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Silver #1
Silver Volume 1
Expanding Bram Stoker’s original universe fifty years hence, into the pulp era of the 1930’s, SILVER introduces James Finnigan, a witty but (figuratively) soulless con man, who sets out to separate the living-dead from their precious silver.
Personality conflicts, emotional entanglements and character comedy abound, as Finnigan assembles the crew of talented but broken misfits needed to pull off the heist of the last ten centuries.
Personality conflicts, emotional entanglements and character comedy abound, as Finnigan assembles the crew of talented but broken misfits needed to pull off the heist of the last ten centuries.
112 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2014
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70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 19, 2018
Sure, go ahead and steal a collection of rare silver from the estate of Mina and Jonathan Harker during an auction. What could go wrong? And when you screw it up and then decide to steal even more silver from a castle full of vampires... well, let's hope anyone makes it out alive. I enjoyed this pulp 1930s heist well enough to back the second volume on Kickstarter as well, and it didn't disappoint. Neither did the third, which I just finished last night. The black and white newsprint-looking art, the surly gal with a sword, and serious vampire mayhem is an irresistible combination. Bonus: a kid who can see any future except his own. What's up with that?
July 13, 2017
Beautifully executed. I love how Franck uses black, white, halftone gray dots to deliver the imagery. He has a background in animation and it is very obvious and comes through in the wonderful set lay outs, compositions, angles. At the end of the book there is 4-6 (?) pages of Franck explaining his process, how he makes his visual choices and what his process is like as he refines the imagery to leverage storytelling and narrative. This was so cool and instructive.
The story has a Hellboy sort of feel, crossed with pulp and film noir (I love this sort of stuff!). Backdrop is 1930s, there are vampires, ancient treasures, and the coalescing of a motley crew that is going to try and find this ancient treasure. Some great action scenes, but a lot of the first volume is focused on exposition and connecting the characters so they can go on their vampire-battling ancient treasure run.
Look forward to reading volume 2.
The story has a Hellboy sort of feel, crossed with pulp and film noir (I love this sort of stuff!). Backdrop is 1930s, there are vampires, ancient treasures, and the coalescing of a motley crew that is going to try and find this ancient treasure. Some great action scenes, but a lot of the first volume is focused on exposition and connecting the characters so they can go on their vampire-battling ancient treasure run.
Look forward to reading volume 2.
August 18, 2019
Dracula is one of my all-time favorite novels. Ever.
Because of my love affair with the novel, I am a bit picky about my Dracula reboots or extension stories. I hate to be a snob about it, but that’s just how it is.
Silver by Stephan Franck is an expansion of Stoker’s original world from the novel. We find ourselves in 1930. Jonathan Harker has just passed away (his wife, Mina, has already passed on before him) and the Harker estate is up for auction. Enter James Finnigan, criminal extraordinaire. Finnigan is a man with a plan. Unfortunately, sometimes no matter how hard you plan, it all goes up in smoke. That’s what happens to Finnigan. Now what will he do? He needs an angle on a new (potentially big) job. But he’s definitely going to need some serious help. Maybe a descendent of Van Helsing is just what he needs.
Franck has a pretty good idea here. Create a heist story within the world of Dracula. Interesting idea to bat around. I just wasn’t sold on a few of the finer points. It’s supposed to be 1930, but I couldn’t tell that in most of the panels. Sure, there are a few hints of the time period: the cars and the police uniforms. However, the characters’ clothing and the setting/surroundings didn’t feel time period appropriate and it pulled me out of the world. The story is focused on the pre-heist origin of this group. That means that readers don’t get too much of a story line. The introduction of Van Helsing’s descendent is extremely fast and doesn’t feel fully fleshed out. I wanted to get to know her a bit more. I have no idea why she joined up with Finnigan since he annoyed her so much from the beginning. The other thing that bugged me was that the vampires are portrayed like zombies. I don’t like that at all. The history of Harker doesn’t resonate with the actual events of the novel, so it felt like Franck wasn’t really “expanding Bram Stoker’s original universe” like the book’s jacket proclaims.
