What do you think?
Rate this book
Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful, Vol. 1: The Awaking
Set six months after the shocking events of the Penny Dreadful season three TV finale.
Written by Penny Dreadful TV series Co-Executive Producer Chris King.
In the void left behind by Vanessa's death, Ethan and Sir Malcolm must search for a new meaning in life. But the demimonde isn't done with them yet, as decisions from the past come screaming back to haunt them...
Written by Penny Dreadful TV series Co-Executive Producer Chris King.
In the void left behind by Vanessa's death, Ethan and Sir Malcolm must search for a new meaning in life. But the demimonde isn't done with them yet, as decisions from the past come screaming back to haunt them...
112 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
20 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 5, 2018
There was a hell of a lot to like in this sequel to the sadly departed TV series. The artwork was spectacular and not only captured the likenesses of the actors from the series, there was also a sense of momentum throughout that really carried the story. The characters felt very true to what we saw on the screen.
My only caveat about the plot is that it felt far too much like the 1999 film The Mummy, which is hardly surprising given that the TV series was based around the old Hammer Horror films. This plot line was also set up in the final episodes of the series, so it was a natural place for the story to go to.
However, my biggest issue was that we have two forces of darkness competing with each other to end the world, and I had a hard time distinguishing which was which. Is Lucifer, Set and Amunet on the same side or opposite sides? Whichever it is, the news is not good for humanity.
I hope that this series continues because there are still so many stories to tell.
My only caveat about the plot is that it felt far too much like the 1999 film The Mummy, which is hardly surprising given that the TV series was based around the old Hammer Horror films. This plot line was also set up in the final episodes of the series, so it was a natural place for the story to go to.
However, my biggest issue was that we have two forces of darkness competing with each other to end the world, and I had a hard time distinguishing which was which. Is Lucifer, Set and Amunet on the same side or opposite sides? Whichever it is, the news is not good for humanity.
I hope that this series continues because there are still so many stories to tell.
September 17, 2018
Set six months after the shocking events of the Penny Dreadful season three TV finale. In the void left behind by Vanessa's death, Ethan and Sir Malcolm must search for a new meaning in life. But the demimonde isn't done with them yet, as decisions from the past come screaming back to haunt them... (Klappentext)
☠☠☠☠☠
"It means life, death and rebirth. We are entering the realm of the dead."
(S. 6)
Als eingefleischter Fan der TV-Serie "Penny Dreadful", war ich mehr als nur enttäuscht als Jon Logan bekannt gab, dass die 3. Staffel gleichzeitig auch die letzte Staffel dieser Serie war. In gewisser Weise war das natürlich die richtige Entscheidung, denn ohne Miss Vanessa Ives wäre die Serie sowieso nicht mehr das gewesen was sie war. Dadurch wäre die Gefahr groß gewesen, dass sich eine Fortsetzung als Flop erweisen würde.
Wer die Fernsehserie noch nicht, bzw. nicht bis zum Ende der 3. Staffel gesehen hat, sollte nun aufhören zu lesen. Es ist möglich das ich spoilern muss.
In dieser Graphic Novel trifft man auf alte Bekannte wie Sir Malcolm, Mr. Chandler, Lily und natürlich den unvergesslichen Ferdinand Lyle, der auch hier wieder mit seinem Sarkasmus und schrägen Humor für schmunzelnde Unterhaltung sorgt.
"It's just a flesh wound. Not the first time my neck has been nibbled on.
Just not by someone with his flesh falling off."
Miss Hartdegen, die junge und unkonventionelle Thanatologin, hat hier nun auch eine Hauptrolle und auch auf Dr. Seward treffen wir wieder, welche sich dem "Wolfsproblem" von Mr. Chandler annimmt. Wer sich nun wundert und eventuell auch enttäuscht ist, dass hier keine Rede von Miss Vanessa Ives ist, tja - sie ist tot oder nicht? Ich würde sagen, lasst Euch überraschen, denn sie hat sehr wohl noch einen Auftritt, wenn auch gänzlich anders als man vermuten mag.
Diese ungewöhnliche Gruppe kämpft auch hier wieder gegen die Mächte der Unterwelt, welche die Weltherrschaft an sich reißen und die Menschheit auslöschen möchten. Diesmal ist ihr Gegner niemand geringeres als Luzifer höchstpersönlich.
