Comic Review: Penny Dreadful #2

Synopsis: The horrifying truth of Mina’s disappearance is revealed to Vanessa, Sir Malcolm and Sembene, and they realize they face a foe that exists outside anything they’ve encountered. As they frantically regroup, they learn they are not the only ones with a score to settle with the monster in their midst…

Review:

The Story

In Titan Comics’ Penny Dreadful #2, readers got a truncated version of Dracula. I was pleased to see kick-ass iterations of Lucy Westenra and Quincy P. Morris. If they survive this arc, it’s obvious that Lucy will end up with Quincy, instead of Arthur Holmwood. I also really liked that Vanessa used her psychic powers with Jonathan to learn what happened to Mina. Writers Andrew Hinderaker, Chris King, and Krysty Wilson-Cairns demonstrated how effective Vanessa’s abilities are as a tool for narrative economy. I could really do without the animosity between in-laws, however. It’s enough that Sir Malcolm and Jonathan will be at odds over Mina’s fate. The stereotypical tension and disapproval were overkill.

The Art

Louie De Martinis’ art for Penny Dreadful #2 was superb throughout. Issue #2 is much more impressionistic, whereas issue #1 was representational. De Martinis used sepia, blue, and pink for moments of calm. In contrast, he used a marvelously garish green to signify Dracula in mist form. He also used bright red to set Dracula apart at the meal and highlight Mina’s murderous degradation. My favorite panel in Penny Dreadful #2, however, was the final one. Readers saw Sir Malcolm and Sembene awash in vibrant orange with shadowy accents signifying Africa.

Ongoing Hope

I’ve wanted to know more about their adventures since the beginning of the series. Since the show has ended on screen, flashbacks in tie-in media are all fans now have to look forward to. As a result, I’m hoping the implied flashbacks in the next issue are good. Furthermore, I, and many other readers, hope that Titan continues the adventures of Vanessa, Sir Malcolm, and the others for some time to come.

Writers: Andrew Hinderaker, Chris King, Krysty Wilson-Cairns

Artist: Louie De Martinis

Publisher: Titan Comics