Van Helsing vs. Frankenstein #4by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 Angelica fights Franklin, but gets pummeled. Liesel seems to deal major damage, but fails to stop him. Taylor turns on Liesel in order to "save" Franklin.This penultimate issue ratchets up the action exceptionally, building tension to a wonderful cliffhanger than brings things full circle. I love that the comic takes time to let us know Liesel's thoughts about missing Hades. It's insightful, but it's also pertinent as she has to hotwire a car instead of poofing somewhere in his black mist. I also love that she takes a moment to write a note to the person whose car she's "borrowing". Using tweets to keep Liesel in the loop on where Franklin is headed is wonderful. The tech may one day date this comic pretty heavily, but for now it's a great way to keep it set in today and give it a bit of realism, as there are most definitely bystanders! Angelica is a badass, and the fact that she can't even slow the monster down says a lot. The action panels are incredibly dynamic. Sometimes it's hard to tell exactly what happened, but the gist is clear enough, and that's what really matters in a scene like this with such monstrous foes. I appreciate all the collateral damage, and how quickly the police are taken back out of the story to let the "experts" handle this. I really like Liesel's weapon, and am very glad we get to see one of her inventions or modifications in use ... and that she explains what it's real purpose was for, which provides more perspective on it and Franklin's strength. Franklin's flashback memories are really well done. I like how he latches onto certain words or phrases. The mix of sepias and grays keeps them light and almost ethereal, which is a great contrast to the horror and violence of the present moment. I was a touch surprised by Taylor's actions -- at least the extreme nature of her final interaction with Liesel in this issue. Her mouth says she understands the same as Liesel (and everyone around them), but her mind obviously doesn't agree. At least we're shown that she has an understanding of monster anatomy and physiology that no one else does, so she's not working solely based on her emotions and love for Franklin. But I wonder, does she think a tranquilizer is really all he needs? After everything that happens in this issue? Love the cliffhanger! I won't say more than that, but it makes me very excited to read the conclusion! Written: December 24, 2016
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