Titan Comics 2018
Written by George Mann
Illustrated by Dan Boultwood
Lettered by Rob Steen
London is gripped by terror, as Sir Maurice Newbury and Miss Veronica Hobbes discover that an old enemy has learned new tricks! Tragedy threatens their dearest friends, and Queen Victoria is not amused...
Well I have to admit that it’s books like this that make Steampunk look a little less cliché and a lot more fun. Half the time I am reading this I forget it’s even considered Steampunk at all and that’s the way any genre should be. I love that we are in the Victorian era and that we see the enhancements and the advantages of Steam powered machinery it’s very subtle but well utilised and it feels like it’s just alternate history tale.
So this issue feels like that calm in the middle of a hurricane with danger on all sides but eerily quiet at the moment. Newbury & Hobbes haven’t a clue as to where Knox is currently hiding out and they seem to be running out of time in finding him. In more ways than one I might add as the mounting pressure to close this case comes from the highest of British authority. Though let’s be honest she still freaks me out fully but that’s another story altogether. The way that this is structured is sensational as you can feel that tension and you can sense the underlying dread of not being able to find him in time.
I love the way George is bringing us the characterisation here. That we are seeing just as much thought and care put into each character is really great. The Queen is scary not just because of her looks but in her commanding presence as well and then there’s Scarbright who as Maurice’s manservant gets his fair share of love and attention so from top to bottom the characterisation here is the same for everyone.
The way that this is structured and how we see the overall ebb & flow of the story is extremely well done. I like the way we see them run around almost panicked in their attempts. From Scotland Yard to Cleveland Avenue and a place that holds haunting memories all of it is so well placed and utilised in the story. While I have no doubt that our intrepid pair will catch this nefarious villain it is nice to see them all a few steps behind as Knox has had time on his side to plan all this out.
The interiors here are fantastic! The way that page layouts are utilised with the shapes of the panels is outstanding work and shows a very creative eye for storytelling. The linework is exceptional as everything feels natural and as if it belongs which incorporating the steampunk elements into people isn’t that easy to do. Plus the colours here great and the effect of the rain on the page is lovely. It does have something of an all ages feel to it which is nice though I do prefer a more detailed look but the story it works extremely well.
This book is a cracking good time. Also that this in this era women weren’t as empowered as they would later become it’s nice to see Hobbes being so capable in a fight is somewhat inspiring. The ending here is one that we won’t forget and trust me I absolutely adore cliffhanger endings so this one hits on all cylinders. The way this book works and the fact that it’s set in an already established world of the novel’s and feels as if it’s new reader friendly still is a testament to George’s ability and skill as a writer and storyteller.