Books & Literature

Graphic Novel Review: Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein: Storm Surge

A graphic novel combining six editions of Storm Surge, an original zombie horror story set in the world of Dean Koontz’ modern-day Frankenstein universe.

From 2009-2011, popular America horror writer Dean Koontz released five books reimagining Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein. It was a modern retelling of the mad scientist and his quest to conquer life itself. Going by the name Victor Helios, the former Dr Victor Frankenstein’s greatest creation, Deucalion, has turned against him and escaped. In his madness, Helios had also created Erika Five, a creature so perfect that he’d cloned her multiple times so she could be easily replaced if she rebelled or malfunctioned.

Within this new world created by Koontz, writers Chuck Dixon and Rik Hoskin developed a series of six comic books based around Erika Five which are now being released in a single, hardcover edition.

FrankensteinStormSurge200With striking imagery by Andres Ponce and colours by Mohan, the graphic novel of Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein: Storm Surge is a vivid and gripping realisation of the characters in a unique new adventure. In it, Erika Five discovers Helios’ secret lab with a portal to another universe where an alternative Helios has succeeded in his dream of domination, turning the survivors of the New Orleans hurricane into a zombie army.

Accompanied by smart-mouthed liar, Karloff, a talking head, Erika Five soon teams up with the mighty Deucalion to battle zombies and ultimately face Helios. Also on the run is Michael and Carson, a couple who have avoided the zombie apocalypse and are now trying to fight their way out of the overrun city.

Jumping between Erika Five’s team, Carson’s battles, and Helios’ megalomaniacal triumphs, the action kicks off early in the part one, then remains at a delirious speed until the end.

Mohan’s choice of blues for the primary colours give the illusion of night, even in the daytime scenes, highlighting the coming darkness and triggering the fears that naturally come with turning out the lights. Andres Ponce’s drawings give finer detail to the foreground and enough detail to the background to keep the scene in focus. The imagery is not overly complex but effectively uses light and shade to bring emotion and realism to the characters and their plight.

Familiarity with Dean Koontz original novels would help with understanding the characters in this release, as they only get a basic introduction, however that background knowledge is not a requirement to simply enjoy the story for what it is.

At 136 exciting pages, Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein: Storm Surge is a decent addition to any graphic novel collection. It should please fans of zombies, horror, Mary Shelley and Dean Koontz.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet

Rating out of 10:  7

Released by: Dynamite Comics
Distributed by: Diamond Book Distributors
Based on: Dean Koontz’ Frankenstein novels
Release Date: 25 October 2016
RRP: US$24.99 Hardcover

More News

To Top