The first Black Forest graphic novel was a wonderfully entertaining and well-crafted adventure, and there was definitely plenty of potential in the characters to bring them back for another story. I enjoyed this book as well, but I found myself wishing the writers hadn't picked up right where they left off. Given the same setting and similar goals for the heroes and villains, it seems a bit like the creators are rehashing their previous tale. Still, the excitement and personality that's a part of this property survives intact, and the bonus material -- a prose Black Forest short story and a Wicked West backup feature -- adds even more flavor to the mix.
Archie and Jack don't get much time to rest after their adventure in the nazi-held castle, as they find themselves taken prisoner by another scientist (along with his ape henchmen) sympathetic to the Nazis. The scientist, Dr. Bosch, tries to extract information from the two men -- namely, the location of Dr. Frankenstein's notes on human resurrection. Meanwhile, Archie recruits some assistance from an unlikely source: his slain colleague, Isla, who's not quite dead but certainly not alive.
The strongest draw of this book is Neil Vokes's wonderfully vibrant art. "Vibrant" might seem like an odd word to describe the art on a black-and-white book, especially one with so many gothic elements incorporated into the storytelling. But Vokes's designs for the characters -- from the main players to the villain's simian underlings -- are just so full of personality and presence that one can't help but get caught up in the action. I'm reminded of the same visual strength and flair that Paul Smith brought to Leave It to Chance a few years ago.
If there's one thing this stock lacks, it's subtlety. It's so obvious that Jack's new female friend isn't on his side when they meet, it leaves the reader wondering why he's so easily duped. Jack never questions her presence, and it's a flaw in the story. Furthermore, the main story ends on a cliffhanger, and while it's a whopper of a revelation, after two adventures in the Black Forest, I'm really qu8ite thirsty for some closure.
One of my favorite aspects of the first Black Forest book was the incorporation of some gothic litrature elements, and there's a hint of it in this sequel as well. Bosch refers to another scientist who experimented with ways to grant intelligence to animals, and I can only assume the writers are referring to The Island of Dr. Moreau. Tapping into those classic literature elements is a smart move for the writers. It not only adds to the fun of the story, but it grants it a broader context, hints at the larger world of fiction in which it is based. Archie's and Jack's personalities are just as entertaining as ever, and it leaves me wanting to see more of these characters -- but again, in a new setting and circumstance. 7/10
