UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #4, by Image Comics on 1/24/24, brings the homage to Universal’s legendary monster film to a close with a desperate race to save Mina from the Count.
The Details
- Written by: James Tynion IV
- Art by: Martin Simmonds
- Colors by: Martin Simmonds
- Letters by: Rus Wooton
- Cover art by: Martin Simmonds (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: January 24, 2024
Is UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #4 Good?
UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #4 is a good but not great ending to James Tynion IV’s moody retelling of the 1931 film of the same name. The finale ends with all the drama and ethereal horror that made the first three issues so great, but the concern we expressed in the review for issue #3 sadly came to pass.
When last we left the cast of characters, Count Dracula set his sights on Mina after Lucy’s death. Mina sought answers from Renfield, while Dr. Seward grudgingly sought Van Helsing’s help to discover the cause of Lucy’s death. Now, Dr. Seward is forced to concede the supernatural is at work in Mina’s declining health, and Renfield’s bid to become a creature of the night comes into question after his heart is touched by Mina’s kindness. Ultimately, the forces of Good race to save Mina before she becomes Dracula’s thrall forever.
If you’re wondering how far the ending deviates from the film, except for some of the dialog, the endings are nearly identical in plot progression and final outcome. The synchronicity between comic and film is a bad and good thing because you can’t go wrong for a comic to end on a classic note, but the path to get there skipped several beats.
What’s great about UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #4? If you’re a fan of what Tynion IV and Simmonds have attempted with this series through Gothic imagery, iconic characters, and a respectful take on a truly legendary film, you get all of that here. Universal’s classic film will never be replicated or topped for its cultural impact, but the creative team certainly developed an interesting spin on the original.
What’s not so great about UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #4? We expressed concern in the review for issue #3 that Tynion IV spent too much time on Renfield and side characters, neglecting to give Count Dracula a voice and presence at the forefront. Sadly, that concern proved true as the ending really makes this story about Renfield and his perspective on the Count’s diabolical machinations for London.
Consequently, several key scenes involving the Count from the film are either summarized through dialog or cut completely, relegating Dracula to a force working in the background. Tynion IV either needed more issues to give Dracula his due or should have changed the perspective from the onset. Either way, the ending is a disappointment.
How’s the art? Simmonds’s art is fantastic and the truly consistent highlight of this mini-series. Nitpicks over the plot aside, Simmonds perhaps improved on the original film with dreamy malignance permeating everywhere Dracula exerts his forceful will. Further, Simmonds’s use of color makes the blood pop with artistic force to give every death a dramatic impact.
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What’s UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #3 review to find out why Dr. Seward was forced to take Van Helsing’s counsel.
We begin with Renfield ruminating on the soft, bulled life he led before meeting the Count. Through Dracula’s influence, Renfield could see a life of power and dominance over the men and women who looked down on him. Now, Dracula has come to fulfill his promise, but Mina’s recent kindness planted the seed of doubt in Renfield’s heart.
Elsewhere, Dr. Seward confronts Mina over her inexplicable change in behavior. Mina seems cold, arrogant, and almost malicious. Later, Van Helsing explains how his recent encounter with Dracula (happening off-panel) convinced him of Dracula’s true nature and that the Count’s focus on Mina may be the cause of her demise.
We conclude the issue with grateful betrayal, repentance, and death.
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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UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA #4 ends the mini-series with dreamy, beautiful art, powerfully emotional scenes, and atmospheric horror. That said, Tynion IV’s choice to ultimately focus on Renfield means Dracula’s presence is shortchanged in the end for a mixed finale.
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