Chris King, der Co-Executive Producer der Serie, entschloß sich also auf eine ganz andere Art die Serie weiterzuführen und zwar mittels dieser Graphic-Novel-Serie. Während in den Serien bereits die typischen Themen der Gothic Novels wie Dracula, Hexen und Frankenstein behandelt wurden, handelt es sich hier um eine Art Adaption der Geschichte "Die Mumie". Chris King blieb also seiner Linie treu und holte sich dafür namhafte Illustratoren ins Boot, die da wären:
Jesús Hervás: ein spanischer Illustratior, bekannt für z.B. "Hellraiser" und "Sons of Anarchy".
Die Illustrationen werden der Serie gerecht, indem hier keine neuen "Gesichter" erschaffen werden, sondern Hervás sich an denen der Serie orientiert und das erstaunlich treffend.
Jason Wordie: ein kanadischer Comic-Künstler, der für die Farbgebung zuständig ist.
Dadurch erhält diese Graphic Novel den notwendigen und äußerst gelungenen atmosphärisch-düsteren Touch, der typisch für die Serie ist.
Rob Steen: dieser ist selbst für mich Comic-Neuling ein Begriff. Er ist ein Veteran unter den Illustratoren und bekannt für z.B. "Warhammer 40.000" und "Jimmy's Bastards".
Gemeinsam erschufen sie eine gelungene Fortsetzung der beliebten Serie - genauso spannend, genauso düster und genauso atmosphärisch.
Am Ende bekommt man noch einen Einblick in die Entstehung der Fernsehserie und den Cast.
"You might not believe this, but 'Penny Dreadful', the extremely dark and teffifying drama,
was born on a bright, sunny day in 'The Happiest Place on Earth'."
Auch eine kleine Covergalerie ist enthalten.
Fazit:
Für Fans von der TV-Serie "Penny Dreadful" ist diese Graphic Novel-Serie nahezu ein Must-Read. Ich bin begeistert von dieser Art von Fortsetzung, wobei ich es doch schade finde, dass die Fernsehserie nicht in diesem Sinne auch fortgeführt wird. An Ideen scheint es ja immerhin von Seiten Chris King nicht zu mangeln. Ich bleibe dieser Reihe auf jeden Fall treu und freue mich schon darauf den 2. Teil zu lesen.
© Pink Anemone
☠☠☠☠☠
"It means life, death and rebirth. We are entering the realm of the dead."
(S. 6)
Als eingefleischter Fan der TV-Serie "Penny Dreadful", war ich mehr als nur enttäuscht als Jon Logan bekannt gab, dass die 3. Staffel gleichzeitig auch die letzte Staffel dieser Serie war. In gewisser Weise war das natürlich die richtige Entscheidung, denn ohne Miss Vanessa Ives wäre die Serie sowieso nicht mehr das gewesen was sie war. Dadurch wäre die Gefahr groß gewesen, dass sich eine Fortsetzung als Flop erweisen würde.
Wer die Fernsehserie noch nicht, bzw. nicht bis zum Ende der 3. Staffel gesehen hat, sollte nun aufhören zu lesen. Es ist möglich das ich spoilern muss.
In dieser Graphic Novel trifft man auf alte Bekannte wie Sir Malcolm, Mr. Chandler, Lily und natürlich den unvergesslichen Ferdinand Lyle, der auch hier wieder mit seinem Sarkasmus und schrägen Humor für schmunzelnde Unterhaltung sorgt.
"It's just a flesh wound. Not the first time my neck has been nibbled on.
Just not by someone with his flesh falling off."
Miss Hartdegen, die junge und unkonventionelle Thanatologin, hat hier nun auch eine Hauptrolle und auch auf Dr. Seward treffen wir wieder, welche sich dem "Wolfsproblem" von Mr. Chandler annimmt. Wer sich nun wundert und eventuell auch enttäuscht ist, dass hier keine Rede von Miss Vanessa Ives ist, tja - sie ist tot oder nicht? Ich würde sagen, lasst Euch überraschen, denn sie hat sehr wohl noch einen Auftritt, wenn auch gänzlich anders als man vermuten mag.
Diese ungewöhnliche Gruppe kämpft auch hier wieder gegen die Mächte der Unterwelt, welche die Weltherrschaft an sich reißen und die Menschheit auslöschen möchten. Diesmal ist ihr Gegner niemand geringeres als Luzifer höchstpersönlich.
