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Universal Monsters: Dracula #1-4
Universal Monsters: Dracula
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH creators James Tynion IV (W0RLDTR33, Something is Killing the Children) and Martin Simmonds re-team to tell a new tale of the monster who started it all!? When Dr. John Seward admits a strange new patient named Renfield into his asylum, the madman tells stories of a demon who has taken residence next door. But as Dr. Seward attempts to apply logic to the impossible…his daughter falls under the spell of the twisted Count Dracula! ? Featuring a Direct Market Exclusive cover by Stephanie Pepper that will only be printed once. Collects UNIVERSAL DRACULA #1-4
120 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,532 books1,591 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 25, 2024
Classic horror comes alive sharp and bloodsoaked in this new graphic novel adaptation of Dracula, written by horror veteran James Tynion IV and spectacularly illustrated by Martin Simmonds for some truly visceral visual terror. Dread descends upon a dreary London in an adaptation that zooms in on the local intrigue around Renfield as he confounds doctors at the sanatorium with his ravings and ravenous blood disorder, presenting a more intimate narrative of this piece of the larger story that gives more spotlight to smaller characters like Renfield and Lucy others like Johnathan Harker move around their peripheries. Those who have a particular adherence to a purity of plot in Bram Stoker orignal may find themselves frustrated that this deviates in many ways, yet this shuffled remix gives Tynion IV fresh space to explore the symbolism of Dracula for a modern audience and the artwork is so unsettlingly brilliant that one will hardly mind while being so devilishly dazzled. A bit short with a rather rushed ending, this first, full installment of the upcoming Universal Monsters series is a strong start that brings us back to the monster who has been terrorizing the imagination for hundreds of years.
Truthfully, when I first saw there was a suspiciously slim, new graphic novel of Dracula I thought “do we really need another version?” Though upon looking at the writing and art team, I suddenly realizes that it’s me, I’m the one who wants and needs another version if it means Tynion IV is behind it. This was an eerie stunner of a work that rides high on its astonishingly engaging artwork. I mean, look at this:
The colors, the blood, the moon shining pure dread into reader’s hearts. Simmonds went off on this one and we are all better for it. And perhaps all a little more scared… It brings this story to life and the monsters so boldly into our minds, playing well into Renfield’s own words about his ‘master’ that ‘you’ll like what he does to your world. The color he brings to it.’ Because the dark and drab streets of London depicted in the book with somber, earthy colors
Comes blazing into violence in terms of both casualties and color when the Transylvanian Count appears
LOOK AT THAT THOUGH
‘Hell is closing in on you from every corner, and you still refuse to see it.’
This is a rather truncated story, though the intimacy with the sections it portrays bring a lot of intrigue. Drawing less from the Bram Stoker novel and more from the 1931 film adaptation staring Bela Lugosi, which itself drew primarily upon a stage adaptation, both making fairly significant changes to Stoker’s plot and characters. The film and it’s variant of the Dracula narrative would largely influence many of the other Dracula medias to follow, with Lugosi having a rather lasting cultural presence as the image of Dracula himself. Those who have a particular adherence to a purity of plot in Stoker’s image may find themselves frustrated that this graphic novel adaptation deviates in many ways, but I rather enjoyed what Tynion IV does with it. Van Helsing’s speech on Dracula capitalizing on ‘rot’ in London and that ‘the city has invited this darkness upon it’ is a universal fear during any hard times, especially when, say, rampant culture wars and divisive rhetoric with accusations on morality are common. Tynion depicts Dracula as symbolic of the dark urges in humankind and tempts us to embrace our vileness as a source of strength. Or to follow him because, as Renfield states ‘he would give me purpose, he would give me power’
‘The Master makes me more powerful…’
Simmond’s Renfield—who usurps not only Harker’s Transylvannia narrative (in keeping with the 1931 film) but also space in the story itself—is wonderfully disquieting, looking a bit like he walked off the stage at a My Chemical Romance show, but also has a visual fluidity that descends into the abstract in times of high emotion, particularly when his master’s will over him is challenged. It works well to show the fleeting power that ends up just a thirst for blood that never serves our best interests, only the symbol of evil who would discard us anyways.Yet, ultimately, this adaptation also centers on a hope that compassion and love reside in us too and can overcome such darkness. It looks at the dualities of people, accepts us as a mixture of dark and light, and pleas that we do not let our darkness snuff out our light.
