Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil, Vol. 1: 07/31/18

More than any comic or graphic novel I've read recently, Sherlock Frankenstein for its outlandish title and its equally vivid cover is the one that has generated the most comments and questions. Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil, Vol. 1 by Jeff Lemire collects issues one through four of a side comic to Black Hammer.

Sherlock Frankenstein in the Black Hammer comic is presented as the supervillain of Spiral City. To me his name makes him sound like he's related to Casanova Frankenstein from Mystery Men. But to the younger readers who have come across the book, it's the Sherlock part of the name that grabs them. As in he must be smart. But then, what's this? Frankenstein — so he's a mad scientist detective?

The first glimpse of Sherlock Frankenstein being anything other than a super villain comes in the back half of The Event as we learn about Gail's backstory. She is shown in her later years dating Frankenstein. The big question is why? Is she a superhero gone bad? Is he a supervillain gone good? The answer is messier and more nuanced than either of those options.

Four stars

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Monday, August 06, 2018 at 13:23:35

Jo

This sounds really intriguing on multiple levels.

Comment #2: Tuesday, August 07, 2018 at 14:26:00

Pussreboots

It is. If you chose to read it, I hope you also read the Black Hammer comics.