Overall, it isn’t a bad comic/graphic novel. It was a fun, quick read. Without the use of color (this is completely black and white), there are some confusing panels, but I just spent more time deciphering the action. I wasn’t lost in the story, but I am looking forward to the next one in the series to see how the story develops. I would rather have had a full story arc, but perhaps that’s just not going to happen and I have to wait to read all four in order to get what I want.
Because of my love affair with the novel, I am a bit picky about my Dracula reboots or extension stories. I hate to be a snob about it, but that’s just how it is.
Silver by Stephan Franck is an expansion of Stoker’s original world from the novel. We find ourselves in 1930. Jonathan Harker has just passed away (his wife, Mina, has already passed on before him) and the Harker estate is up for auction. Enter James Finnigan, criminal extraordinaire. Finnigan is a man with a plan. Unfortunately, sometimes no matter how hard you plan, it all goes up in smoke. That’s what happens to Finnigan. Now what will he do? He needs an angle on a new (potentially big) job. But he’s definitely going to need some serious help. Maybe a descendent of Van Helsing is just what he needs.
Franck has a pretty good idea here. Create a heist story within the world of Dracula. Interesting idea to bat around. I just wasn’t sold on a few of the finer points. It’s supposed to be 1930, but I couldn’t tell that in most of the panels. Sure, there are a few hints of the time period: the cars and the police uniforms. However, the characters’ clothing and the setting/surroundings didn’t feel time period appropriate and it pulled me out of the world. The story is focused on the pre-heist origin of this group. That means that readers don’t get too much of a story line. The introduction of Van Helsing’s descendent is extremely fast and doesn’t feel fully fleshed out. I wanted to get to know her a bit more. I have no idea why she joined up with Finnigan since he annoyed her so much from the beginning. The other thing that bugged me was that the vampires are portrayed like zombies. I don’t like that at all. The history of Harker doesn’t resonate with the actual events of the novel, so it felt like Franck wasn’t really “expanding Bram Stoker’s original universe” like the book’s jacket proclaims.
Overall, it isn’t a bad comic/graphic novel. It was a fun, quick read. Without the use of color (this is completely black and white), there are some confusing panels, but I just spent more time deciphering the action. I wasn’t lost in the story, but I am looking forward to the next one in the series to see how the story develops. I would rather have had a full story arc, but perhaps that’s just not going to happen and I have to wait to read all four in order to get what I want.
August 18, 2017
Leider konnte ich nur das erste Kapitel statt des ganzen Bandes lesen - denn nur das war in der Gratis Comic Tag Edition vertreten.
Ich finde den Auftakt sympathisch mit Luft nach oben. Schwarz-weiß Zeichnung muss man mögen, aber hier gefallen sie mir. Die Story hat Pfiff und ein bissel gute Action gibt's auch. Ich würde gerne mehr lesen.
Ich finde den Auftakt sympathisch mit Luft nach oben. Schwarz-weiß Zeichnung muss man mögen, aber hier gefallen sie mir. Die Story hat Pfiff und ein bissel gute Action gibt's auch. Ich würde gerne mehr lesen.
January 19, 2016
This one was recommended to my by my friend Damont Jordan @ Drunken Pencil. He put it in my hands and said, “it’s good.” Now, my friend here, he is usually very right. (He did the same thing with Black Science and it’s one of my favorites). He wasn’t wrong on this one either. I was sceptical because it’s indie. This happens to me. I’m sorry. I’m getting over it.
Like I said, I’m glad I took his suggestion. I really liked it. The story is awesome. It digs into some of the Bram Stroker’s Dracula myths we all know and love but adds an old heist element to it as well that we don’t normally see in this age.
It’s interesting that it’s set in 1931. At times it doesn’t feel like it, like when you’re seeing super tough chick, Rosalynd Sledge. But then again, how the equipment works during the first heist, silver bars, and the language they occasionally throw in pulls in all back in.
I’m not complaining about Rosalynd, so please don’t interpret it that way. I like a good strong female character. If she’s surrounded by a bunch of dudes, especially old forgers and fences, I want her to be able to kick some ass. I like it when a male character will call a female character something like sweetheart or doll and the girl wipes back a “Say that again and I’ll kill you.” Because that’s how I feel every time some ass says that to me. I work in customer service so I can’t bust out death threats. But I live vicariously through people like Rosalynd. So yay.