Chris King, der Co-Executive Producer der Serie, entschloß sich also auf eine ganz andere Art die Serie weiterzuführen und zwar mittels dieser Graphic-Novel-Serie. Während in den Serien bereits die typischen Themen der Gothic Novels wie Dracula, Hexen und Frankenstein behandelt wurden, handelt es sich hier um eine Art Adaption der Geschichte "Die Mumie". Chris King blieb also seiner Linie treu und holte sich dafür namhafte Illustratoren ins Boot, die da wären:
Jesús Hervás: ein spanischer Illustratior, bekannt für z.B. "Hellraiser" und "Sons of Anarchy".
Die Illustrationen werden der Serie gerecht, indem hier keine neuen "Gesichter" erschaffen werden, sondern Hervás sich an denen der Serie orientiert und das erstaunlich treffend.
Jason Wordie: ein kanadischer Comic-Künstler, der für die Farbgebung zuständig ist.
Dadurch erhält diese Graphic Novel den notwendigen und äußerst gelungenen atmosphärisch-düsteren Touch, der typisch für die Serie ist.
Rob Steen: dieser ist selbst für mich Comic-Neuling ein Begriff. Er ist ein Veteran unter den Illustratoren und bekannt für z.B. "Warhammer 40.000" und "Jimmy's Bastards".
Gemeinsam erschufen sie eine gelungene Fortsetzung der beliebten Serie - genauso spannend, genauso düster und genauso atmosphärisch.
Am Ende bekommt man noch einen Einblick in die Entstehung der Fernsehserie und den Cast.
"You might not believe this, but 'Penny Dreadful', the extremely dark and teffifying drama,
was born on a bright, sunny day in 'The Happiest Place on Earth'."
Auch eine kleine Covergalerie ist enthalten.
Fazit:
Für Fans von der TV-Serie "Penny Dreadful" ist diese Graphic Novel-Serie nahezu ein Must-Read. Ich bin begeistert von dieser Art von Fortsetzung, wobei ich es doch schade finde, dass die Fernsehserie nicht in diesem Sinne auch fortgeführt wird. An Ideen scheint es ja immerhin von Seiten Chris King nicht zu mangeln. Ich bleibe dieser Reihe auf jeden Fall treu und freue mich schon darauf den 2. Teil zu lesen.
© Pink Anemone
June 7, 2020
This started out a little rough but was really good by the end. This is basically season 4 of Penny Dreadful, and it looks like we get to see all of the characters return. (Frankenstein hasn't shown up yet but I'm only halfway through.) Dr. Jekyll (and Mr. Hyde) show up as well. The basic premise is Lucifer has returned in Vanessa's body and the world seems to be entering the end of days. The good guys have their work cut out for them, but thankfully Ethan can now control his werewolf form at least. Overall this would have made a great season 4, at least for the first half.
December 14, 2017
Reading this for this Holiday Adventureathon
Challenge: presents: read a book you received as a gift.
Love love loved this show when it was on. So sad when it ended. So you cannot imagine how happy I was when I saw one of the shows producers what going to continue the series via books. And a graphic novel so it’s like watching the show again! Can’t wait to see where this goes! It’s gonna be awesome!
Challenge: presents: read a book you received as a gift.
Love love loved this show when it was on. So sad when it ended. So you cannot imagine how happy I was when I saw one of the shows producers what going to continue the series via books. And a graphic novel so it’s like watching the show again! Can’t wait to see where this goes! It’s gonna be awesome!
July 25, 2021
This is a review for the entirety of the second Penny Dreadful series, since I read it all in quick succession, and it's all one continuous story anyway.
Picking up six months after the end of Season 3, these twelve issues sweep all of your favourite characters up into a world-ending apocalypse. It's fast paced, full of action, and yet builds on all of the mythology that the series painstakingly created around the characters in order to keep everything flowing. The battle between Lucifer and Dracula is still front and centre, as is our poor Vanessa Ives who can't seem to escape their clutches even in death.
I was impressed with quite how many characters were involved over these twelve issues. Of course, Ethan and Malcolm are still front and centre, but we also get some good showings from Lily and Victor Frankenstein, while Dorian Grey's story finally comes to a close. We also get to see Doctor Seward, Renfield, and Ferdinand Lyle again which I was very pleased about, and a last minute appearance by the Creature that I wasn't expecting either. Plus, it's a shame we didn't get to see Catriona Hartdegan in action much in the series, because she's a star player in this series and we deserve more of her, damn it. And we even manage to get a resolution to one of the dangling plot threads from the Penny Dreadful prequel mini-series when some of those characters reappear near the end too.
