Comics
Review: ‘Monster & Madman’ #1
When I think about Frankenstein’s monster in comics, it gives me a bit of nostalgia as I recall reading the novel for a high school English class, the weight of the tale far surpassed my reading comprehension ability, but the meaning was not lost on me. “Monster & Madman” is similar in that regard, with a well-crafted story line that relays the emotion of the Monster. Steve Niles has a way of identifying with horrific creatures of this nature, and I can think of no one better to write this book. The idea of the Monster having an encounter with Jack the Ripper is insane, but it works wonders thus far. The art by Damien Worm adds its own distinguished element, fully visualizing the script, and giving this book a dark, beautiful finish.
WRITTEN BY: Steve Niles
ART BY: Damien Worm
PUBLISHER: IDW
RELEASE DATE: March 12
PRICE: 3.99
This book acts as a bridge for those unfamiliar with what has taken place for Frankenstein’s Monster, and his road has been long and hard. The first pages alone give great insight into his mind. As the story’s events unfold the Monster goes through a tremendous amount of personal growth as different challenges are set in front of him, showing that he possesses the full spectrum of human emotions. By the conclusion of the tale the Monster has already grown weary of his existence, but as he encounters Saucy Jack (the Ripper) in the closing panels, it begins a whole new chapter for his miserable life.
Steve Niles has been in the comic game for a long time and this story is testament to his abilities; the way he is able to create empathy for the creatures is astounding. As the story rolls on, Niles opens the Monster right up by using different methods of storytelling – having the Monster act as a narrator gives great insight into his thoughts. A moment that particularly stands out is when he describes his dreams and their effects.
This comic wouldn’t stand out as much were it not for the incredible skills of Damien Worm. Unlike most artistic styles out there, it resembles a mesh between some very sketchy illustrations and old photography. Worm is able to really twist the images in ways that give this book an authentic horror feel, combining the illustrations with a massive spectrum of colour and colouring styles.
With its combination of unique style and clever writing, I am impressed with this issue. There is only room for growth as the story arc trundles on.
4/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – GreenBasterd
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
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