‘The fear is not that the world has gone mad around me. It’s that all this strangeness has peeled back the skin of London and revealed the true madness lurking just under the surface.’
Really my only gripe, and a small one at that, is this could have easily been expanded to its benefit. The scenes could breathe more and the last quarter moves too quickly before ending rather abruptly (while also using callbacks as evidence without having let the reader be present for those moments). Still, this is a fun and frighteningly gorgeous graphic adaptation and is definitely worth the read.
4.5/5
Truthfully, when I first saw there was a suspiciously slim, new graphic novel of Dracula I thought “do we really need another version?” Though upon looking at the writing and art team, I suddenly realizes that it’s me, I’m the one who wants and needs another version if it means Tynion IV is behind it. This was an eerie stunner of a work that rides high on its astonishingly engaging artwork. I mean, look at this:
The colors, the blood, the moon shining pure dread into reader’s hearts. Simmonds went off on this one and we are all better for it. And perhaps all a little more scared… It brings this story to life and the monsters so boldly into our minds, playing well into Renfield’s own words about his ‘master’ that ‘you’ll like what he does to your world. The color he brings to it.’ Because the dark and drab streets of London depicted in the book with somber, earthy colors
Comes blazing into violence in terms of both casualties and color when the Transylvanian Count appears
LOOK AT THAT THOUGH
‘Hell is closing in on you from every corner, and you still refuse to see it.’
This is a rather truncated story, though the intimacy with the sections it portrays bring a lot of intrigue. Drawing less from the Bram Stoker novel and more from the 1931 film adaptation staring Bela Lugosi, which itself drew primarily upon a stage adaptation, both making fairly significant changes to Stoker’s plot and characters. The film and it’s variant of the Dracula narrative would largely influence many of the other Dracula medias to follow, with Lugosi having a rather lasting cultural presence as the image of Dracula himself. Those who have a particular adherence to a purity of plot in Stoker’s image may find themselves frustrated that this graphic novel adaptation deviates in many ways, but I rather enjoyed what Tynion IV does with it. Van Helsing’s speech on Dracula capitalizing on ‘rot’ in London and that ‘the city has invited this darkness upon it’ is a universal fear during any hard times, especially when, say, rampant culture wars and divisive rhetoric with accusations on morality are common. Tynion depicts Dracula as symbolic of the dark urges in humankind and tempts us to embrace our vileness as a source of strength. Or to follow him because, as Renfield states ‘he would give me purpose, he would give me power’
‘The Master makes me more powerful…’
Simmond’s Renfield—who usurps not only Harker’s Transylvannia narrative (in keeping with the 1931 film) but also space in the story itself—is wonderfully disquieting, looking a bit like he walked off the stage at a My Chemical Romance show, but also has a visual fluidity that descends into the abstract in times of high emotion, particularly when his master’s will over him is challenged. It works well to show the fleeting power that ends up just a thirst for blood that never serves our best interests, only the symbol of evil who would discard us anyways.Yet, ultimately, this adaptation also centers on a hope that compassion and love reside in us too and can overcome such darkness. It looks at the dualities of people, accepts us as a mixture of dark and light, and pleas that we do not let our darkness snuff out our light.
‘The fear is not that the world has gone mad around me. It’s that all this strangeness has peeled back the skin of London and revealed the true madness lurking just under the surface.’
Really my only gripe, and a small one at that, is this could have easily been expanded to its benefit. The scenes could breathe more and the last quarter moves too quickly before ending rather abruptly (while also using callbacks as evidence without having let the reader be present for those moments). Still, this is a fun and frighteningly gorgeous graphic adaptation and is definitely worth the read.
