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One of two original concepts to be published by Burlyman
Entertainment, Doc Frankenstein blends sci-fi and fantasy in a world
where the Frankenstein Monster has fulfilled a purpose for his
semi-immortal life and literally carved a place for himself in this
fantasy world.
The Wachowski Brothers have crafted a unique tale with many presumed
ideas of the Frankenstein Monster, allowing the fable to leave behind
the crutches of a mindless man-made being wandering the countryside to
give way to a scientific genius, a hero of science, living within a
citadel of his own making.
One of the prizes of this series so far is the unique characters that
we are introduced to along the way. Texas, friend of Doc Frankenstein,
who looks every bit of sixty years old with superhuman strength,
agility, and invulnerability. The Deacon, set so steadly on his course
until he actually captures Doc Frankenstein and begins to experience a
crisis of faith. And my personal favorite, Einstein, the
scientifically-enhanced buzzard that sacrifices his life to save the
entire citadel as well as his creator. In those three pages alone, The
Wachowski Brothers tell us more about Einstein, a secondary
character, than most entire comic series ever do about their
main character.
The Wachowski Brothers have created a unique, believable voice for Doc
Frankenstein and I feel that many core concepts about the character
have been successfully followed to logical and, ultimately,
entertaining ends. Steve Skroce, co-creator, delivers his best work to
date and creates a seamlessly detailed world which immerses the reader
into the story of Doc Frankenstein. The only real problem that I have
with the series is that it's bimonthly, but with writing and art this
great, I find the series to be worth the wait. Grade: 5 out of 5
-- Chris Hunter
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Doc Frankenstein #1-3
Issue One introduces us to the reincarnation of the character and to
what makes him such a force in this fantasy world. We are also
introduced to what seems his most vehement foe, The Catholic Church,
and we see the lengths that they go to defy the existence of
Doc Frankenstein since they cannot deny his existence. Issue
Two explores more of the conflict between Doc Frankenstein and the
Catholic Church while also providing more info as to what makes the
two forces such foes. Doc Frankenstein has endured three previous
attacks from the Catholic Church to his various homes and realizes
that this time must be different as he surrenders to their demands and
is taken captive by their forces so that his citadel and the people
there may live. Issue Three deals with Doc Frankenstein's capture and
attempted escape from the Catholic Church as the inhabitants in his
citadel deal with the imminent threat of a nuclear bomb within the
heart of their city. We are also introduced to the possibility of an
even greater threat than the Catholic Church that Doc Frankenstien may
have to face now: a tinkerbell-like fiary that he ignorantly releases
into the world amid his attempted escape from the Catholic Church.
I have to admit, I'm enthralled with this story and the many peculiar
characters with it. There does seem to be a lot of negativity towards
religion in general, but reflecting upon the premise of the character,
the conflict is a natural extension of the concept and is somewhat
dissolved by the end of Issue Three, or it at least is directed
possibly elsewhere as Doc Frankenstein cannot believe that he actually
released a fairy into the world, though the Deacon that captured him
begs him not to open the sealed cask for the sake of the entire world.