Frankenstein Undone #2: Man is No Better than Beast

Frankenstein Undone is back with it’s second issue, pushing the perceived monster into uncharted territory with a peaceful community before a shocking reveal sets him off on a journey of discovery, both of self and his own people. It’s got all the right elements for a damn good story.

Mignola, Allie and company are making some wildly interesting decisions with this series and issue #2 is proof. After the cliffhanger reveal at the end of issue #1 showing the City of Great Golden Spires, we pick up immediately where we left off, but the story doesn’t play out like you might think. We get to meet Arobas, the changeling who brought Frankenstein to this place, but his story is a tragic one and we are soon left with nothing of the place, and Frankenstein must continue alone.

The nomadic nature of the series is something that is instantly recognizable. It caters to the notion that Frankenstein is searching for something, and although he may not even be able to articulate what exactly that is, Arobas taps into that journey and struggle immediately. This sets him on the path to finding answers within his own people and takes us away from this magnificent place into one of selfishness and hopes of glory with the introduction of a group of explorers stuck on their ship. Each of these moments builds an introspective depiction of Frankenstein’s internal conflict remarkably well, and helps the issue to find coherence in that pursuit.

It isn’t the fact that Frankenstein has already been to the City of Golden Spires or that he agrees to help these explores find its remains after the unexplainable shift that left Arobas as nothing but a skeleton and the city itself covered in ice and snow that makes this journey worthwhile, it’s what Frankenstein learns along the way. It’s almost mystic in the approach to storytelling, making wonderful use of classic literature and mythology to tell a story that is both insightful and entertaining.

The strengths of the storytelling only work so well because of the visuals that help to translate these themes in the mood, tension and development found in Frankenstein Undone #2. It feels like a Mignola story, but it looks unique, capturing a tone that is both mysterious and even a bit threatening. The panel layout is nearly perfect and it helps to create a great page-turning flow as we follow Frankenstein on this strange journey. It’s not one epic splash page after another, but instead, it utilizes each panel to build on the mood with a keen awareness of pacing.

Frankenstein Undone only follows loosely on the first story we found in Frankenstein Underground, and that’s okay. It doesn’t have to be a strict continuation to explore many of the same feelings and themes. Frankenstein Undone #2 captures a wonderful perspective of the character. And arguably most importantly, there is now a credit for Mary Shelley alongside the rest of the team involved with the book! The first issue missed that opportunity and it really just didn’t sit well, so I’m very happy to see that Dark Horse corrected the mistake and provided the right credits. Don’t miss out on this book!