PopCultHQ received a review copy from Dark Horse Comics/Dark Horse Books for their hardcover release of FRANKENSTEIN: New World.
Available Wednesday, May 10th, the collection features Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, and Thomas Sniegoski, artist Peter Bergting, colorist Michelle Madsen, letters by Clem Robins, and explores a new chapter in the world of Hellboy!
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
FRANKENSTEIN: New World HC
Written by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, and Thomas Sniegoski
Illustrated by Peter Bergting
Colored by Michelle Madsen
Lettered by Clem Robins
Cover Art & Chapter Break Art by Peter Bergting
Publication Date: May 10th, 2023
Genre: Horror, Action/Adventure
Format: FC, 112 pages; HC, 7″ x 10″
Age range: 14+
SRP: $24.99
Collects the four-issue miniseries.
Safely tucked away inside the hollow earth where humanity survived after Ragna Rok, precocious young Lilja receives visions of a new darkness taking root on the surface. Defying her elders, Lilja awakens the timeless oracle–once known as Frankenstein–to investigate the warnings and, perhaps, even explore the new world above.
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
FRANKENSTEIN: New World HC
The world has ended. And who better to venture forth and seek adventure in the new, if not Frankenstein? This fantastic adventure takes readers on a journey from the center of the Earth to the strange and unfamiliar setting of a world of bizarre creatures, gorgeous landscapes, and where danger lurks around every corner. One of the standout moments throughout the book is the artwork by Peter Bergting that brings this fantastic world to life.
Writing: Mike, Christopher, and Thomas are long-time, familiar names in the industry. The work these gentlemen have accomplished over the years is a list of praiseworthy accomplishments. But to have all three team up on a book of this scale? The only word that comes to mind to describe this is excellent. The world of a post-apocalyptic Earth inhabited by strange creatures, wherein the Frankenstein Monster must roam on a fantastic quest, is pure comic book wish fulfillment. A hearty ‘heck yes’ to all of them for working together on this HC.
Art: While this reviewer was unfamiliar with Peter’s work up until reading this book, this is an excellent introduction to one very talented individual. Everything about the lines and character designs is magnificent. There is such a rich intensity at play, which ties in perfectly with the script from Mike, Christopher, and Thomas. The details are spectacular, but readers will note the level of depth that Peter poured into little things like the plant life, and the facial expressions of the characters give the whole thing a movie-level sense of epicness.
Colors: Michelle Madsen taking up the task of coloring Peter’s artwork, my oh my! Everything that has been said about Peter’s artwork can be applied to Michelle’s work as a colorist. The colors that were chosen for everything, whether it is Frankenstein’s skin tone or the vibrant choices for the fauna that inhabit the new world, all of it pops and will continually draw the reader’s eye across the page.
Letters: Clem is a standup letterer. Taking the script and giving it life via the letters can be daunting, and in the hands of new talent or less-gifted persons can end poorly. That is not the case with Clem, not one bit. He approaches this with the same dedication and commitment to his previous projects.
Overall Assessment:
If anyone who reads this review needs a better reason to go out and pick up this hardcover, I cannot provide one. Everyone who contributed to this project stepped up and delivered top-notch work that landed with a spectacular end result. Fans of Mike’s Hellboy will appreciate a delightful Easter Egg early on that ties the entire book to the world of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. It is loaded with action, adventure, mystery, tragedy, and the heartfelt story of two people pushed together on a dangerous quest that will have resounding implications for the world.
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.
