FRANKENSTEIN UNDERGROUND #3

Review by Paul Fiander

Writer:Mike Mignola
Artist:Ben Stenbeck
Colorist:Dave Stewart
Cover Artist:Mike Mignola

The “Monster” has gone underground and met true creatures which are the true meaning of the word. This third issue leads directly on from the last as we are taken to the underground castle of a rather unique group. On his way to the castle we get a touching admission from the Monster as he comes to terms with his plight. It’s a great character moment and leads us nicely into the story of the issue.  From this point ill leave the story be as to not spoil you. Though it is fair to say this is mostly a revealing issue with a few interesting twists and turns that are sure to be leaving readers gagging for the next issue.

Mignola’s writing of the monster has always been crafted with a soft hand and even within this issue we are shown a thoughtful and scared persona that feels totally genuine. Add to this the art of Ben Steinbeck and you have a 3 dimensoanl character that can convey his anguish in both words and pictures. It is this emotional draw that has me hooked on this series, it’s a common theme in the Mignolaverse as both Hellboy and Abe Sapien are fearsome to behold but have a level of humanity few others in their texts have. Just like his counterparts though when things happen the Monster is not someone to shirk the physical.

Steinbeck’s artistic endeavours are crafted with colours from Dave Stewart together they give the story its sense of scale with the massive cavern and beasts. There are times where backgrounds will be lacking but our eye will always be drawn to an event elsewhere in the panel rendering the background of little importance. As the series goes on there appears to be no drop in the artistic output giving the book a rounded feeling. Just like the Monster when action is called for Steinbeck is able to deliver. Although we have seen very few physical confrontations in the issues so far, when called upon the art more than delivers.

Frankenstein Underground has given the Mignolaverse a worthy new character to have the tag from the pages of Hellboy plastered upon.