artistic style is best used within the horror genre. And now, IDW is bringing this classic back into comic book stores for a new generation to discover and appreciate.
The Creative Team:
Roy Thomas is undeniably one of the greatest forces within the medium of comic books, even his critics can not deny his success. He is a master storyteller with more successes than failures under his belt and this is one of his greatest moments in my view. Adapting a movie script into this medium is not as easy as you might think. Some things that work in a movie don’t necessarily work in the field of comic books but Thomas makes it look so easy. All of the important information is there and yet this is an easy read. Great stuff includes the way that Johnathan Harker’s diary reads into the narrative and the banter between Harker and the Count.
Mike Mignola has carved a reputation for artistic brilliance with a unique style that is clearly on display in this adaptation. They wisely chose to do this in Black and White which enhances Mignola’s sharp contrast. Some of the best use of shadow and light by any artist augments this story and the panels flow smoothly. Highlights include the first appearance of castle Dracula and the ultimate fate of Reinfield.
In Conclusion:
One of the best comic book adaptations of a movie to ever be published. So many adaptations appear rushed and leave out key moments while highlighting stuff that isn’t that important. One that comes to mind is IDW’s adaptation of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. Though that isn’t the worst adaptation of a Star Trek movie it appears to have been rushed into production and the panels skip over important subject matter, such as the scene with the eels. They should have devoted more time to catch the true horror of the moment, a failed opportunity to be sure. But this creative team took it’s time and did it right. Well crafted and with a clear eye for what works in this format. The editors knew that Thomas and Mignola would work well together. Hopefully, they will work together on many more projects. ****1/2 (9.6 rating)
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Writer – Roy Thomas
Art – Mike Mignola, John Nyberg
Letters – John Costanza
Publisher – IDW
Author Profile
- Kevin Given has studied with “ Longridge Writers Group †and “ Writer’s Boot Camp †a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the “ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter †franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of “ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter †# 1 and “ Files of Karl Vincent †# 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series “ Dracula Rising †(working title) and developing “ Foul Blood †into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given
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