In Review- The Dept of Monsterology!

With issue one of this new comic just hitting the shelves we thought it only fair to let you know what we think of it here at FQ.

As I’m sure all of you know, the comic is written by 2000 AD writer Gordon Rennie, with art by PJ Holden, colours by Steven Denton and lettering by Jim ‘eff you’ Campbell… quite a line up, but is it as good as the credits suggest it should be..?

Well, the short answer to this is yes. Yes it is.

Briefly then: the Department of Monsterology is divided into different sections who deal with different types of supernatural events. This issue opens at the bottom of the sea, with the members of Team Challenger investigating the ruins of a submerged city and in the process getting into a scrape with some distinctly Lovecraftian beasties. Holden and Denton really get to go to town on the art here, which is detailed in the inking and atmospheric in the colouring. And of course, Campbell’s lettering is never anything less than perfect.

This first half of the book is textbook first issue writing. Rennie effortlessly introduces us to the team and explains their function within it without it ever sounding like clumsy, plodding exposition.

I was just settling down to enjoying the company of this team when halfway through, we have an abrupt scene change and are dropped in with another group. This time we’re in Budapest with Team Carnacki. I was initially a bit put out – I was enjoying the company of Team Challenger, but soon forgot all about them as this half of the tale quickly gripped.

Will I be coming back for more? Absolutely I will. This was a brilliant first episode. I am curious at the odd choice of splitting the first episode into two, but am curious to see how, if at all, the separate storylines intertwine as the issues go on.

Images and links from the Renegade Arts Website- Many thanks.

Department of Monsterology is available now from Renegade Arts Entertainment. 

Print Edition

Digital Dowload