Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E Vol. 1: War of the Monsters

FRANKENSTEIN: AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E Vol. 1: War of the Monsters

by Jeff Lemire and Alberto Ponticelli

Holy cow, that title took 5 minutes to type out. 

Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E is the tiny book that could. From the story to the art, it has a charm that many of the New 52 books lack, including Animal Man (to a degree). While the book classifies Frank and the Creature Commandos as monsters, they're still very human at heart. Frank, though he is a very skilled warrior, always looks for the peaceful solution first. Miz (that's what I call her [the fish lady]) lets her emotion and curiosity get the better of her, and is very reluctant to resort to violence. These characters are surprisingly easy to relate to yet you still have a compulsion to be in awe of them. The Silver Age ideas of the book fuel the fun story alongside little tidbits that longtime fans will recognize. (Ray Palmer invented the shrinking technology that shrunk the Ant Farm...) 

The art is absolutely crucial to the book. Alberto Ponticelli uses a scratchy and rough style reminiscent of Lemire's own art style. The level of detail Ponticelli infuses his panels with is incredible. His rough and handrawn feel makes the sci-fi elements seem all the more alien. However, for the first six issues, Ponticelli's style feels a bit rough, even messy at times due to the thick layer of inking. By the last issue, the problem is gone thanks to a different inker. 

This trade makes me sad that the title is leaving in January. I can't believe DC is waving goodbye to this, while letting crap like Batwing and Superboy stay on the shelves. 

STORY: 5/5

ART: 4/5

VERDICT: 4.5/5