The art is all really interesting. It’s all black, white, and grayscale. The only red is on the cover. With a comic, sometimes that works sometimes it doesn’t. Usually when it doesn’t it’s because it’s so dark that you can’t figure out what was going on. Not the case with Silver. I may have had to do a double take on some of the images but I could always figure out what was up.
The guys looked like actual guys instead of hulking figures of man muscle and Rosalynd was a cross between a normal woman and a slightly too sexy female character. I mention that because while I was reading, I wondered why she would have her cleavage out in the 1930s to kill vampires. It wasn’t over the top, but I’m a girl, I think about stuff like that. She even had a slight shot of side boob when we first see her.
I’d pick it up and give it a try if you get a chance. It’s got a really good story and I’d like to see where this goes. If I did half ratings, I’d give it a 4.5
Like I said, I’m glad I took his suggestion. I really liked it. The story is awesome. It digs into some of the Bram Stroker’s Dracula myths we all know and love but adds an old heist element to it as well that we don’t normally see in this age.
It’s interesting that it’s set in 1931. At times it doesn’t feel like it, like when you’re seeing super tough chick, Rosalynd Sledge. But then again, how the equipment works during the first heist, silver bars, and the language they occasionally throw in pulls in all back in.
I’m not complaining about Rosalynd, so please don’t interpret it that way. I like a good strong female character. If she’s surrounded by a bunch of dudes, especially old forgers and fences, I want her to be able to kick some ass. I like it when a male character will call a female character something like sweetheart or doll and the girl wipes back a “Say that again and I’ll kill you.” Because that’s how I feel every time some ass says that to me. I work in customer service so I can’t bust out death threats. But I live vicariously through people like Rosalynd. So yay.
The art is all really interesting. It’s all black, white, and grayscale. The only red is on the cover. With a comic, sometimes that works sometimes it doesn’t. Usually when it doesn’t it’s because it’s so dark that you can’t figure out what was going on. Not the case with Silver. I may have had to do a double take on some of the images but I could always figure out what was up.
The guys looked like actual guys instead of hulking figures of man muscle and Rosalynd was a cross between a normal woman and a slightly too sexy female character. I mention that because while I was reading, I wondered why she would have her cleavage out in the 1930s to kill vampires. It wasn’t over the top, but I’m a girl, I think about stuff like that. She even had a slight shot of side boob when we first see her.
I’d pick it up and give it a try if you get a chance. It’s got a really good story and I’d like to see where this goes. If I did half ratings, I’d give it a 4.5
March 28, 2016
For fans of Hellboy and supernatural stories, Stephan Franck's Silver Volume 1 delivers a wonderful adventure set in the time of Bram Stoker's classic Dracula. Though the backdrop is familiar, the story is an entirely new and thrilling tale with action and pacing of an Indiana Jones movie.
Franck was the supervising animator on Iron Giant, one of my all-time favorite animation movie. He uses those same skills to set the pace and scene in Silver, each panel adding to the overall mystery of the quest. If you want a thoroughly fun read that doesn't involve super-powered characters, I highly recommend this graphic novel!
One of the best parts of this collected trade is Franck's detailed explanation of changes he made from his pencil roughs to the finished inked page. It's a lesson that will be appreciated by aspiring artists, comic book creators, and anyone who enjoys the visual storytelling craft.
Franck was the supervising animator on Iron Giant, one of my all-time favorite animation movie. He uses those same skills to set the pace and scene in Silver, each panel adding to the overall mystery of the quest. If you want a thoroughly fun read that doesn't involve super-powered characters, I highly recommend this graphic novel!
One of the best parts of this collected trade is Franck's detailed explanation of changes he made from his pencil roughs to the finished inked page. It's a lesson that will be appreciated by aspiring artists, comic book creators, and anyone who enjoys the visual storytelling craft.
October 23, 2015
Whoa. I'm not usually a big comics fan, because I'm grossly picky and it's rare that both the art and the story grab me. This one did it. I want more.
June 22, 2018
Mélange entre Dracula, Arsène Lupin et Les Salauds Gentilshommes. J'aime beaucoup l'ambiance !
