Frankenstein and variants on the other Universal monsters are locked, loaded and ready to kill demons!
What They Say:
Frankenstein is part of a network of strange beings that work for an even stranger government organization. But can he protect the world from threats even more horrifying than himself? And since he’s vilified for who and what he is, will he even want to take on this mission?
The Review:
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. was a completely random pick that was released last week. The concept itself is one of pure fan fiction and the “wouldn’t it be cool if…?” variety. The premise is simple enough: a secret government organization named S.H.A.D.E. uses advanced technology and the genius of Father Time to employ monsters as tactical units to deal with supernatural threats on Earth. The book uses an interesting technique to give readers the know-how of S.H.A.D.E., every time Frankenstein asks a question the computer program that runs S.H.A.D.E. headquarters answers his question in great detail beyond the initial scope of the question. It isn’t the best literary technique but it works.
The plot revolves around a demon invasion in a rural town in Washington and Frankenstein’s wife, who was sent to neutralize the threat, missing in action. Once on site of the town, Frank is introduced to his new field team, the Creature Commandos. Their names aren’t particularly important since they are simply variations on the remaining Universal Pictures monster lineup: Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, Wolf-man, and The Mummy. The book wastes no time in having our ‘heroes’ get down and dirty with some action scenes where they are fighting, and mutilating, the invading demons.
The artwork of this book is off-putting for me. It isn’t terrible but it isn’t exactly clean, detailed, and attractive either. The art comes across pretty sloppy in some places but it is consistent, almost as if the artist was in a hurry to draw the book and only took his time where it really mattered. The art doesn’t turn me away from the book but it isn’t something really worth looking at.
Overall, this is a fun book! There isn’t any depth to the story or characters and the plot isn’t intriguing or entirely all that original. This book is simply “wouldn’t it be cool if…?” and with this first issue, it is kinda cool. I enjoyed seeing these characters doing what they do and it was fun to pass the time with.
In Summary:
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. is exactly what you think it would be, fan fiction made pro. I don’t have any history with the previous incarnations of the series so I am not aware of the latent potential the series may hold. I am not that crazy about the artwork but the whole thing is just quirky enough to work. I don’t see myself continuing with this series because my dollars have higher priorities, but I will probably finish this story arc at least, just to enjoy the whole story.
Grade: B
