In THE MONSTER MEN: SOUL OF THE BEAST, available from American Mythology on November 27, 2019, Townsend Harper Jr. and Virginia Maxon return to the isolated island where Virginia’s father conducted unholy experiments to create life. They must know if one of Dr. Maxon’s experiments, Number 13, survived.
The Details
- Written By: Mike Wolfer
- Art By: Roy Allan Martinez
- Colors By: Periya Pillai
- Letters By: Natalie Jane
- Cover Art By: Roy Allan Martinez, Beezzz Studio
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: November 27, 2019
Was It Good?
It was GREAT!
It’s no secret we here at ComicalOpinions.com have been after American Mythology for a while and, so far, their titles do not disappoint. The story is moody and atmospheric to start, then shifts into a pulse-pounding chase for the final act of the book. As with the other American Mythology titles we’ve reviewed, Wolfer is masterful at capturing the “voice” of Burroughs’ writing style to maintain the authenticity of the period while telling a completely original take on the source material.
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The art by Martinez is different than the other titles, such as The Moon Maid, but it suits this material perfectly. Long, dark shadows force the reader to be afraid of what they can’t see, and that’s always scarier.
We’ve taken a ride on a time machine for this review, but stay tuned for our review of the follow-up series – The Monster Men: Heart of Wrath. Coming soon!
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with Townsend Harper Jr. and Virginia Maxon on a schooner bound for a secluded island where they escaped the results of Dr. Maxon’s experiments over a year prior. Through clear and concise narration Townsend brings the reader up to speed on the events that first brought him to the island, and the wild adventure that followed.
Dr. Maxon’s compound should be completely deserted but one question was left unanswered – What happened to Number 13? The sole experimental lifeform Dr. Maxon created was thought dead, but its body was never found. Townsend and Virginia return to the hellish island to find Number 13, dead or alive, to ensure Dr. Maxon’s devilish work never escapes the island.
Overall, this is a setup issue to lay the foundation for the series that followed, but that doesn’t mean this issue doesn’t hold up on its own. There’s one panel presented early on that sets the stage for black dread the creators instill in this comic (presented below), and it 1,000% works to set the right tone and feel for this book.
When our explorers enter the compound and search the grounds, they find the buildings have been abandoned for some time (except for an orangutan or two). just as the team makes up their mind there is nothing to see here, Virginia pulls back a curtain to let in some moonlight but comes face to face with Number 13.
The monster tosses tables and vats around with superhuman strength, snatches Virginia up in his monstrous arms, and runs off into the jungle.
We conclude the issue with a desperate chase by Townsend and the ship’s crew to get Virginia back.
How Does It End?
Long hair can be pulled. Townsend can’t hold on to his pistol. “BITTE NICHT*”
“Please Do Not” – translated from German
Final Thoughts
THE MONSTER MEN: SOUL OF THE BEAST perfectly captures the spirit and tone of Burroughs’ original work, laying the groundwork for the next series with an excellent cliffhanger.
Score: 9/10
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