Mike Mignola is one of the rare comic book creators who excels at creating worlds out of whole cloth. Part of that is due to his affinity for all kinds of folklore. Part of it is because whenever he makes a major story change, he sticks to it – no retcons, no reboots, just a naturally progressing story. It’s those elements that lead to the creation of Frankenstein: New World – The Sea of Forever #1.
Picking up from the events of Frankenstein: New World and B.P.R.D.: The Devil You Know, The Sea of Forever finds Frankenstein and his companion Lijia continue to explore the world left behind after Ragnarok. But this is a world ripe with danger…particularly a mysterious figure who’s following the duo, and is hellbent on spreading darkness and destruction to the reborn Earth.
The Sea of Forever is somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to story. On the one hand, it’s great to see Mignola reuniting with his frequent collaborators Christopher Golden and Thomas Sniegoski; this makes it truly feel like a continuation of the Frankenstein story. On the other hand, it won’t make much sense to new readers as it’s building off the base of previous stories and people might be wondering “why is Frankenstein walking around the post-apocalypse with a little girl?”
Dark Horse
Despite this, The Sea of Forever shines in the back and forth banter between Frankenstein and Lijia. It also shows how Frankenstein himself has grown from the wrathful creature he originally was in Mary Shelley’s novel, which is a nice touch that sets these comics apart from other Frankenstein adaptations. I also love the theme of cycles that Mignola, Golden and Sniegoski bring forth – if good has come to this new world, evil can’t be far behind.
The Sea of Forever also looks downright gorgeous thanks to Peter Bergting’s artwork. Bergting manages the impossible and actually delivers a style that feels very reminiscent of Mignola’s work on Hellboy while also managing to put his own signature flair on the artwork. In the case of Frankenstein, Bergting draws attention to the fact that he’s basically a walking corpse with various stitches spreading across his bdy and how unnaturally tall he is; Lijia, on the other hand, is the exact opposite as her small frame is practically vibrating with energy.
Berting’s artwork doesn’t just extend to the protagonists, but the “New World” itself. A race of lizard men have managed to form their own society, their red robes providing a contrast to their dark green skin. Serpentine figures prowl in the sea. Other creatures, varying in shape and size, either prowl forests filled with strange, sprawling vegetation or hide in deep, dark caves. All of this is given a vibrant set of colors by Michelle Maden, whether it’s a sunset-lit beach or the moonlight shining on the sea.
Frankenstein: New World – The Sea of Forever #1 will appeal to Mike Mignola fans, as he continues to build out another new comics saga. It may also drive other readers to check out his previous Frankenstein books. Either way, it’s great to see a creator who’s crafted an iconic comic book character like Hellboy continue to spin his own myths.
You must be logged in to post a comment.