October 10, 2020
This is rather disappointing. I enjoy Dracula and Van Helsing re-tellings/re-imaginings, so I decided to check this out. However, what I do not enjoy is a single female character in a group of men who has no personality except 'grumpy loner' and who is a super beautiful superpowerful ninja walking around in a crop-top tank-top in winter in the 1930s, when all the male characters seem to have historically accurate clothing. Like, just dress her in the same clothes the men are wearing. It's that easy. The whole story might be all right, but I outgrew stuff like this and I'd rather spend my time on other comics. The art style is lovely though, very cinematic noir (hence the 2 star rating).
Oh and there's also the matter of the following bit: a guy sees a photo of woman, decides he can't live without said woman, locks her fiance in a castle and then goes to find said woman to marry her or whatever (but more likely turn her into a vampire) AND someone calls it romantic, with all indications that it's meant seriously.
Oh and there's also the matter of the following bit: a guy sees a photo of woman, decides he can't live without said woman, locks her fiance in a castle and then goes to find said woman to marry her or whatever (but more likely turn her into a vampire) AND someone calls it romantic, with all indications that it's meant seriously.
August 22, 2017
We met Stephan Franck at ECCC and fell in love with his work and charming personality. From the Iron Giant artwork direction to the way he developed Silver as a graphic novel, I realized he was a natural storyteller who was serious about making female characters central to the story. Even though Finn tells the story, Lillian and Sledge shine through as forces to be reckoned with. His explanation as to why he decided to be more inclusive of female leads had me wanting more material - little did I know he expanded Rosalynd's story in a stand alone book!
The combination of noir, adventure, pulp and the supernatural was on point, making the story fun, enjoyable and thrilling. I could not put it down. The level of gore and lore portrayed in the panels is perfect, and the art is really gorgeous. I am enjoying it so far; instant favorite.
The combination of noir, adventure, pulp and the supernatural was on point, making the story fun, enjoyable and thrilling. I could not put it down. The level of gore and lore portrayed in the panels is perfect, and the art is really gorgeous. I am enjoying it so far; instant favorite.
September 11, 2019
If you like the idea of a throwback heist story where the cat burglar in question collaborates with grease men that could be his grandfather to steal Dracula's silver treasure, then by all means check out this beautifully drawn and fun adventure courtesy of Stephan Franck. Known for his work as supervising animator for the Iron Giant, the artwork in this book is top notch. The story is fun and an oldschool throwback heist adventure that shows a lot of promise though can't say blew me away from volume 1 and I think the nature of the story is to be a slow burn, but will definitely pick up volume 2 to see what new trouble James Finnigan and crew gets in.
June 4, 2017
A very fun heist story that is tied to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Stephan did an amazing job of taking a tangential character and building a world sorta based on him, or at least characters playing in that world. The artwork is great black and white drawings that clearly show what is going on. Plus, it doesn't hurt that Stephan Franck worked on The Iron Giant and Despicable Me.
April 23, 2018
This is absolutely great stuff. I Love the artwork and the conman approach to the aftermath of the events in Bram Stokers 'Dracula'.
Such a success story too - kickstarter fan- funded series, and it richly deserves to be published, read and enjoyed.
Big up to author Stephan Frank for making it happen...
Such a success story too - kickstarter fan- funded series, and it richly deserves to be published, read and enjoyed.
Big up to author Stephan Frank for making it happen...
May 6, 2018
Picked up the first single issue for Free Comic Book Day, and the front cover was very misleading - it sounds like all the vampires and kickass women pop up later, but the first issue was 100% a con heist set in the 1930's. Still fun, but not what I was expecting.
This seems like a decent series though, so I might look to borrow the trade from the library.
This seems like a decent series though, so I might look to borrow the trade from the library.
May 28, 2018
Killer art plus riveting story = can't wait to dig into volume 2. I bought 1 and 2 at C2E2 2017, and volume 3 this year. No idea why it took me this long to crack 'em open, but wow! I am certainly glad I have more to read now.
May 30, 2017
I bought this on a whim at Phoenix Comic-Con and I actually REALLY enjoyed it. Good thing I got volume 2 as well!
