Minky Woodcock: The Girl Who Electrified Tesla #1

Minky Woodcock: The Girl Who Electrified Tesla #1

Titan Comics 2021

By Cynthia Von Buhler

Lettered by Jim Campbell

This series is rated Adults Only

DISCLAIMER: graphic sexuality

Private investigator Minky Woodcock becomes involved in the affairs of a maverick genius and reclusive pigeon-fancier, Nikola Tesla, only to discover a horrifying conspiracy involving corrupt politicians and Nazis.

​

I love Minky there is just something about her and the idea of her that is exciting considering the era she’s in. Also I love Tesla and I think his genius was unparalleled and folks did everything in their power to drive him to ruin while stealing his ideas and inventions so that they wouldn’t see the light of day. Free electricity doesn’t sit well with corporate American after all and Germany wanted to weaponise his ideas for the upcoming second world war. So there are a lot of factors that are in play here already and the way that Cynthia is handling this is utterly phenomenal.

There is some great history being retold here too and its done in a very respectful manner that is also as close to the truth that one can get considering that Tesla was a recluse at this stage of his life.

I am loving the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold are exquisitely laid down for us. From coercing JP Morgan Jr. into hiring her and she using her wiles to get her father to accept his treatment, from one Dr. Trump, to how she inserts herself into Tesla’s life it all feels so very natural and deceptive at the same time. The character development here is phenomenal and I honestly love how smart, sassy and how full of chutzpah Minky is. The pacing is sensational and as it takes us through the page revealing the story, the characters and the world they live in it’s so easy to find yourself wishing to be there as one her friends or confidants.

How we see this structured and how the layers within the story weave around and tie into one another is done with such apparent ease it’s admirable. With how we see the way everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is expertly done.

I am in love with the interiors here as well. The linework is exquisite and the likeness to the real life counterparts is stupendous! How we see the varying weights and techniques being utilised to create the detail work that we see raises the level and quality of the story exponentially. How backgrounds are utilised and how they work within the composition of the panels not only enhance the atmosphere they bring us depth perception, a sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story. The colour work is divine! How we see the hues and tones within the colours utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is so beautifully rendered. There is so much talent and skill on display here and it is captivating and charming and sensual so that you don’t want to look away.

​

Minky Woodcock is the best series that has come out of the Hard Case Crime imprint from Titan Comics. It mixes real honest detective work, utilising the charm and willies of a beautiful woman who isn’t afraid to use her sexuality to her advantage. I have to say that this is so entertaining, engaging and just enthusiastically unashamed in any way shape or form. You will not find a book that is as charming as this one is. It is so well written and beautifully illustrated that you want to be a part of Minky’s world, and it’s all Cynthia’s doing so bravissimo!