PopCultHQ received a review copy of the hardcover omnibus of the second volume of LOBSTER JOHNSON from Dark Horse Comics. Available August 22nd in bookstores & August 23rd in comic shops, the creators in this collection feature writing by Mike Mignola & John Arcudi, art by Troy Nixey, Kevin Nowlan, Peter Snejbjerg, Toni Fejzula, Stephen Green, Ben Stenbeck, Tonči Zonjić, Jason Armstrong, Matthew Dow Smith, Ryan Sook, Mike Mignola and Tonči Zonjić, colors by Dave Stewart, Toni Fejzula, and Kevin Nowlan, and letters by Clem Robins and Kevin Nowlan.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
LOBSTER JOHNSON Omnibus Vol. 2 HC
Stories by
Mike Mignola & John Arcudi
Art by
Troy Nixey, Kevin Nowlan, Peter Snejbjerg, Toni Fejzula, Stephen Green, Ben Stenbeck,
Tonči Zonjić, Jason Armstrong, Matthew Dow Smith, and Ryan Sook
Chapter break art by
Mike Mignola and Tonči Zonjić
Colors by
Dave Stewart, Toni Fejzula, and Kevin Nowlan
Letters by
Clem Robins and Kevin Nowlan
Cover Art by
Tonči Zonjić
Format: FC, 472 pages; HC; 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″
ISBN-13: 978-1-50673-503-0
ISBN-10: 1-50673-503-7
Genre: Horror, Crime
Age range: 14+
SRP: $39.99
Publication Date:
August 22nd (bookstores)
August 23rd (comic shops)
Further your collection with the adventures
of Mignolaverse enigma Lobster Johnson!
After years of captivating fans’ imaginations from the pages of Hellboy and B.P.R.D., the pulp-style adventures of Lobster Johnson took the limelight in their own series of comics adventures. From gangsters to Nazis to an army of monkeys, the Lobster faces classic foes in strange new ways.
His adventures continue in this omnibus hardcover edition, collecting trade volumes The Iron Prometheus, The Pirate’s Ghost and Metal Monsters of Midtown, A Chain Forged in Life, and the short story “The Killer in My Skull.” The second volume of this collection features writing by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Tonci Zonjic with art by Zonjic, Ben Stenbeck, Kevin Nowlan, and more!
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
The world of Hellboy is a strange one indeed. Since the first miniseries that brought everyone’s favorite stone-armed monster hunter on the scene, we have had all manner of tales crop up involving the B.P.R.D. and its allies. Return to the ‘Golden Age’ of adventure, a place of gangsters, gun battles, and oddities that will have everyone’s heads spinning. For long-time fans of Lobster Johnson, the chance to read more stories from this costumed crime-fighter’s career is a standout treat, and these self-contained vignettes are an excellent primer for newcomers.
Writing: Mike Mignola and John Arcudi are a terrific team for writing scripts for Lobster Johnson. Whether flying solo or working in tandem, these two have a knack for pulse-pounding pulp adventures that would bring a smile to the faces of Walter Gibson (scribe for The Shadow) or Lester Dent (the mastermind behind Doc Savage). Some stories have a corny element, but it’s a good thing. Ultimately, readers will revel in page after page of excitement and walk away feeling like they just had a veritable literary feast.
Art: There are so many amazing artists who ply their trade to bring Mike and John’s scripts to life; it would be a grave injustice to single out any one story as better than the others. Because, in all sincerity, there is not a single dud in this omnibus. This creative crew crafts compelling artwork that takes the stories mentioned above and brings them to life through their respective styles in lavish, lively, and lovely ways. I tip my cap to each of these fine artistic minds; everyone did a fantastic job.
Colors: The three-person team of Dave, Toni, and Kevin as colorists nailed their role in the best way possible. If you are a person who, like me, notices every aspect of what the creative team on a book of this magnitude brings to the table, you will pay attention to the gorgeous color choices for these stories. Each is committed to choosing colors that compliment the artist’s work, enhance it, and elevate it. It was a job well done by this trio, and I hope that with the next Mignolaverse hardcover edition, they will be back to ply their trade once more.
Letters: Throughout the years, I have read a lot of graphic novels, and one thing I constantly call out when offering reviews is the work of the letterers. With a hardcover tome like this, the lettering is the final piece of a massive puzzle. The dialogue comes in various flavors, whether the character is a heroic personage, a menacing mastermind, or even a supporting figure. Not to mention the explosions, gunshots, and other exciting noises which are part of a comic book adventure package. To finish this review, I am pleased to say way to go, Clem and Kevin, for a job well done.
Overall Assessment:
When it comes to the world of Hellboy, it is an endless roller coaster ride with no end in sight. It is a rich cornucopia of adventure, mystery, danger, and daring-do. And as a lifelong fan of the classic pulp novels, Lobster Johnson’s comics scratch that itch just the right way. So if you seek something new to read as we head into the fall and want to go to bed at night with your head full of exciting dreams tinged with excitement, then stand fast, friends, and know that you are safe when Lobster Johnson is on the job.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
About Dark Horse Comics:
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics is an excellent example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Over the years, Dark Horse has published the work of creative legends such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Kentaro Miura, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Wendy Pini, Richard Pini, and Gerard Way. In addition, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing exciting new creative talent throughout all of its divisions. The company has also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, including Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Dragon Age, James Cameron’s Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, StarCraft, The Witcher, and Halo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