4.5/5
April 9, 2024
this is the most gorgeous art i’ve ever seen in a comic
May 26, 2024
3.5 stars. A really solid adaptation of the OG Dracula with some absolutely incredible artwork. I don’t know if this hits as well as it does without Martin Simmonds.
May 25, 2024
I KID YOU NOT PEOPLE
THIS IS SOME OF THE MOST STUNNING ARTWORK I HAVE EVER SEEN IN A COMIC BOOK
and Tynion's writing is as solid as ever <3
Can't recommend this book enough!
THIS IS SOME OF THE MOST STUNNING ARTWORK I HAVE EVER SEEN IN A COMIC BOOK
and Tynion's writing is as solid as ever <3
Can't recommend this book enough!
June 16, 2024
Sensacional.
Adoro els monstres de la Universal, i no sé d'on surt aquest corrent reivindicatiu en format de jocs de taula, de figures d'acció i ara de còmics, però bé que ho celebro.
El Dràcula de Tod Browning és una icona pop, però com a pel·li a i em sembla una mica avorrida (n'entenc el context i l'aprecio, però). Així que no sabia què esperar d'aquesta adaptació al còmic. De fet, esperava una c0sa cutre i fidel fil per randa del film.
La sorpresa ha estat majúscula. Adapta la història del Dràcula de Lugosi però des de punt de vista de Reinfield. El text dede Tynion és collonut i li dona una solidesa important, però és que l'art de Simmonds és una meravella. Quina cosa més bonica. Quin us dels colors. M'ha deixat hipnotitzadíssim, i tornaré una vegada i una altra només per veure'n les il·lustracions.
PD. Com ja he llegit en algun comentari, sembla que es devia eliminar una escena important en l'edició final del còmic, i cap al final s'hi fa referència i queda estrany.
Adoro els monstres de la Universal, i no sé d'on surt aquest corrent reivindicatiu en format de jocs de taula, de figures d'acció i ara de còmics, però bé que ho celebro.
El Dràcula de Tod Browning és una icona pop, però com a pel·li a i em sembla una mica avorrida (n'entenc el context i l'aprecio, però). Així que no sabia què esperar d'aquesta adaptació al còmic. De fet, esperava una c0sa cutre i fidel fil per randa del film.
La sorpresa ha estat majúscula. Adapta la història del Dràcula de Lugosi però des de punt de vista de Reinfield. El text dede Tynion és collonut i li dona una solidesa important, però és que l'art de Simmonds és una meravella. Quina cosa més bonica. Quin us dels colors. M'ha deixat hipnotitzadíssim, i tornaré una vegada i una altra només per veure'n les il·lustracions.
PD. Com ja he llegit en algun comentari, sembla que es devia eliminar una escena important en l'edició final del còmic, i cap al final s'hi fa referència i queda estrany.
June 9, 2024
I’d say I am a bit surprised I did not like it more, storywise. I mean, 4 issues are not a lot, but I can imagine more could be done. What really stood out was the artwork. Renfield’s panels were absolute horror and I loved it.
February 5, 2024
This was truly excellent. I read this in single issues, waiting until they all arrived before bingeing them all last night. Tynion's horror sensibilities add something new and interesting to a familiar story. The highlight here, though, is Simmonds' artwork, which is incredible. It would already be a solid 4/4.5 rating, but the artwork truly takes this to another level. Simmonds' exploration of Dracula's various transformations in particular standout. There also were scenes in which Dracula's presence to a character was truly startling - while that's easy to do in cinema, it's hard to do in a comic (and Simmonds knocks it out of the park).
I would highly recommend this to fans of horror comics. It's well worth it.
I would highly recommend this to fans of horror comics. It's well worth it.
September 30, 2024
There’s a large amount of focus on Renfield, Dracula’s minion, across all four issues of this series. You might get the impression that this mini-series is about him, but you’d be wrong about that.
