Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A
Doc Frankenstein created by: Geof Darrow and Steve Skroce
Written by: The Wachowski Brothers
Illustrated by: Steve Skroce
Colored by: Jason Keith
Lettered by: Comicraft
Assistant Editor: Sharon Bray
Editor: Spencer Lamm
Publisher: Burlyman Entertainment
Many people “discovered” the talent of the Wachowski Brothers with the release of The Matrix in 1999. I was blown away by their previous (and the only other up until that point) directorial effort, Bound. Bound came out in 1996 and starred Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantoliano, and Gina Gershon. This movie was white-hot, sexy, and cool. The Wachowski Brothers left an indelible impression with a film that featured a witty script, great acting, and a satisfying conclusion. If you haven’t seen it already, I don’t want to give too much away, but you really need to check it out.
By the time The Matrix changed cinema forever I was a devout fan of the Wachowskis. It goes without saying that the first adventure with Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus is one of the seminal films of the modern era. There’s never been a film more imitated. The wire work, and martial arts flavor changed the direction of Hollywood in one fell-swoop. Yet, for me at least, the cool visuals and groundbreaking action sequences weren’t the main draw. The story was revolutionary. There were so many levels that the film could be enjoyed. For me the higher level of thought the film evoked is what made The Matrix a classic; the action just made it pretty to watch.
While The Matrix‘s sequels were not greeted with universal acclaim, I found them to be amazingly satisfying adventures that expanded on the characters and situations that I loved in the first film. The story built to a reasonable and logical climax. This wasn’t poorly concocted storytelling fit only to sell more merchandise. The Wachowski Brothers were telling a dense story, which continued to make you think. Most importantly, they maintained their own vision, they didn’t sell-out to craft their trilogy. In my mind, few film trilogies match The Matrix.
When it was announced that The Wachowski Brothers were getting into comic publishing, I was surprised there wasn’t more excitement. Two of the biggest names in Hollywood were going to create comics! While the industry is inundated with more great books than the fan-base seems able to afford, immensely talented, and world famous creators like The Wachowski Brothers should be met with some fanfare. These guys changed cinema, the question is: will they do the same for comics?
The Wachowski Brothers’ love of comic books is evident from their introduction on page one. They seem to have poured everything they could into this debut. You’ll notice when you pick up Doc Frankenstein #1 that no shortcuts were taken. Everything from the cover stock, to the interior pages is of the highest possible quality. As you read through the book, it’s apparent that the writing and artwork are also of the highest possible quality. This is a near-perfect debut issue. I can think only of positives after reading through the book. There’re many reasons to buy issue #2, and not a single reason to pass on the next installment. No comic creator could do more with their first issue.
The title would imply the series has to do with Doctor Frankenstein, but it is actually about Frankenstein’s monster. This is not a tale set in the Victorian Age, though. The series opens with Frankenstein (the “monster” has taken the name of his creator) defeating a menacing creature and saving The President of the United States. When the story is taking place is not yet clear, but it appears that we are in either an alternate present or a not-too-distant future.
Comics are a tough medium to translate a lot of information in a short period. The Wachowskis’ clearly don’t prescribe to the idea of “decompressed storytelling.” After the brief introduction to Frankenstein’s current situation the story quickly moves along with a fascinating narration by Frankenstein that traces his origins, and the events that led to his defense of the American President. The events move quickly, because of the narration, but the impact of the sequences are never lost by the brisk pace. Characterization is one of the keys to great comic storytelling, and that’s a feature clearly in evidence in this first story.
Artistically Doc Frankenstein left me speechless. Steve Skroce’s artwork is so dynamic that every panel of every page is a sensory experience. Skroce shows us the amazing life of Frankenstein in varied sequences including his laboratory birth, a battle with a Yeti in the Arctic, adventuring in the Old West, as well as his attempt to repel a jet attack. Mixed with the action are subtle touches that allow the “humanity” of Frankenstein to show through. Simply put, you won’t find a better looking book on the rack.
After one issue I’m sold on Doc Frankenstein. The Wachowski Brothers have done what great writers do at the start of a story–they’ve brought their main character to vibrant life, introduced their world, and left me salivating for more. The only problem is that I’ll be stuck waiting for two months to get the second issue–bi-monthly shipping can be a real drag.
If you’re interested, the Burlyman website features a twelve-page preview of Doc Frankenstein #1. Take a gander to see what all my fuss is about.
