Frankenstein: New World – The Sea of Forever #2

I’m not typically drawn to Frankenstein stories or even horror in general, yet Frankenstein: New World – The Sea of Forever continues to captivate me. The blend of eerie, macabre elements with whimsical optimism is uniquely compelling. This contrast gives the series a distinct charm, making it more than just another horror-fantasy tale.

Issue #2 picks up right where the previous one left off, with Frankenstein and Lilja back on the beach. Their journey into the unknown uncovers the true nature of the creatures. And they may not be what readers expect. Meanwhile, the overarching threat continues to loom, keeping the tension high as danger closes in around them.

Read Frankenstein: New World

***Possible Spoiler Warning***

Plot Summary

Frankenstein and Lilja remain cautious as creatures lurk in the shadows. The squid-like beings communicate and decide to welcome them into their village. These creatures live harmoniously, reminding me of the Na’vi from Avatar. Singing and dancing commence, but their joyful customs hide a sinister truth.

Meanwhile, Murk, the dark entity hunting them, prepares to make his move. As Frankenstein and Lilja lay down to rest for the night, she urges him to share a story. She believes he’s been hiding something from her since the boat. Frankenstein then recounts his first encounter with vampires.

Later, as Lilja sleeps, she dreams of an unknown entity calling to her, with her power igniting as she dreams. The issue ends with Frankenstein preparing to face the monsters lurking in the sea.

The Art And Letters

Peter Bergting returns with his signature gritty, dark-shaded characters and environments. The creatures in this issue, like the squid beings, are uniquely designed and visually striking. Meanwhile, Murk’s army and the vampires in Frankenstein’s memory exude pure menace. Their glowing red eyes pierce the darkness, reinforcing their sinister presence.

The art perfectly aligns with the story’s eerie tone and atmosphere. One standout panel showcases the village’s unique design. Elevated huts rest on long tree trunks, creating a surreal, otherworldly setting. During Frankenstein’s flashback, the color palette shifts to gray and green. This visual change clearly distinguishes past from present.

Jeff Eckleberry’s lettering enhances the storytelling with precise dialogue placement. Music notes flow through the panels, adding to the immersive atmosphere. Dream sequences stand out with unique colors and fonts, making shifts between realities clear. The combination of color and lettering keeps each moment visually engaging.

The Writing

Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, and Thomas Sniegoski craft an emotional, well-paced story here. Despite featuring monsters and sci-fi creatures, they capture deep human emotions. The narrative moves seamlessly between present events, flashbacks, and Lilja’s dream sequence. Each transition remains clear, making every moment easy to follow.

This version of Frankenstein portrays him as stoic, compassionate, and morally grounded. Lilja embodies youthful curiosity without feeling cliché or annoying. Her adventurous spirit adds warmth to the story, making her a strong character in her own right. A looming threat lingers in the background, keeping tension high. However, it never overshadows the immediate dangers Frankenstein and Lilja must confront.

The first issue set a high bar, but this maintains the quality. The pacing remains tight, and the story continues to grip me. This series is expertly crafted, keeping me eager for each new issue.

Overall Thoughts

The first issue set a high bar, and this follow-up delivers. The pacing remains tight, even with multiple storylines unfolding and future arcs being set up. Despite the shifting perspectives, the storytelling is expertly crafted, making each transition feel purposeful rather than overwhelming. The balance between action, mystery, and emotional depth keeps me fully invested. Frankenstein and Lilja’s dynamic continues to shine, offering both heart and intrigue. With new threats emerging and lingering questions left unanswered, each issue keeps me eager for what’s next.

Overall Grade: 9.0/10

This review was written by Thomas Craig of The Joy Schtick Show, where three friends from Hawaii explore the movies, TV shows, comics, and pop culture bringing us JOY! For more reviews and to catch up on all our episodes, head to linktr.ee/TheJoySchtickShow