Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman, Vol. 1

Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman #1-4

by Tom Ward (Writer), Luke Parker (Artist), Nic J. Shaw (Letterer)

Joseph Merrick: The Elephant Man fucks up the occult, in a Victorian tale of gin joints, black magic and carnival freaks.

A gaslamp tale set in 1880’s London which steps between historical facts and figures and turn of the century folklore juxtaposed with the American superhero comic conventions of super powers, masks, secret identities and fantastic adventures.

The trade paper back contains issues #01-04 plus a covers gallery, pin-up gallery and other bonuses including an introduction from Joe Casey (Wildcats 3.0, Uncanny X-Men, The Intimates, Adventures of Superman).

Genres: Comics, Horror

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Reece · Rating 3 out of 5]

To first address the elephant(man) in the room; this is such a clear-cut love letter to the world of Mike Mignola, between the art style and the occult references, it's hard to deny such a fact.

But sadly, by paying such a hefty tribute to Hellboy, you draw comparisons, and this book is simply not as strong in terms of direction and style.

However, I have to remember this is an indie comic with so much love and affection in every panel and every page turn. Like me, the creators have a fascination with the life of Joseph Merrick, London's elephantman. His life was heartbreakingly tragic and was the victim of such ridicule from 19th-century society. But from that tragedy, this team has made Joseph into a hero, who longs to protect those as downtrodden as himself.

Even though we can never know Joseph Merrick personally, I choose to believe he would endorse the empowerment this book gives to the name elephantman.

[Colin Oaten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acclaimed comicbook series wonderfully written by Tom Ward with fantastic art by Luke Parker, evocative of the style of Hellboy artist Mike Mignola, which suits the Victorian period of the tale. Taking the story of the famous Victorian character, Joseph Merrick, the eponymous Elephantman, and positing him as a reluctant hero with strength beyond that of a normal man and blessed/cursed with an impervious hide.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome art by Luke Parker and an intriguing storyline from Tom Ward elevates Merrick above many other comics based on real-life characters and situations. Mystery, injustice and considered weirdness mix together within a perfect setting – 'The Sensational Elephantman' is a joy to view and read, full of thoughtful complexities, violence, action, and a real hero.

[PJ Ebbrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable romp mixing historical fact with fiction.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little uneasy when I started reading this, Merrick was a real man and a heavily exploited one, but the book treats him sympathically while also making him into a Hellboy-esque hero. That's quite a balance.

That Hellboy link is hard to get away from. There's a similar tone and the art feels undeniably Mignola. Despite this, the book feels like it's own thing and it's very well made - pushing Victoriana and the occult together with engaging characters and shadows upon shadows.

I'll be looking out for the next volume.