Comic Book Review: Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #10
Image via mdcu.fr
I’ve been enjoying Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. from the very first issue. I’ve loved the pulp feel of it; the sci-fi meets secret agent meets french fantasy noir is a beautiful and unique mix. So far, out of all the New 52 from DC Comics, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. has been written for me. From the second issue, I was hooked.
So what is different about Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #10? Well, welcome aboard new writer Matt Kindt.
Matt’s first issue begins the “Satan’s Ring” story;Frankenstein and the Creature Commandos find themselves investigating suspected double-agents in SH.A.D.E.
I think Kindt is on the right track with Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #10. He seems to have a good grasp on Frankenstein and co. while bringing his own big ideas and small character insights to the comic. I really like how he’s made Frankenstein an avid poetry fan, dropping verse through out the issue was at first daunting, but I found I got used to it pretty quick.
What I had trouble with was one of Kindt’s bigger ideas: the interdimensional, upside-down city of Untropolis. I mean, I love the idea. It’s pulpy and old-school-sci-fi. But I think that Alberto Ponticelli may have struggled in taking the idea and getting it on the page.
Having said that, I think that Ponticelli’s art has really eased the transition of the writers. He’s been on the comic from the start and it’s comforting that while Jeff Lemire has moved on, Ponticelli decided to stick around. It adds consistency to the book.
All in all, Kindt’s first issue has him on the right track. He’s managed to work in and build on the environment and tone that Lemire spent nine issues developing, while still attempting to take Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. in his own direction.
If you’ve been interested in checking put Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. Kindt’s first issue is a nice jumping on point. Not quite up to par to the Lemire issues, but I think once he gets his monster legs in the next few issues, Kindt could be really good for Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
