“Operation: Iron Coffin #2” Review – An Extraordinary Gentleman

The Run Down

If you missed the previous issue, do yourself a favor and read it before even touching this one. While some comics, you can jump in anywhere and be fine, I don’t recommend doing that here. This story of Dracula fighting Nazis and trying to make up for his wrongdoings is just that fantastic. Especially when he and us readers find out those wrongdoings are catching up to him. So join Matt & I as we go over and review the latest exciting issue!

Writer: Kenny Porter
Artist/Colorist: Tyrell Cannon
Letters: Shawn Lee

The Writing

Matt: Kenny is in his bag and hitting us from all angles, whether it be action, intensity, emotion, or bringing us to sympathize with Dracula in ways I never thought possible. I love how there is such a specific reason for Dracula to be on this train, and it goes back to his past misgivings. After all, he is a man of his word, and he has been called upon in a big way. It’s a truly clever way to tie in the reasoning for him being back on Earth with why he is now fighting so hard on a train screaming through the European night.

The respect and love for history and lore become ever more apparent as both are woven meticulously within the panels of this issue. It allows for new history to be written without sacrificing anything new that is added in.

Eda: Just when I thought the last issue was good, it’s as if Kenny Porter told me to hold his beer. What the last issue already did great, this one somehow does ever better. One of my personal favorite things is just how well Dracula as a character is being written. Porter truly gives the character so much depth beyond what we’ve become accustomed to seeing. This is a deeply thoughtful, introspective and regretful man, a complete departure than what we’re used to seeing from Dracula. This specific tactic really works to help sell this story beyond something seemingly inspired by “Hellsing”.

Something else I love as well is just how Dracula lore is being interwoven into the story. While I won’t spoil exactly what I mean, it’s more than enough for fans of the character to be excited. I know that I personally was jumping out of my seat when one particular character showed up and how they connect to what’s currently going on. Long time Drac fans will absolutely not be disappointed in the story being told here.

The Art

Matt: Tyrell is blending so many stunning colors together with vibrant radioactive greens mixing in with the deep dark red blood that is spilled from the very first issue. There are times when Dracula appears frail, but all of that is quickly forgotten as he manages to bring out the most menacing looks, playing with the sizing and shadows. I love how he doesn’t hold back with the action sequences which are swift and agile, while everyone is taking heavy damage as well. This is truly a visual feast for those who love art and action.

Eda: I think it’s safe to say that everything about Tyrell Cannon’s work here is pure genius. In everything from the line work to the coloring, he truly gave it his all. Throughout the entire issue, he keeps this dark, gothic and gory aesthetic that truly just works for the material.

When it comes to his line work, he creates these amazing spaces that, combined with the lighting, feel all too real. The specific way he does the lighting and coloring makes things feel intense and horrifying in the right moments and grounded in others. I seriously can’t get enough.

Final Thoughts

Matt: Issue 2 builds upon what we were delivered and promised in the first issue and then some. This book is beautiful and violent while having a hint of tragedy as a Dracula story should. This is without question in the running for best horror of the year!

Eda: I don’t know how they’re doing it, but “Operation: Iron Coffin” is one of the best out this year. Kenny Porter manages to create a version of Dracula that feels relatable yet horrifying. His writing coupled with Cannon’s fantastic artwork create a truly amazing reading experience.

Matt’s Grade:10/10
Eda’s Grade: 10/10
Overall Grade: 10/10!

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Comments

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