Advance Review – Monster & Madman #2 (of 3) (IDW)

Publisher: IDW Publishing
Writer: Steve Niles
Artist: Damien Worm
Release Date: 2nd April 2014

Issue #2 of this beautifully dark tale gives us our first real look at Steve Niles’ take on the enigmatic figure of Jack the Ripper. Monster & Madman explores the hypothetical idea that Frankenstein’s monster survives the cold and has managed to make his way to London during Jack the Ripper’s infamous Whitechapel murders in 1888.

Now two thirds of the way through this story, the relationship between the two radically different but equally horrifying figures has begun to develop. As Frankenstein’s monster comes to terms with human relationships and his lack thereof, he strikes up a companionship with Doctor John Moore. Despite their growing connection, the monster feels uneasy about John “Jack” Moore. He found there to be a uneasiness around the Doctor, despite being a hospitable host, he could not shake the feeling there was “something strange underlying”.

What really makes this book stand out is the artwork. The gothic and often abstract artwork strikes a fantastic connection to the story. The art of Issue #2 is even stronger this that of last month’s #1 due to the increased use of full-page sized artwork. Both variations of the covers are also suitably beautifully disturbing.