After all the iterations of the Dracula legend in film and comics, by focusing on the point-of-view of Renfield writer Tyrion injects new blood (ahem) into this genre.
In the text afterword to Issue #1 Tynion explains that he prefers to work with his own creations, but accepted the assignment to write an adaptation of the Universal film version of Dracula because it made a lasting impression on his young developing mind.
While this new series respectfully recreates the feel and look (thanks to amazing Simmonds art) of that film, Tyrion’s script is a breath of fresh (not foul) air. He’s really bringing this legendary icon to new life and anyone who is a fan of the film, the novel, or the vampire genre should be checking this series out.
As he did so well on the DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH series, Simmonds again both illustrates, inks and colors his work in a painted style that bring more clarity than I’ve ever seen from him before. The images are incredible. Tynion wisely hasn’t scripted one word of dialogue for Dracula, just letting the visuals communicate the power and menace behind the character. Also, I’ve never seen Renfield imagined and portrayed as creepy as he is here.
The introduction of the main characters (Harkness, Van Helsing, etc) and build up to the first victim to mingle blood with Dracula (Lucy) is dramatized perfectly.
The ending is inevitable but satisfying. I could have been fine with two more issues.This book is a winner.
After all the iterations of the Dracula legend in film and comics, by focusing on the point-of-view of Renfield writer Tyrion injects new blood (ahem) into this genre.
In the text afterword to Issue #1 Tynion explains that he prefers to work with his own creations, but accepted the assignment to write an adaptation of the Universal film version of Dracula because it made a lasting impression on his young developing mind.
While this new series respectfully recreates the feel and look (thanks to amazing Simmonds art) of that film, Tyrion’s script is a breath of fresh (not foul) air. He’s really bringing this legendary icon to new life and anyone who is a fan of the film, the novel, or the vampire genre should be checking this series out.
As he did so well on the DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH series, Simmonds again both illustrates, inks and colors his work in a painted style that bring more clarity than I’ve ever seen from him before. The images are incredible. Tynion wisely hasn’t scripted one word of dialogue for Dracula, just letting the visuals communicate the power and menace behind the character. Also, I’ve never seen Renfield imagined and portrayed as creepy as he is here.
The introduction of the main characters (Harkness, Van Helsing, etc) and build up to the first victim to mingle blood with Dracula (Lucy) is dramatized perfectly.
The ending is inevitable but satisfying. I could have been fine with two more issues.This book is a winner.
August 26, 2024
"The master grows more powerful. I can feel him. In my mind. His thoughts."
Dracula has been a story that completely enraptured me from a young age. I remember when I first saw Dracula. He had my heart from then on.
This was a fantastic addition to the Dracula collection. The story was great and each page had amazing artwork. The art was eye-catching and the coloring added that extra pop of intensity. It was all exceptional.
Dracula has been a story that completely enraptured me from a young age. I remember when I first saw Dracula. He had my heart from then on.
This was a fantastic addition to the Dracula collection. The story was great and each page had amazing artwork. The art was eye-catching and the coloring added that extra pop of intensity. It was all exceptional.
May 22, 2024
The team behind Image Comics' hit The Department of Truth series release a four-issue miniseries adaptation of the Tod Browning 1931 Dracula film, itself an adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel. It's a fairly diligent adaptation of the film with some tweaks to conform to the limitations of the medium. Just as was the case with the film, Universal Monsters: Dracula assumes the viewpoint of Renfield, a solicitor who travels to Transylvania to complete an assignment for the local count. The ensuing journey unfolds as a nightmarish fever dream, realized to its full potential by Martin Simmonds' masterful painterly art style. Though at times the narration gets a bit heavy, Tynion steps back for moments to simply allow Simmonds to deliver breathtaking splash pages with some truly haunting imagery. The main limitation here is the length - four issues is simply insufficient to deliver the full scope of what the original film delivered and the final product does read quite rushed. Artwork alone can be the draw to this book though, since this is easily standout work from Martin Simmonds.
