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Graphic Novel Review: Falconspeare by Warwick Johnson-Cadwell and Mike Mignola

Falconspeare by Warwick Johnson-Cadwell

Dark Horse Comics, 2022

ISBN-13: 9781506724768

Available: Hardcover, Kindle edition, comiXology  ( Bookshop.org )

 

Monster hunters extraordinaire Professor Meinhardt, Mr. Knox, and Ms. Van Sloan have investigated and hunted the uncanny before, but now they come together to answer the question that’s haunted them for years: what happened to their friend and notorious vampire slayer, James Falconspeare? 

 

Upon finding their old friend, he tells them of his adventures. After dealing with a werewolf problem, Falconspeare ended up in a community where young people were disappearing, only to be found later dead, the bodies in terrible condition. The people in the community found the police less than helpful, so they turned to Falconspeare for aid.

 

Upon investigation of the bodies, Falconspeare at first believed the victims were killed by a vampire. The incredible vampire hunter, acting under the suspicions of dealing with such a creature, found he was in error. Clues point to Baron Fontin, whose appetites were gossiped about in influential circles, but the baron is no vampire. He is a serial killer. When the vampire hunter approached local authorities to address the situation, no one listens.

 

Out of desperation and frustration, Falconspeare went in search of the Black Docks Biter, a female vampire who lives in the sewers feasting on rats, and ventures out rarely for human blood. Professor Meinhardt, Mr. Knox, and Ms. Van Sloan discover their old friend has done something unthinkable to deal with the human monster that is Baron Fontin. Johnson-Cadwell’s unique art style provides a good accompaniment to the Victoriam tale of terror. 

 

Falconspeare is the third installment of Johnson-Cadwell and Mike Mignola’s series that include the trio of monster hunters, Ms. Van Sloan, Mr. Knox, and Professor J. T. Meinhardt.

Highly recommended

 

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on April 6, 2022 by , Reply

Graphic Novel Review: Kadath, or the Dream Quest of Randolph Carter by Charles Cutting

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Kadath, or the Dream Quest of Randolph Carter by Charles Cutting

Sloth Comics, 2015

ISBN-13: 9781908830074

Available: Paperback ( Amazon.com )

 

Kadath, or the Dream Quest of Randolph Carter, is based on H. P. Lovecraft’s 1943 novella, The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath. Cutting does not offer a straightforward retelling in his Kadath, but rather a more entertaining and colourful version.

 

Randolph Carter dreams of a mysterious sunset city on three different occasions. His obsession with this perfect city becomes dangerous as he ventures on a quest within the dream world to find the elusive place called Kadath. The further he goes, the closer he gets to a terrible secret. Carter faces Zoogs, the cats of Ulthar, and more in his journey. The main character is also, in short, a jerk and wholy unreliable as a narrator. Cutting also includes a Kadath gallery and humorous two-page comic titled “Did Lovecraft Die a Virgin?” at the end of this volume. 

 

The artwork in this graphic novel is notable in its detail and vibrant colours. There are times where Cutting’s artwork makes me think of Noel Fielding’s strange and psychedelic art pieces and character designs, which seems right at home in a dreamscape. This is an entertaining and well-illustrated graphic novel. I would encourage readers interested in retellings of Lovecraft to seek this out.  Highly recommended.

 

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on April 5, 2022 by , Reply

Graphic Novel Review: Just Beyond: Monstrosity by R. L. Stine, illustrations by Irene Flores, inks by Joana Lafuente

cover art for Just Beyond Monstrosity by R.L. Stine  

Just Beyond: Monstrosity by R. L. Stine, illustrations by Irene Flores, inks by Joana Lafuente

BOOM! Studios, 2021

ISBN-13: 9781684156979

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, comixology 

(Bookshop.org |  Amazon.com )



 


 


Ruthie and Ezra Dillon’s father Matthew and uncle Frankie have purchased the old Hollywood movie studio, Monstrosity, known for the best horror flicks of the 1950s. Matthew’s dream is to resurrect the defunct studio and produce modern horror movies with a nostalgic feel. While Poe, an elderly caretaker of the studio, takes the children on a tour of the grounds, the brothers bicker over the financials of running the business.


 


One of the former film directors eventually starts work on new films for Monstrosity, only to be thwarted at every turn. Matthew and Frankie hire on a new studio manager, Eve, to try to get things in order. During one of their excursions on the studio lot, Ruthie and Ezra discover the old animatronic Wolfescreem, as well as others around the place. When the story shows the tale of the creation and potential destruction of the Wolfenscreem automaton, things in the modern day start to get a little more interesting.


 


The story was great and, while it is meant for middle grade readers, adult readers may enjoy the story as well. The graphic novel is fast paced, and made for a good distraction. The artwork is well-done, and the creature designs are reminiscent of those from the classic creature features, but different enough to make them unique. Recommended.


 


 


Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

                        

    

        Posted on  March 2, 2022 by , 
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