The Rotworld event begins this month in Animal Man, Swamp Thing and Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. as the Rot has taken over. Major Spoilers finds out if this book is fresh and worth your time or just rotten.
SUMMARY
Pros
The start to something larger
Cons
An issue that will probably become forgettable
[rating:overall]
READER RATING!
[ratings]
FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #13
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Alberto Ponticelli
Inker: Wayne Faucher
Letterer: Patrick Brosseau
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
Editor: Joey Cavalieri
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
Previously in Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E.: Frankenstein and his Creature Commandos work with a government organization to fight against the monstrous threats of the world. The Rot has taken over the planet and Frankenstein must fend off the horrendous hordes of creatures the Rot has brought forth.
THAT LUKEWARM FEELING
Frankenstein is confronted by his maker, Victor, who was resurrected by Arcane and the Rot and learns of the plans the Rot has to take over the world. After being carried by creatures of the Red to Metropolis, Frankenstein realizes the Rot has infected the city. Now he must find the pieces of the Soul-Grinder that created him and defeat the Rot.
After being thoroughly impressed with the zero issue of Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and excited for the Rotworld event taking place in Animal Man, Swamp Thing and this title I was extremely eager to read this issue. This was a new title to read and if it was anything like the zero issue, I was sure to like it. Unfortunately, it left me with a lukewarm feeling and a slight tinge of disappointment. It is only the second issue of the title that I’ve read and I wasn’t expecting to know all the characters and what had happened before, and luckily, you don’t need to. This is very much a set up issue for things to come and thus not much happens, making it a quick read. By the time I was finished, I wasn’t sure whether I would read forthcoming issues. It wasn’t a bad book by any means and I did enjoy what I read (seeing Metropolis destroyed was very cool), but as I put it down, I realized there wasn’t much to say about it. “Meh” is how I think the kids would put it. Maybe I set myself up by expecting this issue to be as good as #0, but I walked away slightly disappointed. Matt Kindt has proven he’s a great writer but as a setup issue, this did nothing to get me pumped for more Rotworld.
SAVING GRACE
The biggest saving grace for this issue was Ponticelli’s art. Some may call his work ugly, but that fits the story perfectly. Monsters are supposed to look horrific and they do here. Panels are strong, packed to the brim with detail in both characters and backgrounds. There is a nice fluidity to his work and his use of angles is great. I particularly loved the shot looking down on Frankenstein as he stared up at the sky after being dropped to the ground. Dead creatures moving throughout the streets as decay hangs from the buildings was just a wonderful touch and extremely immersive. The art helped elevate a mediocre story and would alone earn 4 stars.
BOTTOM LINE: SO FAR, NOT EXCITED
I wanted to love this book and looked forward to its release. Unfortunately, I walked away with a lukewarm feeling to an issue that will probably become forgettable. Granted, it’s the start to something larger and things could pick up, but as a beginning it does nothing to get me excited for what’s to come. The art was as wonderful as before, but still can’t save the book from an average story. Maybe I set myself up for a fall. Maybe things will get better. I really hope that’s the case. With the help of some fantastic art Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #13 earns 3 out of 5 stars.
[rating: 3/5]