June 13, 2024
DRACULA has been done to death, but incredible art and interesting focal points as the original story unfolds make this version truly haunting.
June 21, 2024
3.5 stars. A really good adaptation (but nothing will stand up to the original!) I love that this is focused on Renfield and going from “creature to human”. Haven’t read Dracula in years but it’s a nice modern take about the importance of kindness and treating those “smaller” than you with compassion.
June 3, 2024
Dracula by Universal Monsters was a great comic to look at but the plot was not as exciting as I had imagined. The story was quite simple and it was not thrilling in the horror or suspense aspect, It's only the art by Martin Simmonds which was outstanding making it a work that fans of horror and comic art should not miss. Renfield and Dracula were painted beautifully creepy; the vivid colours and imagery were amazing to look at thus making it a four-star comic overall. However, if I were to rate the story alone, I would give it 3 out of 5 stars because it fell short of the anticipated atmospheric and chilling view and at some points, it felt like the storytelling was rushed; however, the visuals with their stunning, movie-like scenery and the gothic horror atmosphere were depicted impressively. In the end, it was the outstanding artwork from Simmonds that made this a fairly enjoyable read given the somewhat weak plot.
June 7, 2024
Beautiful art, and Tynion's dialogue is great. But there's a whole section of the story missing: in issue four, Van Helsing notes that both he and Seward watched Dracula flee "from this very room." And no such thing was shown in the comic. Could be a misprint? Seems like a pretty big element to leave out, but still reference.
March 29, 2024
3.5
It was a fun read and a pretty good depiction of Dracula imo. As a big universal monsters fan to see them incorporating the monsters into comics is something I find really cool. I really liked the way comic covered renfield, Dracula, mina and van helsing, it felt very true to the story while also staying original. The art was also pretty good I must say. I think the length was underwhelming and Draculas lack of inclusion was also something I think was poor, as much as you could argue its to add to the mystery I think it was far too low to be worth the payoff any kind of or the mystery that is created through such a creative choice. I also feel that renfields story although imo a brilliant character arc definitely could have been executed far better. Great fundamentals, good spine, but a little disappointing in the execution.
It was a fun read and a pretty good depiction of Dracula imo. As a big universal monsters fan to see them incorporating the monsters into comics is something I find really cool. I really liked the way comic covered renfield, Dracula, mina and van helsing, it felt very true to the story while also staying original. The art was also pretty good I must say. I think the length was underwhelming and Draculas lack of inclusion was also something I think was poor, as much as you could argue its to add to the mystery I think it was far too low to be worth the payoff any kind of or the mystery that is created through such a creative choice. I also feel that renfields story although imo a brilliant character arc definitely could have been executed far better. Great fundamentals, good spine, but a little disappointing in the execution.
June 3, 2024
Allow me to start by saying I love the Universal Monsters. They have been forgotten and they need to be brought back! It’s criminal that Universal can’t figure out what to do with them. That said the good folks at Image and Skybound are doing the lord’s work by resurrecting the monsters in comic form.
This is a nice retelling of the Universal classic from 1931. As much as I love the Luigi’s performance (and Dwight Frye’s Renfield) the story for the 1931 the movie is weak. There have been better adaptations of the Stoker novel.
That said this book is good and any monster fan will want to pick it up. Renfield is given a great arc. I wish there were more scenes with Dracula. Tynion definitely made him menacing. The true standout here is the stunning artwork by Martin Simmonds. Every page is simply beautiful and haunting.
I hope this series continues and they adapt stories for all the monsters and go beyond just retelling the films. Give us the sequels we never saw and new stories!
Personally, I’d like to see what a sequel with Lugosi’s Dracula would have looked like. Or even if they adapted the unused screenplay ideas for Dracula’s daughter with the rumored flash backs to Vlad the Impaler( which would have had Lugosi return). That would be truly epic. Dare I dream for a day with crossovers and the inevitable Monster Mash? This monster fan will dream.
