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There are classic monsters – like Dracula – who are just plain evil. But, then there are others who are primarily tragic figures that did not choose to become predators. Like the Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s Monster.  

Mark Spears Monsters the Monster and the Wolf #1 begins in Antarctica where Clint Abbott is searching for a cure for the werewolf curse. He has traveled to the icy, isolated landscape because a doctor there may have developed a serum that can help him. Unfortunately for Clint, he isn’t the only dangerous individual in the area. 

Similar to the main Mark Spears Monsters book, Spears serves as the writer and artist on this spinoff. The first issue is beautifully written and illustrated. It starts with Clint telling a story about the monster and the wolf, highlighting each character’s circumstances and how he reacts to them. Once he reaches the camp, things quickly become less profound and more dire. 

Spears’ art is unique in its realism and detail. He sets the scene so well, bathing the campfire panels with an orange glow, giving the facility a metallic, sterile appearance, and capturing the frigid area with a blanket of snow and grey sky. The characters look like real people, down to the wrinkles on their foreheads. Even the wolf’s thoughts are readable through its expression.  

There’s also tension that begins as soon as Clint arrives at the facility and builds to the very last page. The series is already off to a great start. 

–Amanda Sheriff