Comic Review: Penny Dreadful: The Awakening #2.2

Synopsis: Continues the story directly after the shocking events of Penny Dreadful’s season three TV finale, featuring Ethan Chandler, Sir Malcolm Murray, Ferdinand Lyle and Lily! Written by Penny Dreadful TV series co-executive producer Chris King with interior art by Jésus Hérvas (Sons of Anarchy).

Review: It’s my birthday in a couple of weeks. The narrative arc continued in Penny Dreadful: The Awakening #2.2 made a marvelous early present. Writer Chris King deftly transitioned back and forth among three subplots — Belial, Ethan, and Lily.

At the script level, I enjoyed Sir Malcolm’s straightforward reaction to Belial’s minions: “Jesus Christ, it’s an army of the dead!” I also appreciated Dr. Seward’s no nonsense approach to our favorite wayward Wolf of God and that Ethan finally seemed to be rounding some very necessary psychological corners. As for Lily, I’m a little skeptical about the religious turn her story is taking. However, I’m glad she’s at least embracing a form of active Catholicism. It will be interesting to see how her newfound faith differs from Vanessa Ives’ particular brand.

Then, there’s Vanessa Ives. The part of me that enjoys mummy narrative tropes found the revelations that weren’t revelations concerning Belial and Amunet structurally comforting and internally logical. That said, I hope that Vanessa’s soul can truly rest in peace by the end of this story. Otherwise, Penny Dreadful will become receptive.

Jesus Hervas‘ art captured the various story beats perfectly. I really loved the panels depicting Belial hurling himself through the window, followed by our intrepid heroes. I also applauded the sequences depicting the internal battle in hypnotized Ethan’s mind. My favorite panels, though, were in the flashback to Ancient Egypt. As with the introduction of Belial’s tomb in the first issue, I appreciated that Hervas committed, giving fans exactly what they expected to see.

Written by

Chris King

Art by

Jesus Hervas

Colored by

Jason Wordie

Cover by

Stephen Mooney

Published by

Titan Comics