This is a nice retelling of the Universal classic from 1931. As much as I love the Luigi’s performance (and Dwight Frye’s Renfield) the story for the 1931 the movie is weak. There have been better adaptations of the Stoker novel.
That said this book is good and any monster fan will want to pick it up. Renfield is given a great arc. I wish there were more scenes with Dracula. Tynion definitely made him menacing. The true standout here is the stunning artwork by Martin Simmonds. Every page is simply beautiful and haunting.
I hope this series continues and they adapt stories for all the monsters and go beyond just retelling the films. Give us the sequels we never saw and new stories!
Personally, I’d like to see what a sequel with Lugosi’s Dracula would have looked like. Or even if they adapted the unused screenplay ideas for Dracula’s daughter with the rumored flash backs to Vlad the Impaler( which would have had Lugosi return). That would be truly epic. Dare I dream for a day with crossovers and the inevitable Monster Mash? This monster fan will dream.
July 20, 2024
Adaptation of classic story with slightly new approach. This time with focus on Reinfield, who was, if I remember correctly side character and I don't remember him that much from original book.
It's really nice twist, as looking at all events with focus on his growing madness is quite refreshing. But at the same time is the main weakness of the book. There are lot of shortcuts, some things are left unexplained and there is quite big jump in last issue where I wasn't sure if I missed something or it's just not there. B is correct. As I'm familiar with original book and I read another adaptation no so long ago, I was able to fill in the blanks. But for somebody not so well oriented in theme it may be quite chaotic.
I think each book should work on their own, even if it is adaptation of something so widely known as Dracula. So while I really appreciate new look, I think script could be better and Tynion have disappointed me once again...
Where this comics really excels is art. Combination of drawing and paint is exceptional and it creates superb horror atmosphere. Scenes from asylum are just great and depictions of Dracula as some shadow that flashes through the city and is behind of all events are masterpiece. It completely erased bad taste from average writing and left positive memory of the book as whole.
It's really nice twist, as looking at all events with focus on his growing madness is quite refreshing. But at the same time is the main weakness of the book. There are lot of shortcuts, some things are left unexplained and there is quite big jump in last issue where I wasn't sure if I missed something or it's just not there. B is correct. As I'm familiar with original book and I read another adaptation no so long ago, I was able to fill in the blanks. But for somebody not so well oriented in theme it may be quite chaotic.
I think each book should work on their own, even if it is adaptation of something so widely known as Dracula. So while I really appreciate new look, I think script could be better and Tynion have disappointed me once again...
Where this comics really excels is art. Combination of drawing and paint is exceptional and it creates superb horror atmosphere. Scenes from asylum are just great and depictions of Dracula as some shadow that flashes through the city and is behind of all events are masterpiece. It completely erased bad taste from average writing and left positive memory of the book as whole.
July 15, 2024
Each panel is a masterpiece-just gorgeous renderings.
I’ve never read Dracula-I’ve always been a bit intimidated by it. So while I cannot judge how faithful this adaptation is to the original, I can say that this story was quite captivating and contemplative. I saw the spooky characteristics of Dracula- the fear of daylight and mirrors-as fears of a flawed, vain man and not Halloween tropes. It’s tempting me to dive into the depths of the original after all…maybe.
I can also say that this focused especially on Renfield, the Count’s servant to whom he feeds small infects for sustenance. In all the Dracula permutations I’ve ever seen on page/screen I do not recall this character, so this may be the twist Universal has used here.
But most importantly, read it/get it for the art. It’s stunning and as good as it gets in the world of comics and graphic novels, imho.
I’ve never read Dracula-I’ve always been a bit intimidated by it. So while I cannot judge how faithful this adaptation is to the original, I can say that this story was quite captivating and contemplative. I saw the spooky characteristics of Dracula- the fear of daylight and mirrors-as fears of a flawed, vain man and not Halloween tropes. It’s tempting me to dive into the depths of the original after all…maybe.
