“Operation: Iron Coffin #3” – End of the Ride

The Run Down

Well, it’s all come down to this! In his effort to repay his debt, Dracula has reached the end. The question is, though, with as little time as he has left, will he succeed? Find out alongside Matt and me in Kenny Porter’s epic conclusion to “Operation: Iron Coffin”!

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

The Writing

Matt: Dracula’s sheer determination and will were on full display in this finale, as it didn’t disappoint in the slightest. This doesn’t end as one would expect, and that isn’t a bad thing at all. Dracula has always been about telling a deeper lesson, and Kenny nails that aspect with this issue. There’s still plenty of battles and bloodshed, however, and we get a glimpse into the events leading up to Dracula being called upon. This will be a run that I revisit often, as there is something new I find to love within Kenny’s writing with each pass.

Eda: If there was ever a great way to round out an amazing story, this is it. Just as with the previous two issues, Porter fills this with a lot of self-reflection and top-notch character work. Getting people to relate to a monster such as Drac is no easy feat, but Porter makes it look so. From beginning to end, “Operation: Iron Coffin” is something that any horror fan with a heart will love.

The entire way through, the pacing was on point and the story never lost its muster. While highly violent, the violence served a purpose and kept the action exciting. All of this while tugging on the heartstrings makes “Operation: Iron Coffin” one to remember.

The Art

Matt: Tyrell is going to become an even bigger name in the comic community before long, and this issue is a perfect example of why that is. There is nothing short of giant-sized ass-kicking to satisfy the thirst for violence that we have come to develop with this run. The colors of red mixed with bright green, as Dracula will stop at nothing to defeat his children and save the world, are exquisite. The explosions are bright enough to put out some heat from their panels, and my eyes couldn’t leave the pages. I loved the peeks into the various monsters he gives us as we dive into the past and see Dracula in Egypt, and even teasing us with more modern-day monsters as well. All in all, if you don’t know Tyrell Cannon by now, then this will fix that.

Eda: I don’t know how else to say this other than that Cannon delivered once again. The gore looked utterly fantastic, as did the environments and character designs. Every look of disgust, stress, anger, and acceptance leapt off the page, while the gore made my eyes pop. The level of detail was truly astounding.

Meanwhile, his use of color was absolute perfection. Cannon’s style of coloring lent the series its own flavor that feels hard to come by. Gothic yet super stylized. I want so much more of it and I’m going to miss it. Lastly, Lee’s lettering is some seriously great stuff, especially when it comes to the onomatopoeia. It truly helped set the scene even further, enveloping readers deep into the action.

Final Thoughts

Matt: Operation: Iron Coffin is a visual feast from front to back, with Tyrell putting on a show while Kenny develops and sheds new light on the lore and history of Dracula. While this may be goodbye to our bloodthirsty friend for now, the door was left open for more, and it’s something I hope we get to explore.

Eda: “Operation: Iron Coffin” is an absolute tour de force from start to finish. If you ever feel down about yourself, read this to remind yourself you’re so much more. If someone or something like Dracula can redeem himself, then so can we.

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

You’ll be able to find Kenny Porter at NYCC October 8-11, and Matt as well as some more of the Nerd Initiative Bullpen!

Read more from Matt here!

Read more from me here and check out my socials!

Comments

Did you read “Operation: Iron Coffin”? If so, what are your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments below!