It all builds and builds to one final confrontation between the forces of evil and, well, eviller, with our favourites all stuck in the middle, and then there's a few little epilogues that show where they're off to next. I wouldn't say we get complete closure, since there are a few cliffhangers that aren't entirely resolved, but it's enough to close the book on this chapter of the show in a fairly satisfying way.
The art's probably the only real letdown, unfortunately. Jesus Hervas captures all of the characters very well in the up close shots, but unfortunately things get a little sketchier when the action zooms out. It's not to the point where you can't work out who's who and what's going on, but it's definitely lacking in detail. The colouring's sometimes a bit blocky as well, like the colourist decided that this panel is going to be orange and everything in it is going to like it. Again, not game breaking, but the story would definitely have been elevated by a bit more detail in certain places.
Fans of Penny Dreadful will definitely get their money's worth with this series. Although the art's not as great as it could have been, the story more than makes up for it, and it tells a yarn that I'd have loved to see play out on screen. Alas, this will have to do.
Picking up six months after the end of Season 3, these twelve issues sweep all of your favourite characters up into a world-ending apocalypse. It's fast paced, full of action, and yet builds on all of the mythology that the series painstakingly created around the characters in order to keep everything flowing. The battle between Lucifer and Dracula is still front and centre, as is our poor Vanessa Ives who can't seem to escape their clutches even in death.
I was impressed with quite how many characters were involved over these twelve issues. Of course, Ethan and Malcolm are still front and centre, but we also get some good showings from Lily and Victor Frankenstein, while Dorian Grey's story finally comes to a close. We also get to see Doctor Seward, Renfield, and Ferdinand Lyle again which I was very pleased about, and a last minute appearance by the Creature that I wasn't expecting either. Plus, it's a shame we didn't get to see Catriona Hartdegan in action much in the series, because she's a star player in this series and we deserve more of her, damn it. And we even manage to get a resolution to one of the dangling plot threads from the Penny Dreadful prequel mini-series when some of those characters reappear near the end too.
It all builds and builds to one final confrontation between the forces of evil and, well, eviller, with our favourites all stuck in the middle, and then there's a few little epilogues that show where they're off to next. I wouldn't say we get complete closure, since there are a few cliffhangers that aren't entirely resolved, but it's enough to close the book on this chapter of the show in a fairly satisfying way.
The art's probably the only real letdown, unfortunately. Jesus Hervas captures all of the characters very well in the up close shots, but unfortunately things get a little sketchier when the action zooms out. It's not to the point where you can't work out who's who and what's going on, but it's definitely lacking in detail. The colouring's sometimes a bit blocky as well, like the colourist decided that this panel is going to be orange and everything in it is going to like it. Again, not game breaking, but the story would definitely have been elevated by a bit more detail in certain places.
Fans of Penny Dreadful will definitely get their money's worth with this series. Although the art's not as great as it could have been, the story more than makes up for it, and it tells a yarn that I'd have loved to see play out on screen. Alas, this will have to do.
June 8, 2018
VOY A METER SPOILERS DE LA SERIE.
Como fan insatisfecha que soy de Penny Dreadful decidí que tenía que leer este cómic en cuanto me enteré de que existía.
Después del despropósito que fue el final de la serie tenía curiosidad por ver cómo iban a continuar la historia tras la muerte de Vanessa. Lo que ha aparecido en este libro es una versión light y poco original (parece un remake de La Momia) de Penny Dreadful. Hay cosas que me han gustado porque las eché de menos en la tercera temporada, como al señor Lyle, a la señorita Hartdegen, que Ethan descubriera de una vez que Brona/Lily estaba viva, etc. Volver a ver a los personajes siempre es agradable y además el dibujo me parece acertado.
Pero la trama me ha parecido simplona y el final de este tomo no termina de convencerme. Es cierto que para continuar necesitan resucitar a Vanessa Ives, y es lo único para lo que sirve este número. De todas formas, arreglar el desastre de la S3 es una tarea muy complicada, ni siquiera tengo claro que lo vayan a lograr sin cargarse la coherencia interna de la historia (que ya sólo con traer a Vanessa de vuelta se la cargan, pero 🤷♀️). Lo único que espero es que les quede una historia digna y se parezca un poquito a la serie de la que viene. Precisamente porque intuía que este tomo iba a ser un puente un poco cutrecillo para unir la serie con el cómic, echaré un ojo a los números que vienen y rezaré por que los astros se alineen y el cómic merezca la pena. Seguiremos informando.
PD: Con el cariño que le tenía a sir Malcolm y que le hagan eso. Mal empezamos.