I can also say that this focused especially on Renfield, the Count’s servant to whom he feeds small infects for sustenance. In all the Dracula permutations I’ve ever seen on page/screen I do not recall this character, so this may be the twist Universal has used here.
But most importantly, read it/get it for the art. It’s stunning and as good as it gets in the world of comics and graphic novels, imho.
August 2, 2024
I'm not sure whether to give this 4 or 5 stars, because I really loved and enjoyed this beautifully, horrific and haunted illustrated version, but I wish it was a little longer. There is more to be desired as this was too fast paced and left me a little confused as to where I was in the story. (And the story and relations of people were changed a bit?)
Anyway, Dracula keeps it's spot as my favourite fictional character and story with this awesome addition to my collection! (I'll give it 5 because of the art).
Anyway, Dracula keeps it's spot as my favourite fictional character and story with this awesome addition to my collection! (I'll give it 5 because of the art).
August 5, 2024
There's something missing from this to push it into truely special territory. The creative team for Dept of Truth is a perfect fit for this book, and no offense to Tynion, but Simmonds is doing the lions share of the artistry of this book. I can't say Tynion's script works as strong and well without Simmonds incredible, almost Synchevich-like art to accompany it and give it a otherworldly quality. The actual plot is basic and quick, but it's a solid comic.
September 17, 2024
Incredible, incredible artwork, and I like the way they translated the story into comic form. It has the same problem that I found with the original story though, and that was the rushed ending. I understand that shorter comic books tend to be very fast-paced, I get why, it’s just a bit disappointing to me how quickly Dracula is beaten and how simply, in seemingly any piece of media. A monster so powerful should be a lot more difficult to overcome. There should be more struggle, more risk. They hype the beast up so much and then dispatch him so quickly. That’s more of a personal nitpick though. If you get the chance, do yourself a favor and PLEASE read this one. Awesome all the same!
September 1, 2024
A solid rendition of the story, I typically love everything Tynion writes. But I do wonder if this would be as good without Martin Simmonds art. I also feel it would have warranted from being a six issue series instead of a four issue. But still a worthy read for fans of Dracula. And a must read for anyone who likes Tynion/Simmonds collaborations.
March 20, 2024
The Department of Truth team remake a classic, and it is just as awesome as it should be. Simmonds art is so stunning that it was hard not to give this 5 stars. I think it is every bit of what it should be I just wish there was more of it. 4.5/5 stars.
July 26, 2024
5 stars for the art alone. Storywise, I liked the more character-focused story while Dracula was doing most of his terrible monsterly acts off-screen. It helped contribute to the mysteriousness of events felt by the main characters. I also liked the focus on Renfield and his character arc and ending. It was more redemptive than he often gets in typical retellings I've seen.
July 9, 2024
The standout of this adaptation is the illustrations of Martin Simmonds; they are like beautiful oil paintings.
James Tynion IV does a good job at adapting it. It is more like an R-rated version of the OG Universal Classic “Dracula” film rather than an adaptation of the Stoker novel.
Mina is hornier, Renfield is more of a focus, and Van Helsing is always a sheer delight in being the smartest and most eccentric man in the room.
Highly recommend. Can’t wait to re-read.
James Tynion IV does a good job at adapting it. It is more like an R-rated version of the OG Universal Classic “Dracula” film rather than an adaptation of the Stoker novel.
Mina is hornier, Renfield is more of a focus, and Van Helsing is always a sheer delight in being the smartest and most eccentric man in the room.
Highly recommend. Can’t wait to re-read.
August 5, 2024
One of, if not the most beautifully illustrated comics I’ve ever read
August 12, 2024
never have i seen such beautiful artwork in any comics
July 24, 2024
A great start, but kind of an abrupt ending? Love what they did with Dr Seward, and Renfield, but the ladies felt a little flat. Utterly gorgeous, thoroughly disturbing art.
June 5, 2024
Definitely the Universal version of Dracula, and not Stoker’s.
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