Van Helsing versus The Invisible Woman

Van Helsing versus The Invisible Woman

Zenescope Entertainment 2021

Written by Pat Shand

Illustrated by Rodrigo Xavier

Coloured by Cece De La Cruz

Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios

Months ago, our world opened up to gateways and passages from all types of alternate dimensions, but Liesel Van Helsing, along with her friends, closed those doors. They may have stopped the initial threat, but that doesn’t mean some beings from those worlds didn’t crossover into our universe. And, some of those who are now stuck here might not be the biggest fans of the famed vampire hunter.

I’ve been a huge fan of Liesel’s since she debuted and through it all this really gets better and better with each outing. Though let’s be honest she needs longer arcs because all these one-shots do is remind us how awesome she is and how she needs stories that last four to six issues. With the introduction of the Invisible Woman and the one who speaks with her there’s a lot going on in her life that would benefit from further exploration. That and well I love her and her attitude and how she goes about doing what she does makes her one of the most extraordinary characters in the Zenescope universe.

I love, love, love the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented impeccably. The character development that we see through the narration, the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how they act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter continues to flesh these characters out beautifully. Pat manages to really get the reader to understand, empathise and care about the characters here. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story we’re drawn in in such a way that leaves us wanting.

I greatly appreciate the way that this is being structured and how we see the layers emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen. The layers contain the characterisation and the plot twists and so much more. Whether or not they work with the main arc or simply swirl around it they add depth, dimension and complexity to the story in some beautiful ways, how we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is perfectly achieved.

The interiors here are bloody gorgeous. The linework is exquisite and how we see the varying weights being utilised to create the detail in the work is beautifully rendered. I would like to see backgrounds utilised more often as they enhance and expand the moments. Regardless, how the composition of the panels show depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story. The creativity and imagination that we see here is amazing to me and from the Alpha to how we see the Invisible Woman in and out of focus is so incredibly well rendered. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling. The colour work is brilliantly rendered. The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is done with aplomb.

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I love that we keep meeting new folks and that each oversized issue keeps adding layers to what is inevitable. I’m anxious and nervous for what’s to come but in all honesty I know it’s going to be mind blowing. Pat’s writing is impeccably rendered and how we see the characterisation is utterly delightful. Add these really strong and interesting interiors and you’ve a fabulous addition to Liesel’s story.