Como fan insatisfecha que soy de Penny Dreadful decidí que tenía que leer este cómic en cuanto me enteré de que existía.
Después del despropósito que fue el final de la serie tenía curiosidad por ver cómo iban a continuar la historia tras la muerte de Vanessa. Lo que ha aparecido en este libro es una versión light y poco original (parece un remake de La Momia) de Penny Dreadful. Hay cosas que me han gustado porque las eché de menos en la tercera temporada, como al señor Lyle, a la señorita Hartdegen, que Ethan descubriera de una vez que Brona/Lily estaba viva, etc. Volver a ver a los personajes siempre es agradable y además el dibujo me parece acertado.
Pero la trama me ha parecido simplona y el final de este tomo no termina de convencerme. Es cierto que para continuar necesitan resucitar a Vanessa Ives, y es lo único para lo que sirve este número. De todas formas, arreglar el desastre de la S3 es una tarea muy complicada, ni siquiera tengo claro que lo vayan a lograr sin cargarse la coherencia interna de la historia (que ya sólo con traer a Vanessa de vuelta se la cargan, pero 🤷♀️). Lo único que espero es que les quede una historia digna y se parezca un poquito a la serie de la que viene. Precisamente porque intuía que este tomo iba a ser un puente un poco cutrecillo para unir la serie con el cómic, echaré un ojo a los números que vienen y rezaré por que los astros se alineen y el cómic merezca la pena. Seguiremos informando.
PD: Con el cariño que le tenía a sir Malcolm y que le hagan eso. Mal empezamos.
December 3, 2017
As a massive fan of this tv show, this ongoing series was a welcome addition to the very frustrating ending of the series. It was a shame that it ended, it clearly had more legs and potential but the network pulled it and that's a shame. Fortunately, the continuation and (pre-story also) are now continued in graphic novel form. Hope this continues.
June 13, 2018
Yay. S4 of Penny Dreadful... or what it sorta could have been.
I love this show and I am thrilled to see this continuing on. I KNEW the Egyptian storyline had to do with Vanessa and it would segway into The Mummy character.
I love how this show handles all the horror characters and this comic is so far slaying in that aspect.
I want to destroy Dracula.
I love this show and I am thrilled to see this continuing on. I KNEW the Egyptian storyline had to do with Vanessa and it would segway into The Mummy character.
I love how this show handles all the horror characters and this comic is so far slaying in that aspect.
I want to destroy Dracula.
January 7, 2018
This was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the prequel graphic novel. It actually invoked some of the feelings that the TV series gave me and was deliciously dark and gruesome. It has restored my faith in the continuation of the story through graphic novels!
October 28, 2017
I loved this show. I love this series.
November 26, 2017
Volume 2 picks up where the series ended. If you loved the Showtime series, then the graphic novels will surely fill that longing for more Dreadfuls.
November 30, 2017
Really good!
January 17, 2019
Caught in the middle of great war between the forces of darkness our heroes only try to survive as long as they can. Lots of loose ends tied up and logical progressions for many other characters.
August 18, 2021
The biggest mistake I made was reading this without watching the show. I thought it would stand alone. Although I thought the artwork was pretty good and the story was decent, there was nothing really pulling me into the story. I also found some things confusing. It made for a really long read. One I wanted to finish but also didn't care to read but a couple pages a day. It did, however, make me want to go and watch the show.
January 18, 2018
Ok folks! This is the Season 4 us diehard fans never got but desperately wanted! Season 3 ended tragically with the death of Vanessa Ives at Ethan Chandler’s regretful hands. It was too sudden, too abrupt, with so much set up for the next season already.
Fortunately producer/writer Chris King has come to the rescue! Apparently he loves the show as much as we do, and The Awaking picks up six months after we left our band of distraught heroes.
Mr. Lyle is in Egypt and of course he finds a mummy in a sarcophagus. Like we knew he would! It’s also a cursed and evil sarcophagus- we expected that too!! Mr. Lyle orders the men to leave it behind but his patron, the Duke, brings it along anyway... and on the eve of the museum gala back at the museum, the evil duke raises the mummy. Turns out our duke serves Lucifer and wants the mummy to raise an army of the dead. He plans to resurrect our Vanessa as a vessel for Lucifer (so I guess for this plot to work, she really did have to die at the end of season 3. If that is a spoiler... I’m like if you are reading a review of the comic I feel it’s safe to assume you saw the show).
