Written by Chuck Dixon (Adapted from Dean Koontz & Kevin J. Anderson’s Novel)
Art by Brett Booth; Color Dojo; & Bill Tortolini
‘Regular’ Cover Art by Brett Booth & Udon Studios
SUMMARY:
Published by Dabel Brothers for June 2008, this five-issue mini-series adaptation pertains to Dean Koontz’s first Frankenstein novel. The untitled second issue has an isolated Randall Six in his ‘cell’ somewhere in New Orleans. Evidently one of Victor Helios’ younger creations, he is fixated on local police detective Carson O’Connor autistic twelve-year old brother, Arnie. At Jelly Biggs’ theater, a fuming Deucalion ruminates over the late Ben’s discovery that New Orleans philanthropist-CEO Victor Helios and the supposedly long-dead 19th Century scientist, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, are one and the same.
New Orleans police detectives O’Connor and Maddison investigate the latest bizarre homicide by the serial killer they’ve dubbed as “The Surgeon,” who efficiently steals body parts from victims. Searching victim Bobby Allwine’s freakish residence, the partners ponder if Allwine knew his murderer and willingly submitted to a gruesome death. Preparing for an evening gala, Victor’s dominance over his present wife, Erica Four, is readily apparent.
Note: The inside front cover hints that there may be a variant cover(s). If so, neither the variant(s) nor the artist(s) are identified.
REVIEW:
Putting the gross elements of this sci-fi/horror storyline aside, writer Chuck Dixon does solid work conveying these characters in motion, even if the plot doesn’t progress much. Instead, this intriguing issue helps readers familiarize themselves with the story’s major players. Dixon is ably supported by artist Brett Booth’s team (including their spot-on cover image). For fans of Dean Koontz’s re-imagining of Shelley’s Frankenstein novel, this macabre comic adaptation is well worth the read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The inside front cover helpfully provides a summary of the storyline to date. Thumbnail portraits of Detectives Carson O’Connor & Michael Maddison; Jelly Biggs; Deucalion (The Monster); Randall Six; and the “Unknown Killer” (aka “The Surgeon”) are also included. A full page advertises the cover reveal for Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein: Prodigal Son # 3.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
