Review - Madame Frankenstein #2

Review by Paul Fiander
In my review of the first Issue I was a little worried that the Fairies that were present within the story would have some play into the “Science” of the story. Thankfully I was informed that this was not the case and Issue 2 instead does some crafty work to make the whole situation more intriguing. It feels like Jamie S Rich is playing with the idea of the Cottingley Fairies, there is even a section within the story that alludes to the Victorian hoax. However he has weaved the idea into the very fabric of Gail’s history and given an intriguing back-story to our Madame. There is also sees a cameo by one of the greatest hoax hunters of all time in Harry Houdini, his appearance is fleeting but it helps to give Gail’s back-story more meat.

This issue has some rather dark connotations running throughout which help give the plot a sense of the dramatic. From the way our fair Doctor happens upon viable tissues to his questionable self administered medications there are more than a few questions to be answered. We do get some resolution in this issue but more are left in the air. The majority of the issue however plays out a little like My Fair Lady as Vincent tries to make his creation into more than just a medical marvel. In essence he is becoming more like Prometheus as he not only wants to create life but also to nurture it. At times the situation feels odd as Vincent seems to be rushing, but his work comes crashing down in a turn of events that must see him on the hunt once more.

Megan Levens continues to produce a strong visual representation of the story. It still feels like art from a bygone age but is expertly crafted to do so. There are small touches like Vincent’s changing outfits when he is teaching Gail that really help to make the art feel like a seamless integration into the narrative. The issue finishes with a next month page; the image on this page is haunting and by far my favourite panel from the series so far.

Madame Frankenstein has done a lot by itself to allay my fears, the use of the supernatural along with scientific endeavour makes sense now and that was probably my main fear for the plot This is not an all action read but instead the ideas are really well presented and point towards a deepening narrative, it may not be for all but at its core it’s a throwback to storytelling with a meaning.

Issue Rating; 4/5
The Comic is available in both print and digital from Image comics. Follow this link for more details.

First Issue and another take on a literary classic

Madame Frankenstein Issue #1

Fagin the Jew 10th Anniversary Edition
Images courtesy of Image Comics
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