Ethan meanwhile goes to Dr. Joan Seward for Help in controlling his beast self. Catriona is assisting Mr. Lyle with all things mummy. Lily/Brona has rediscovered God and is working for a Mother Superior who fights evil. Dr. Frankenstein has opened a regular practice and is still with Dr. Jekyll. Kaetenay is looking for other werewolves to fight the coming evil.
We don’t get to see the Creature or Dorian Gray yet, but I’m sure their return will be just as epic as the others’!
Fortunately producer/writer Chris King has come to the rescue! Apparently he loves the show as much as we do, and The Awaking picks up six months after we left our band of distraught heroes.
Mr. Lyle is in Egypt and of course he finds a mummy in a sarcophagus. Like we knew he would! It’s also a cursed and evil sarcophagus- we expected that too!! Mr. Lyle orders the men to leave it behind but his patron, the Duke, brings it along anyway... and on the eve of the museum gala back at the museum, the evil duke raises the mummy. Turns out our duke serves Lucifer and wants the mummy to raise an army of the dead. He plans to resurrect our Vanessa as a vessel for Lucifer (so I guess for this plot to work, she really did have to die at the end of season 3. If that is a spoiler... I’m like if you are reading a review of the comic I feel it’s safe to assume you saw the show).
Ethan meanwhile goes to Dr. Joan Seward for Help in controlling his beast self. Catriona is assisting Mr. Lyle with all things mummy. Lily/Brona has rediscovered God and is working for a Mother Superior who fights evil. Dr. Frankenstein has opened a regular practice and is still with Dr. Jekyll. Kaetenay is looking for other werewolves to fight the coming evil.
We don’t get to see the Creature or Dorian Gray yet, but I’m sure their return will be just as epic as the others’!
February 24, 2018
This is a continuation of after the show ended so it was nice for someone in writing/publishing to say "Hey I'll bet those fans of the show would totally LOVE to know what happened after the show ended". Well by golly you are right. I was BEYOND heartbroken when this series ended, mostly because I thought their were so many more stories to be told, Lyle was in Egypt and you knew he was bringing home a mummy (which he does), Ethan had to learn how to gain control, I needed to know what happened to everyone after Vanessa dies (and if that was completely permanent). I know that the creator of the show said that the ending that happened was always going to be how they ended the show, but I think they were kind of pushed to make it sooner rather than later, so having anything that keeps this show going will get a great rating in my mind.
To the comic itself: I loved it. I loved the artwork, the plot was spot on, and everyone's characters were so in tuned you knew whoever did this was at least a fan/ involved. I kind of already went into spoilers about what happens, but I can guarantee this will answer some of the questions everyone had after the show ended. I highly recommend these comics if you liked the show.
To the comic itself: I loved it. I loved the artwork, the plot was spot on, and everyone's characters were so in tuned you knew whoever did this was at least a fan/ involved. I kind of already went into spoilers about what happens, but I can guarantee this will answer some of the questions everyone had after the show ended. I highly recommend these comics if you liked the show.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2018
I really loved this continuation of Penny Dreadful. No matter what is said in the interviews, there were more stories to be told nd the comics flesh out what could have been.
After Vanessa's death, Ethan is haunted by her spirit as well as coping with the monster he has literally become. While he is seeking help controlling the beast, Malcolm and Lyle must content with a new villain that is unleased from an Egyptian dig.
The lines and coloring are beautiful and fit well with the penny dreadful look that makes the story so creepy. The characters look like their television counterparts, so there is very little confusion in matching the new faces to the ones you know.
The Awakening is a great start to the world of Penny Dreadful comics and I can't wait to see what happens next!
After Vanessa's death, Ethan is haunted by her spirit as well as coping with the monster he has literally become. While he is seeking help controlling the beast, Malcolm and Lyle must content with a new villain that is unleased from an Egyptian dig.
The lines and coloring are beautiful and fit well with the penny dreadful look that makes the story so creepy. The characters look like their television counterparts, so there is very little confusion in matching the new faces to the ones you know.
The Awakening is a great start to the world of Penny Dreadful comics and I can't wait to see what happens next!
October 31, 2017
Six months after the conclusion of the tv show, evil still won't leave our heroes alone. Older, wiser, but more wearied, they must reassemble yet again to face the twin evils of the Dragon and the Devil.
It's not bad. It's not as lush as the show at its hallucinogenic best, but for what can be done with ink on a page (as opposed to moving images and soundscapes), it captures the feel pretty well. The pace drags a little in the flashbacks (which could easily have several pages shorter, since it's painfully obvious how they will turn out and their function is almost purely expository), but all in all, this is a great new beginning.
