
Dynamite Entertainment 2015
Written by Rik Hoskin
From an Original Story by Dean Koontz
Illustrated by Andres Ponce
Coloured by Mohan
Lettered by Bill Tortolini
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Frankenstein novels that Koontz has done I do recommend you read them because they really are very good, solid, interesting reading. That this is from an original story by Koontz told by Rik makes me excited for the future of Deucalion and Erika. Sometimes an author writes a book, or series of, that captures a unique character capable of things you wouldn’t expect and for me this is one of them. Widely known for his Odd Thomas series I think this one is perfectly suited to be told like this.
This arc has been a wonderful introduction to this world and these creations of Victor Frankenstein and the man himself. That this is a modern day take on a classic story is perfectly done using today’s science. There’s a much more plausible explanation as to how Victor is able to create not only Deucalion but Erika 5 as well that keeps the science fiction aspect current and the horrific implications of such actions by a man bent on thinking the way he does as gripping as humanly possible.
That this is able to harken back to it’s source material and yet still remain as fresh and new as if it were the first time you were seeing this is one of the hardest things to accomplish. That both Dean and Rik are able to take these characters and do that should be applauded. Not only has this arc thrown in all that but hell they managed to get zombies into the story without it feeling contrite. I mean hello the way they were woven into the story and how all the people of New Orleans were used from issue one through six really just made sense.
Andres and Mohan do some incredible work on the interiors. I love the way this flows from page to page through the panels. Erika just seems to have this same look about her throughout and it really lends credence to her being created. The zombies are great and there are moments when the dead stand out in ways that make it so you can’t look away. There’s an evil in the way they showcase Victor that oozes off the page and it’s almost terrifying. Deucalion is interesting and I can’t wait to see what they do with him next because he deserves a larger showcase story.
This isn’t your regular monster story and that’s a huge reason to read this. A modern twist on a classic that will leave wondering what else is possible.