July 13, 2018
The story was easy to follow and the illustrations were gorgeous. I would love to continue on with the series.
December 11, 2019
This felt a lot like the set up for the main story. I liked the set up, hopefully it sticks the landing.
February 21, 2024
Super fun and twisty heist!
August 30, 2015
So, one of the best parts about attending comic conventions is the opportunity to find Indie authors. I think it's really easy to loose sight of Indie comics when the whole comic world is filled with imprints like Image, DC, and First Second. Sad really, because there are a lot of great underground comics out there! SILVER absolutely falls into this category. I'm wholly impressed with Stephan Franck, and I want more!
Think Dracula mythos, with a side of 1930's heists and intrigue. We're given a slick con man, and his groupies, right after the job of the century goes wrong. They have to make that money up somehow, and let's just say that the way they choose to go about it is rather dangerous. I was honestly devastated when this first volume ended where it did. So far, there's no follow up. I'm so anxious to find out what happens next.
Let's talk illustrations. This volume is filled with nothing but black, white and grayscale, but that works for the story. The panels don't need color. They're crisp, and clean, making them easy to follow along with. I loved that the characters look like real people. Some tall and skinny, others short and round, even our female character isn't over the top sexy stylized. Oh sure, she's a bad-ass vampire hunter. She might even have a bit of cleavage. But she isn't half-naked, and that's a nice change.
Long story short. Read this. It's gritty, and fun. It's vampire related! If nothing else, read it to save me from being the only one who is pining away for more. It's lonely over here.
Think Dracula mythos, with a side of 1930's heists and intrigue. We're given a slick con man, and his groupies, right after the job of the century goes wrong. They have to make that money up somehow, and let's just say that the way they choose to go about it is rather dangerous. I was honestly devastated when this first volume ended where it did. So far, there's no follow up. I'm so anxious to find out what happens next.
Let's talk illustrations. This volume is filled with nothing but black, white and grayscale, but that works for the story. The panels don't need color. They're crisp, and clean, making them easy to follow along with. I loved that the characters look like real people. Some tall and skinny, others short and round, even our female character isn't over the top sexy stylized. Oh sure, she's a bad-ass vampire hunter. She might even have a bit of cleavage. But she isn't half-naked, and that's a nice change.
Long story short. Read this. It's gritty, and fun. It's vampire related! If nothing else, read it to save me from being the only one who is pining away for more. It's lonely over here.
May 17, 2016
I'm a meticulous reader. The first thing I noticed about this one: no page numbers. I specifically bring this up because I need to tell all of you out there that you are not going to need them. Stephan Franck has your full and undivided attention the moment you read that first page. Masterfully paced; you will easily find yourself, one-hundred and twelve pages later, trying to figure out where the rest is. You want more; right away. The black and white noir art is carefully executed to perfection allowing the reader to veer off into the world of heist men, police and vampires seamlessly. Franck is a storyteller who has clearly taken his time to hone his craft on multiple levels. The best part of it is that we, the consumptionists of his media, are given a great story told by a great storyteller. This is a prime example of everything you could ever want from a comic book and/or graphic novel; the full experience. You will not be disappointed. Pick your copy up here.
September 16, 2021
This was okay, but not everything I was hoping for. Very film noir with a setting in Bram Stoker's world, I absolutely wanted in! But I was left disappointed. I really wanted more character development for the female character but she's more of a plot device. As a serialized story, of course it's incomplete, but I was left seriously wanting in this case. I don't plan to continue reading.
April 14, 2016
first trade paperback collecting first 3 issues of a series, so peeps probably want to wait until the story is done before picking this up.
June 21, 2016
Next one please.
October 10, 2015
The first volume provides an engaging story with clean drawings and a concise plot. I look forward to getting my hands on the next set.
November 11, 2015
Takes the Dracula myth and puts a heist spin on it. Will have to check out book 2 to see if it can keep me interested.
October 7, 2016
I've met the author twice at NYCC, and this year I picked this up because the concept sounded cool. A fun read. Finished in less than an hour, regretting not picking up Vol. 2.
June 2, 2018
Man.....so good. I'll have my review on fangirl nation in a bit
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews