UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA #1 (SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT/IMAGE COMICS)
Christine Daae has a secret admirer who will do anything to make her Opera dreams a reality. As the ghost makes his move Inspector Dubert must get to the bottom of what’s going on before more end up dead. Will the Phantom strike again before the good Inspector can find him?
Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 - Written By Tyler Boss - Art By Martin Simmonds - Letters By Becca Carey - Edited By Alex Antone - Published By Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics
Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
Mademoiselle Biancarolli is getting ready to take the stage for her Opera performance. She is the star of Faust and there is a packed house to see her. Unfortunately for her this will be her final appearance, and she won’t even make it to perform. After her very public murder, Inspector Dubert starts his investigation. This leads him to questioning her understudy Christine Daae, a beautiful young woman with huge aspirations. The Inspector is smitten with her, but so isn’t the mysterious “ghost”. The “ghost” helps her from the shadows and makes her a better singer. But to what end will the ghost go to help the apple of his eye?
WRITING:
This classic and timeless story gets a new coat of paint with this comic series. Tyler Boss definitely puts his twist on this legendary story. The groundwork for the story is very familiar and surely will catch the eye of any fan of the original story. But where Boss’ story really shines is the way he makes it into a pure horror story. The way he sets up the first murder and delivers it in the first four pages sets the tone for where this book and series will go. The mysterious “ghost” really builds suspense and intrigue. The introduction of the lovesick Inspector clearly sets up the reader to anticipate the wild love triangle that is about to unfold.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this first issue is stunning and matches the tone of the story perfectly. Martin Simmonds brings a beautiful and eerie feel with the watercolor style of art that adorns the pages. The art gives the reader the feelings of the era in which the story takes place. Well at the same time brings a spooky and haunting feel to this story. The atmosphere that the artwork builds really draws the reader in and keeps the intrigue of the story going.
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Final Thoughts:
Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 is an awesome first issue that really captures the essence of this timeless story, well adding some more horror to it. The story is familiar but just enough different to set up some interesting things as the series goes on. The artwork doesn’t miss and really brings this world to life. This is a must get at the shops this week and should be on the top of the additions to your Pull List. This book is my Pick of the Week and I’m sure it will be yours as well.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10
Let me know your thoughts on Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
