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From the devilishly creative mind of Mike Mignola comes the latest story set in the Hellboy universe. He collaborates with his longtime partners Christopher Golden and Thomas Sniegoski, with art by Peter Bergting. This time, the adventure continues with Frankenstein and his trusty companion, Lilja, in their own complete miniseries. The story picks up from where it left off in 2022’s “Frankenstein: New World.”I must say, having read many comics recently, this one truly stands out as absolutely gripping and enthralling! Frankenstein’s monk-like stoicism and wisdom, juxtaposed with Lilja’s youthful, playful attitude, create a perfect blend of unlikely friendship. And I absolutely cannot wait for the next issue!
Read Frankenstein: New World
Written by Mike Magnola, Christopher Golden, Tom Sniegoski
Cover Art & Art by Peter Bergting
Colors by Michelle Madsen
Letters by Clem Robins
Editor Katii O’Brien
Published by Dark Horse Comics
***Possible Spoiler Warning***
Plot Summary
Without reading the prior books, this narrative picks up as Frankenstein and Lilja journey towards the “Sea of Forever.” Along the way, they encounter various bizarre beings in parable-esque vignettes. However, a new evil named “Murk” follows them, corrupting everything in its wake akin to Sauron’s influence over Middle-earth. As they cross the sea, Frankenstein and Lilja confront more monsters. His visions of looming evils heighten the peril, setting a suspenseful tone for the rest of this limited series.
The Art And Letters
Although this style usually isn’t my favorite, the way it blends with the storytelling is perfectly aligned. Peter Bergting creates a calming, monk-like demeanor for Frankenstein, which contrasts with the character’s typically terrifying portrayal. Lilja is drawn in a bubbly and upbeat manner that perfectly complements her youthful sweetness. The settings are depicted with a vibrancy and wonder that truly transport you to this world. Moreover, the presence of evil is consistently conveyed through ominous and scary visual expressions that make you feel uneasy. The colors in various settings are spot on, effectively setting the scene for the unfolding story. Although the comic is relatively light on dialogue, the lettering is expertly done where its needed. It clearly conveys what’s being said and how it’s expressed.
The Writing
The storytelling in this issue is truly captivating, showcasing the creators’ decades of experience in the comic book industry. The narrative jumps seamlessly between thought-provoking discussions and intense encounters. It masterfully blends fantastical elements with grounded, realistic dialogues. Lilja’s lines often add humor, enriching the emotional depth of each scene and contrasting with the darker themes. Her vibrant personality injects light-heartedness, deepening the connection to the characters and making the stakes feel more personal. I eagerly await the next issue to see how the characters evolve and face their upcoming challenges.
Overall Thoughts
Fans of the Hellboy series, I’m sure will find this comic delightful. It perfectly blends horror and humor with rich character development, making me love the main protagonists. Its array of bizarre characters reminds me of the diverse creatures in Star Wars and The Dark Crystal, adding to its charm. I’m already looking forward to running to my local comicbook shop for the next issue as soon as it’s available.
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
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
