The final issue of Broken Moon, the dark, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, monster vs. monster comic series by writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre) and artist Nat Jones (28 Days Later: The Aftermath, Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer) dropped last week with a bang. While Niles and Jones don’t leave the battlefield so devastated that there couldn’t be more stories in this universe down the road, they certainly don’t hold back in their final issue. Readers who’ve been following the series, published by American Gothic Press and Famous Monsters of Filmland, won’t be disappointed in the ultimate showdown that’s been building between the armies of the vampire nation, the tribal werewolves, and the reanimated ranks of Frankenstein’s monsters.
MINOR SPOILERS BELOW
The fourth issue of Broken Moon opens with the werewolf leader understandably upset that the demented Doctor Frankenstein has dissected and reanimated one of his furry friends. (Does this count as a Wolfenstein?) Frankenstein’s original creation attempts to explain that his master is “misguided” and means “no harm,” but the damage is done and the werewolves abandon the humans and Frankenstein’s army, forcing them to face the upcoming battle with the vampire forces alone. While our plucky band of heroes (and monsters) manage to get the jump on the vampires, they are quickly outnumbered. Fortunately, the werewolves arrive unexpectedly to help turn the tides and, even more shockingly, they are not the only mysterious allies that decide to throw in against the blood suckers!
Niles finishes out this gritty and gory series with the same boldness that he’s brought to Broken Moon since Issue #1. While, given the battle-filled climax, the final issue is a little more action focused than the rest in the series, Niles still manages to add a number of twists and character moments to satisfy readers while still keeping them on their toes to the final page.
While Niles’ script is no less than stellar, Broken Moon #4 is clearly Jones’ moment to shine, giving the masterful artist some of his best opportunities to stun and show off for readers. From his creepy and amazing cover image, to his gruesome depiction of a Franken-werewolf, to his beautiful, bloody, and ultra-violent double-page spread monster battle scenes, Jones nails every bit of this issue. Take a look, boys and girls, because THIS is how you end a monster-filled mini-series!
FINAL VERDICT: Broken Moon is easily my personal favorite of the horror comics released from American Gothic Press and Famous Monsters of Filmland so far, and it’s a definite that anyone following the series won’t forgive themselves if they miss this fantastic final issue.
Also, it may be my third or fourth time stating this, but if you’re a horror or sci-fi fan or dig the werewolf or vampire genres, I will give you a final plea to stop hating on yourself and give Broken Moon a read. You’ll eat it up and ask for more. I promise.
Be sure and check out my review of the previous Broken Moon issues:
‘Broken Moon #1:’ Advance Comic Book Review (This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things)
‘Broken Moon #2-3:’ Comic Book Review (Come with Me If You Want to Live… Er… or Die Less Horribly)
You can find out more about Broken Moon by visiting the official American Gothic Press website.
That’s all for now, comic book sniffers!
‘Till the end of the world,
-Bryant the Comic Book Slayer
@ComicBookSlayer