It's not bad. It's not as lush as the show at its hallucinogenic best, but for what can be done with ink on a page (as opposed to moving images and soundscapes), it captures the feel pretty well. The pace drags a little in the flashbacks (which could easily have several pages shorter, since it's painfully obvious how they will turn out and their function is almost purely expository), but all in all, this is a great new beginning.
March 17, 2020
Review for all three volumes of the series.
Creepy and horrific, just like the series! Now I’d like to rewatch it, as these comics made me miss Eva Green and she doesn’t even have a chance to shine here! The action isn’t the best, but the characters are there and you do worry for their survival. My main gripe is that it felt too rushed at the end, as if the writers wanted to reenact season three, where the cast all runs off to the ends of the earth and have to somehow reunite before a rushed worlds’ end.
Sort of a cliffhanger ending, which was rather eye-rolling. Good Omens, anyone?
Creepy and horrific, just like the series! Now I’d like to rewatch it, as these comics made me miss Eva Green and she doesn’t even have a chance to shine here! The action isn’t the best, but the characters are there and you do worry for their survival. My main gripe is that it felt too rushed at the end, as if the writers wanted to reenact season three, where the cast all runs off to the ends of the earth and have to somehow reunite before a rushed worlds’ end.
Sort of a cliffhanger ending, which was rather eye-rolling. Good Omens, anyone?
December 1, 2018
This was very good, but there was a lot of exposition and one flashback that ironically lasted way too long! Reading this makes me firmly believe there’s no way a season 4 wasn’t a possibility! There was just too much story left to tell! A Brona/Ethan reunion was somehow such a missed opportunity on the show, and all the new characters in season 3 had so much potential! This volume felt like “act 1”, so I’m very excited to get into the meat of this story! 4/5 Stars.
October 31, 2020
Ja, doch. Fängt für gut die Vibes von Penny Dreadful ein, auch wenn es nicht hundertprozentig passt. Es ist ein wenig unbalanced im Pacing, das hat die Serie meiner Meinung nach besser geschafft. Weiterlesen werde ich auf jeden Fall!
October 22, 2022
A nice continuation of the TV show. The characters ring true and it’s a good horror read.
May 5, 2018
I wasn't very impressed with the writing on this one. Very choppy, and one panel with a typo, which I thought was sloppy. I'm really excited to see where the story goes, but this execution was not what I was expecting.
January 4, 2022
Overview:
This volume picks up six months after the shocking conclusion of Penny Dreadful's third season. The co-executive producer of Penny Dreadful, Chris King, authored the screenplay and ultimately revealed the series' conclusion to fans.
In the afterlife of Vanessa and other essential characters, Ethan and Sir Malcolm must discover a new purpose. However, the demimonde isn't done with them yet, as their past actions come back to haunt them in the most horrifying ways.
As the book opens in Old Egypt, we hear of a very ancient conflict between Dracula and Lucifer, whose names were different. In due course, the author fills in the blanks left by the TV series' unexpected cancellation, such as the origin of Ethan's lycanthropy and his duty as Vanessa's guardian.
With its dizzying images, this book impressed me more than the previous one, which described early scenes from the television production. Readers realize that humans are at a disadvantage in the struggle against ancient demons that want to destroy humankind. Parallel to the main battle, other forces attempt to interfere with evil's devious intentions, changing the predicted result. To my sadness, Belial brutally killed off a powerful character in this book in order to bring Lucifer to the living world, using our beloved and dark Vanessa as a receptacle.
Pros: The book has excellent fight sequences and flawless artwork, covering holes in the TV series that were left when HBO canceled production.
Cons: The untimely death of a key character may have been avoided, despite the fact that it was required to release Lucifer on Earth.
In the afterlife of Vanessa and other essential characters, Ethan and Sir Malcolm must discover a new purpose. However, the demimonde isn't done with them yet, as their past actions come back to haunt them in the most horrifying ways.
As the book opens in Old Egypt, we hear of a very ancient conflict between Dracula and Lucifer, whose names were different. In due course, the author fills in the blanks left by the TV series' unexpected cancellation, such as the origin of Ethan's lycanthropy and his duty as Vanessa's guardian.
With its dizzying images, this book impressed me more than the previous one, which described early scenes from the television production. Readers realize that humans are at a disadvantage in the struggle against ancient demons that want to destroy humankind. Parallel to the main battle, other forces attempt to interfere with evil's devious intentions, changing the predicted result. To my sadness, Belial brutally killed off a powerful character in this book in order to bring Lucifer to the living world, using our beloved and dark Vanessa as a receptacle.
