Graphic Novel Review – Penny Dreadful Vol 1 by Chris King, Jesus Hervas (3/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Horror/Fantasy
Length: 112 pages
Publisher: Titan Comics
Release Date: November 7, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1785855276
Stand Alone or Series: 1st volume in the Penny Dreadful series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 3/5 stars

“In the void left behind by Vanessa’s death, Ethan and Sir Malcolm must search for a new meaning in life. But the demimonde isn’t done with them yet, as decisions from the past come screaming back to haunt them…”

I loved the Penny Dreadful TV series and was incredibly excited to read the continuation of this story. Unfortunately, everything about this graphic novel was a bit lackluster.

This book picks up where the TV series left off. Vanessa is dead, Ethan is trying to control his demons, and Sir Malcolm ends up dealing with an ancient Egyptian evil.

I thought it was interesting how the story tied back into Vanessa’s life and death. However the illustration was hard to follow, very sketchy, and it was hard to tell who was who in the story.

Additionally, the dialogue was very stiff sounding and not at all as eloquent as the TV series. It made for a very piecemeal read.

Overall I was not impressed with this graphic novel continuation of the Penny Dreadful series. It was very disappointing to me because I had high hopes. All well, I guess I will have to placate myself by re-watching the TV series.