Never be too confident … for it will ultimately lead to failure.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Dave Franchini
Artwork: Julius Abrera
Colors: Robby Bevard
Letters: Taylor Esposito
Lettering Artist: Mariano Benitez Chapo
What They Say:
With Robyn help captive by the League of Monsters, both Van Helsing and Hellchild must infiltrate their lair and rescue their friend before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Dracula’s plan begins to unfold, and using Robyn as bait is only the beginning.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
With new information provided by Angelica as to their foe’s whereabouts, it seems their only venue for the time being is to confront the man who has cruelly taken so much from both of them – Dracula. Although Robyn may be held captive by their enemies, they have no intentions of allowing harm to befall a friend, and thus with swift yet powerful strike Liesel easily eliminates the vampires sentries, but is startled by the lycanthrope which nearly threatens to devour her, only to watch with stunned awe as Hellchild mercilessly decapitates the poor creature. But as the two confident women joke as the seriousness of the situation, their friend watches in equal amusement as her guards attempt their feeble charade of intimidation as they mockingly argue as to who will get the first taste of her blood. However the impotent endeavor is thankfully cut short once finds his throat sliced open and the other is put down with a bolt penetrating his forehead, resulting in Locksley eagerly celebrating her liberation, only to have the reunion cut short as Blackstone is ruthless tackled by an unstoppable battering ram of sickly green muscles.
While Liesel tried to make sense of seeing her supposedly deceased friend attacking an ally, Robyn hastens the rescue so as to save their companion, only to further confound her British friend’s bewilderment by explaining what she had overheard during captivity: Dracula and her daughter were gathering the vampire hunter’s worst enemies including the werewolf Lycaon, for some nefarious plan with yet an unknown goal. But as they reach the end of their downward journey, Angelica finds herself at a similar crossroad, with the man once known as Franklin now transformed into a biomechanical juggernaut who remember nothing of the past but his wife’s beloved name. Unmoved by the verbal threats issued forth by a furious Hellchild, the two unwavering combatants continue their violent sparring match, with neither side wishing to surrender nor admitting an underlying admiration for the other’s primal tenacity. However as these monstrous titans face off in relentless warfare, the all too human Liesel and Robyn find themselves confronted by an assembled menagerie of deadly foes, all too willing to end their lives at the slightest misstep, even as Van Helsing struggles to understand why Julie and Myna are on the opposing side of this epic showdown.
In Summary:
As we settle into the epic transition of witnessing a new villain settle into the monstrous cadre and the welcomed introduction of Hellchild, writer Dave Franchini does not allow the reader a moment to accept the notorious consequences, instead sparking our interest with the unusual choice of a frontal assault, allowing all to recognize the dynamic strength of our provocative dual. And yet it is within this vicious strike from which we are privy to the unique connection Angelica brings to both sides of the conflict: with this hybrid being treated as rebellious pseudo-daughter to Liesel thanks to a loving partnership with her father and then the bitter memories of how she was betrayed and unwillingly turned by her former partner Dracula. It is from this anchoring character that Franchini is able associate opposing sides within the same story: one cannot but delight in the comical appeal Blackstone and Van Helsing have between each other – with the former treating the Brit as a disapproving mother, all while accepting the jovial banter as a fond reminder of the emotional connection both shared with Hades; but then we recall the contrasting relationship which Angelica reluctantly remembers with the Master of this mansion – how this despicable manipulator tempted an innocent child, but when her father objected and punished this invader, he later sought immortality and turned her into an inhuman abomination, from which all cannot but seethe with warranted anger due to his deceptive treachery. Through Hellchild’s eyes we witness two sides of the same story, with Franchini taking advantage of her unique perspective and permitting the audience to enjoy opposing viewpoints that bring out deliciously tangible and memorable moments which force us to momentarily choose a side: to join the heroes and wish for the defeat of these detestable foes or wait to see how Dracula’s plan will unfold … and while the turning point of the issue was a bit predictable, it is the dubious tease of wanting to see how the narrative will unfold if our protagonists do nothing which makes the question hungrily gnaw upon us as we wait for an unexpected conclusion.
However bound between of these dramatically captivating developments, one cannot overlook the artistic allure which is embodied within exquisite line work displayed throughout this amazing graphic treat, allowing for the stunning and beautiful illustrations of Julius Abrera to reflect upon the dynamic struggle of our heroines to be reflected against savage cruelty from monsters which they must face without mercy. The pleasing manner by which Abrera emphasizes minute facial details from the men may be essential to the story, but it is the captivating mélange of feminine mystique embodied with the stubborn resilience of Liesel, Angelica and Robyn that is absolutely hypnotic in the progression of the narrative, allowing for readers to become enthralled by luscious beauty and resolute determination hidden behind self assured glances of amusement, disgust or much needed worry. And yet even within this purposeful transition between panels which communicate emotion and action so eloquently, one would be remise to dismiss the sensational color work of Robby Bevard, allowing for a somber palette to selectively draw out the importance of every image, allowing for effortless manipulation through a hint of light and shadow to concentrate tension or excitement, making what could have been a monotonous battle into something all the more provocative, intermingling the thrill of a nocturnal conflict with the gory splendor which is Hellchild’s ferocity. While one may chuckle to see overly enthusiastic sound effect text splattered across to be more than distracting, it is these moments of silence which address the most explosive events of thrills that make this issue a glorious visual treat to enjoy, even if this talented artistic pair may have to restrain themselves during some of the more intense and bloody delightful events which propel us into this lair of monsters. With every meticulously detailed illustration and carefully constructed tonal display, one cannot but admire the tale which unfolds before us in all its sanguine rapture, luring ourselves and these ravishing predators deeper within the trap that has been so carefully laid out – all while knowing we will not rest until this visual delight is put to a well deserved rest.
As Van Helsing vs. The League of Monsters continues to fascinate with a fulfilling story of intense passion and excitement, the event which loyal readers greedy anticipate finally rears its ugly head due to overt disgust: witnessing the moment from which Angelica is finally able to confront her ignoble tormentor – Dracula. With spectacular artistry and sensational colors to depict this memorable turning point, we are able to delve into the issue with complete abandon and allow ourselves to surrender to the conflict churned from the battle we knew would come, and yet it is the conclusion which was a bit disappointing due to one side’s overwhelming power and an ultimate surrender. But even as we relish the future, the obligatory wait can become too much as we ponder what this monstrous cadre may have waiting for our heroes and if this may be their last sunset upon this Earth.
Grade: A-
Age Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: August 26, 2020
MSRP: $3.99
