Monster & Madman #2
Written by Steve Niles
Illustrated by Damien Worm
Covers by Damien Worm
IDW Publishing
Release Date: April 2, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

Monster & Madman #2 is the latest installment of the three-issue mini-series by writer Steve Niles and illustrator Damien Worm. When a monster and a madman cross paths, will anyone truly be safe?

As the Monster finds himself in a city filled with people – and unsure of how he got there – he is faced with the fact that no matter how many living souls may be nearby, he’ll always be alone. When a doctor who goes by the name of John Moore finds him wandering about, he takes the Monster in, revealing that it was he who found him washed ashore. As the doctor’s curiosity regarding his guest’s physical state grows and unable to shake his own wariness about the doctor’s demeanor, the Monster becomes doubtful as to whether or not he should remain in the man’s care; however, when Doctor Moore offers the Monster a deal, his advances become a little difficult to refuse.

Monster & Madman is turning out to be a really great series. With two issues thus far and only one to go, Niles has turned out yet another solid writing performance. The emotion that the Monster feels and reveals through his thoughts is heartfelt and saddening. Niles ensures that his readers care for the character that others hate while enabling us to live vicariously through him; feeling his pain, anger, and uneasiness over John Moore.

Worm continues to excel in this issue with his dark, eerie character depictions. His drawings of the Monster are frightening, but we know the protagonist’s heart; his illustrations of John Moore are subtly creepy, and we know it’s for good reason.

I can’t wait to read the conclusion of Monster & Madman. The insanity of the character combination mixed with smart storytelling and horrific art is what drives the series. If you haven’t checked it out yet, don’t wait any longer, it is well worth the investment.