Pros: The book has excellent fight sequences and flawless artwork, covering holes in the TV series that were left when HBO canceled production.
Cons: The untimely death of a key character may have been avoided, despite the fact that it was required to release Lucifer on Earth.
May 2, 2022
I would have rather seen a fourth season hit the small screen but since that can't happen this collection of graphic novels is the next best thing.
Co-producer Chris King writes this fourth season adaption and it's the biggest in terms of plot. Lucifer has risen and has taken over the body of Vanessa Ives. Now he's determined to bring about Hell on Earth and his plans start in London. The only thing standing between him and world domination are Ethan, Sir Malcom, Lily, Victor Frankenstein, and a few others.
This takes place six months after the series finale and it does a nice job of picking up the threads. The writing is decent and the artwork fits the mood. It's much bigger in scope in terms of monster action but you do lose a bit of character development. Still, it's highly entertaining and makes up a bit for the series cancellation. Certainly much better than the garbage City of Angels spin-off.
Co-producer Chris King writes this fourth season adaption and it's the biggest in terms of plot. Lucifer has risen and has taken over the body of Vanessa Ives. Now he's determined to bring about Hell on Earth and his plans start in London. The only thing standing between him and world domination are Ethan, Sir Malcom, Lily, Victor Frankenstein, and a few others.
This takes place six months after the series finale and it does a nice job of picking up the threads. The writing is decent and the artwork fits the mood. It's much bigger in scope in terms of monster action but you do lose a bit of character development. Still, it's highly entertaining and makes up a bit for the series cancellation. Certainly much better than the garbage City of Angels spin-off.
January 5, 2018
I binge watched all of Penny Dreadful when I was sick with a feverish cold one week, so I have some very vivid memories of this show. I was insanely disappointed in how it ended, especially seeing the character of Vanessa Ives gutted to fit the gothic ending the creators wanted. This graphic novel picks up where the series left off, and stays mostly true to the personalities created in the show. They know everyone is really reading to see Vanessa alive again, so they make us wait until the end to see her rise from the dead, her body now a container for Lucifer. The flashbacks to ancient Egypt were not integrated well and slowed down the pace of the story. I hope the series continues, looking forward to further adventures in the Penny Dreadful universe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
I don't normally read comic books and I am very picky when it comes to art styles.
But I simply had to go through these sequel comics after the show ended cause I was craving more.
Going into this I was sceptical and thought this would be some low effort cash grab, and I am happy to say that I was mostly proven wrong.
Don't misunderstand, I would rather have the contents of this comic adapter into season 4, but it's better than nothing.
I enjoyed the visuals here a lot and the pacing of the story was great. A bit slow at the beginning but it quickly picks up the pace and doesn't let you go until the end.
Will definitely continue with The Beauteous Evil and see where it goes. So glad to be back in this universe.
But I simply had to go through these sequel comics after the show ended cause I was craving more.
Going into this I was sceptical and thought this would be some low effort cash grab, and I am happy to say that I was mostly proven wrong.
Don't misunderstand, I would rather have the contents of this comic adapter into season 4, but it's better than nothing.
I enjoyed the visuals here a lot and the pacing of the story was great. A bit slow at the beginning but it quickly picks up the pace and doesn't let you go until the end.
Will definitely continue with The Beauteous Evil and see where it goes. So glad to be back in this universe.
December 20, 2018
I didn't know when I picked this up that it was a sequel to the show. I thought it would be a one off or a retelling or something. But I was pleasantly surprised with this. It definitely held the feel of the show. I think a few plot points went a little fast () but I'd still be happy to continue the series.
April 15, 2023
I will be eternally sad we never got a S4, but atleast we have this! This was pretty great; there is nice artwork and an engaging storyline. All the remaining characters (if I’m remembering correctly) make an appearance, how fun is that! So glad we get to see more of Ethan and how he’s dealing with life now. The ending though…
I haven’t watched the show in a while but there was nothing that made the story hard to follow. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I haven’t watched the show in a while but there was nothing that made the story hard to follow. Can’t wait to read the next one!
October 21, 2017
Well, this is a continuation of the television series Penny Dreadful, which was glorious so of course I'm going to read this. And there was some solid stuff. I waited seasons for Ethan to realize Brona was alive (sort of? again?) so that was satisfying. I'm interested to see where it goes from here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews