After being surprised by the first issue of Joe Frankenstein I was more than happy to check out the second issue. The formula for the series is pretty clear after reading this issue, but that’s okay. Honestly the only way campy stories work is if they follow a formula. Hopefully calling Joe Frankenstein campy isn’t viewed as negative, because I mean that in a positive way. It’s what makes this series fun and keeps it very lighthearted. I mean it’s about the last descendent of Frankenstein, who is being protected by Frankenstein’s monster and hunted by the monster’s Bride. It would honestly make a great kids action movie if it were ever adapted into a film.

This issue kicks off at Joe’s house because our henchmen from the last issue is pretty smart and was able to track down Joe. This is bad news for his foster family since Saxton, the henchmen, has brought along a gaggle of vampires (gaggle meaning group or flock). The monster realizes that Joe’s family is in danger and they head out on Snowmobiles to save them. Yes, snowmobiles and it’s pretty cool.

It’s a straightforward issue with a couple of reveals and a decent setup for the next issue. That’s all I wanted from the issue, that’s all I expected and it delivered. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not a deep read, the characters are underdeveloped and the plot is rather transparent. But I still really enjoyed the issue. I didn’t need it to gun for the #1 comic of the week, I just needed it to entertain me and make me forget about the real world for a few minutes and it did just that. I escaped into the world of Joe Frankenstein and it was fun.

The art is definitely the best part of the series as it adds a lot of personality to the characters and world. It’s also what keeps it from feeling like a typical horror series. As I said it has a kids movie feel to it and it works. Honestly that’s a nice touch because sometimes you just want monsters without the horror attached to them.

If you enjoyed the first issue of Joe Frankenstein then you should enjoy this issue just as much. It’s a romp and delivers a wholesome vibe while still entertaining. If that sounds like something you can enjoy then check it out.

Score: 3/5

Joe Frankenstein #2 Writers: Graham Nolan, Chuck Dixon Artist: Graham Nolan Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/25/15 Format: Print/Digital