In MINKY WOODCOCK: THE GIRL WHO ELECTRIFIED TESLA #2, available from Titan Comics on May 19th, 2021, Minky saves Tesla from an untimely end, but things get complicated when the Government and the Nazis step up their attempts to get the “peace ray” plans.
The Details
- Written By: Cynthia von Buhler
- Art By: Cynthia von Buhler
- Colors By: Cynthia von Buhler
- Letters By: Jim Campbell
- Cover Art By: Cynthia von Buhler (cover C)
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: May 19, 2021
Was It Good?
It wasn’t great.
It’s difficult to review this series because there’s a definite experimental quality to it. This is not a traditional comic, so it makes sense to give some leeway on the criticism because it’s not trying to be something you would find coming out of Marvel or DC.
The best way to describe this comic would be as a highly stylized, narrated slideshow. A slideshow where the photographs are traced over and recolored.
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The story, consistent with a slideshow, doesn’t flow smoothly. Scenes cut harshly from one panel or page to the next, and you get the distinct impression the story in the novels fills in quite a bit of nuance and subtext that the transition to a comic format loses.
The net effect is very static art and choppy, unpolished storytelling.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We pick up with Nikola Tesla being run down after leaving Minky Woodcock’s car. Read our MINKY WOODCOCK: THE GIRL WHO ELECTRIFIED TESLA #2 review to find out why Tesla was in Minky’s car in the first place.
At the last second, Minky crashes her car into the speeding vehicle and saves Tesla from becoming a permanent part of the pavement. Leaving the wrecked vehicles behind and noticing the very tall driver of the other car ran off, Minky helps Tesla into his hotel.
They exchange a few words with the front desk to help settle Tesla’s overdue bill. Minky offers to help with money, but Tesla explains he gets cash when needed, usually by selling one of his ideas (and sometimes not delivering more than a box full of junk). This scene is important to establish that Tesla is not adept at making money, and the money he does make sometimes comes by bending ethical limits.
Later, Minky meets J.P. Morgan Jr. at a bar to discuss her findings so far. Morgan desperately wants the “peace ray” plans. Minky suggests he simply fund Tesla’s projects but Morgan refuses because he hates the thought of any invention that could provide free electricity and cut into his profits.
At the end of their meeting, a very tall and handsome man approaches Minky with compliments and charm. They wind up spending the night together (warning: the next few pages are not for kids). During the post-coitus pillow talk, Minky discovers this handsome stranger she just picked up in a bar is a Nazi and the driver who tried to run down Tesla.
This last part strains credibility and diminishes the main character. Minky Woodcock is supposed to be a crackerjack detective, and yet, she couldn’t figure out a very tall man (as tall as the man who tried to kill Tesla) who has trouble saying certain English words (indicative of a native German-speaker, according to Minky) is not on the level until AFTER she has sex with him? The way this scene was presented paints Minky as either so horny she’ll grab any male within striking distance or she’s not that shrewd of a detective.
Realizing he’s been found out, the Nazi flees after Minky shoots him.
Later, Minky meets up with her brother who’s a Broadway performer. They reminisce about old times and their mother who’s passed away. It’s not clear why this scene is here or what relevance it bears to the story.
Later still, Minky is walking in the park where she normally meets Tesla and narrowly avoids being electrocuted with an elaborate booby trap involving a live wire, a manhole cover, and a puddle. A dog takes the brunt of the trap but it’s unclear if the trap was intended for Minky or Tesla or why anyone thought the trap would work because it relies so heavily on people stepping on just the right spot. It’s a silly contrivance that seems out of place in a “smart” detective story.
After giving her statement to the police, Minky heads to the hotel where Tesla is staying. She finds his room door open, a body outline made with chalk or tape on the bed, and (presumably) government agents rifling through Tesla’s papers.
Minky flees but is soon caught and arrested for the murder of Nikola Tesla.
How Does It End?
A key paper is missing. Where is the body? The government agents have incriminating (and spicy) photos.
Final Thoughts
MINKY WOODCOCK: THE GIRL WHO ELECTRIFIED TESLA #2, available from Titan Comics on May 19th, 2021, is a serviceable translation of the books to comics but it lacks the artistic flow or script translation that would make it a smooth reading experience.
Score: 6/10
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