Image Comics 2014
Written by Frank J. Barbiere
Illustrated by Chris Mooneyham
Coloured by Lauren Affe
Still one of the most interesting and unique books out on the market today from concept to execution this series has awoken a love of the classic pulp feel in new and exciting ways. With Chris’ unique and utterly mesmerizing style of artwork bringing the words to life this series has been a constant in my must read pile since issue one.
When we left last issue Sebastian had turned into something of a monster and was attacking Fabian and the Hunter. This issue we get a flashback to open things up of the moment Sebastian and FAbian first met. The beginning of what would be a beautiful relationship and if you have any doubt of that the dialogue here should convince you. Frank’s ability to write these guys and bring them together in such ways that you can’t help but smile.
Alright so this issue has so much more going on than you’d first think. Aside from getting background on how close Fabian and Sebastian are but with Van Helsing at his side as a new ally in the fight against the Cabal and the monsters of the world we’re introduced to some of literary history's most astonishing individuals. The man who made Sebastian a monster Moreau, yes Dr. Moreau, playing around with science and creating monstrous hybrids that have had an unexpected result upon Fabian and his connection to the Dreamstone played his role wonderfully.
While Moreau failed, you have to wonder if he’s truly gone we never did see a body, and the search for his sister, Sebastian’s wife, intensifies with the Cabal in his crosshairs and vice versa it seems that something huge is on the horizon. Oh have I mentioned that I love stories with Nazi’s in them playing the bad guy and keeping Hitler’s obsession with the occult alive and well?
I really enjoyed how this issue played out and the demonstration of Fabian’s ever growing control of the Dreamstone begging the question how is this affecting him on a deeper level. How he manages to save Sebastian and get all three men out alive is really something to witness. At this stage the way that Frank and Chris work together has become something that cannot be overlooked. They have this synchronicity with one another and the ability to really create together such a dynamic and action fueled story that you find yourself lost in this world and by the end of the issue you are left wanting more.
Lauren’s contributions shouldn’t be overlooked either as the blue aura effect that comes with the ghosts abilities as seen with Fabian really makes those moments pop. Not to mention her work on Moreau once he’s injected himself and become the creature that Chris imagined it combines to really make an impact on the reader.
This series has a consistency to it that other titles can only hope for. Fun, interesting and thought provoking with it’s use of literary ghosts which serve to remind us that books, comics and otherwise, have the power to fuel the imagination and thrill the mind.