PROMETHEUS IN CHAINS #1, from Red 5 Comics on 6/14/23, commences a modern take on the Bride of Frankenstein when Victor spirals into self-destructive behavior after his wife dies from cancer.
The Details
- Written by: Rich Davis
- Art by: Jordan DiRenzo
- Colors by: Alex Zief
- Letters by: Dave Lentz
- Cover art by: Les Lindon Garner
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $4.95
- Release date: June 14, 2023
Is It Good?
If you recognize the name “Rich Davis,” it’s because Davis and his supporting creators are behind the critically applauded Cult of Dracula and Rise of Dracula series from Source Point Press. The publisher has changed, but Davis is up to his old monster-ific tricks in an updated take on the classic Frankenstein story in PROMETHEUS IN CHAINS #1.
Davis’s story centers on Victor Frankenstein – a medical genius who goes to unspeakable lengths to soothe his grief after his wife, Elizabeth, dies from cancer. Rather than recasting Mary Shelley’s classic tale in a modern setting, Davis goes one step further by adding a believable/relatable motivation to the misguided scientist. The original Victor Frankenstein created his monster because he wanted to know if you could. This Victor Frankenstein creates his monster because he must. The motivational shift is small, but it makes a world of difference.
That said, the minor down point in this first issue is the similarity to Shelley’s classic work, excluding the change in Victor’s motivation. Once Davis establishes Elizabeth’s fate, the rest of the issue becomes fairly predictable. In fairness, this is only the first issue, so there’s plenty of opportunity for surprises in what’s to come.
This issue also marks our first exposure to Jordan DiRenzo’s artwork, and it holds up nicely. DiRenzo’s panel layouts are visually interesting, the panel compositions maximize dramatic effect, and the figure work is excellent.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a man struggling to rouse himself after a night of heavy drinking. It’s clear this disheveled mess of a man is struggling with some hardship. We soon learn the man is Dr. Victor Frankenestein – a medical genius and recent widow.
Through flashbacks, we learn Victor loved his wife Elizabeth deeply, and her slow, painful demise by cancer nearly broke Victor’s spirit. Rather than seek counseling, Victor decides the best course is to use the medical genius god has given him.
We conclude the issue with memories, hallucinations, and regret.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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PROMETHEUS IN CHAINS #1 delivers a modern spin on the classic Frankenstein tale with a man who goes to extraordinary lengths to eliminate his grief for his deceased wife. The weight of pain and regret is palpable, and the unique twist on Vicor’s motivations turns him into a tragic yet relatable character. However, Frankenstein fans may find this issue a little too similar to the source material.
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