A Review: MERRICK: THE SENSATIONAL ELEPHANT MAN #1

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of MERRICK: THE SENSATIONAL ELEPHANT MAN #1. The story is by Tom Ward, with art by Luke Parker, and lettering by Nic J. Shaw.

Joseph Merrick was considered a freak and treated like one throughout his life. That is until the day that Doctor Treves of the London Hospital entered his life. Treves wanted to examine him and display him to the medical community, much to Merrick's displeasure. He escapes and (with his fellow carnival freaks) is forced to go to Europe. The group eventually make it back to England WITHOUT Merrick. He finds his way back to England, where he aims to get revenge on those who wronged him. Merrick doesn’t know it, but someone out there has plans for him.

Tom Ward seems to stay faithful to the story of Joseph Merrick, you see glimpses of where he is taking him in future issues. Merrick has abilities that even he doesn't know he has. There’s a Mike Mignola influence to Luke Parker’s art and he sets a beautiful, yet dark mood for the tale. I’m impressed with what I read here and eager to see what’s next.

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