Reviewer: Andy Campbell
Story Title: Frantic
Writers: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Art: Peter Snejbjerg
Color: Chris Chuckry
Letters: Patrick Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Joey Cavalieri
Publisher: DC Comics
I can’t believe it’s nearly been a year since the Monolith debuted. This series has been a very pleasant surprise, and is unlike anything else currently being written. The issue begins with Alice tied up in a blood-covered room, with an unknown person chiding her. As the issue unfolds, we cut back and forth between the past and present to see just how she got in this predicament.
The Monolith has always seemingly been written with a “theme” of sorts for each issue (e.g. an “action” book, a “disclosure of past events/origins” book, etc.). This one falls under the “psychological thriller” category, as something terribly wrong has happened to cause our heroine to be in the sick and twisted situation that she is. You can also really feel the desperation that Tilt feels while looking for her friend with the help of the Monolith.
The “cuts” back and forth between the past and present are well done, with clever titles for each “cut.” The art is also well done; it is very gritty, and kind of reminds me of Gotham Central. It certainly helps set the mood and tone for the book.
