MANDY'S REVIEW: MONSTRO MECHANICA'S DA VINCI IS A BRAZEN JERK

Monstro Mechanica #1
Writer: Paul Allor
Artist: Chris Evenhuis
Colorist: Sjan Weijers
Letterer: Paul Allor
Publisher: AfterShock Comics
Release Date: December 13, 2017

A giant autonomous wooden robot, what more do you need? Well, what if we also took the most loved and respected inventor, designer, and artist in modern history and made him inadvertently evil? Still not enough? Well, how about an unlikely heroine who is determined to save everyone, while remaining loyal to her misguided mentor? If all of this tickles your pickle, then Monstro Mechanica is definitely something to add to your pull list.

Set in Renaissance-era Italy, the story follows Signore Leonardo da Vinci an arrogant inventor, creating war machines for anyone that will pay.  His curiosity for anything and everything makes him impartial to the power struggle that surrounds him. He is not the timid artist but rather a capable knowledgeable fighter. He is very astute to the fact his inventions are desired by many. Da Vinci is impulsive and detached, as losses are to be expected.

In contrast, his apprentice Isabel is strong, feisty and equally intelligent to Da Vinci. There is a definite affection that Da Vinci has for her but continually attempts to suggest disinterest. Rather than act on impulse, Isabel is calculative and mindful of her actions. She is loyal and while she trusts da Vinci, she is aware his brilliance could be his greatest weakness. All the while, experimenting with an enormous mechanical wooden robot that was created to protect her and her master.

Chris Evenhuis’ art is skillful and compliments the era, genre and feel that Paul Allor’s writing conveys. The portrayal of da Vinci is historically accurate and his demeanor is every bit as callous as it needs to be. Isabel, unlike the women of the time,  is not a wilted flower,   she exudes a strong personality and a self-assured presence. Sjan Weijers colors are rich and vibrant, offering a regal and complimentary feeling. From the characters individual styling to the details behind the action, nothing was overlooked in creating the overall aesthetic.

Issue two hits shelves January 10th, and if you are not on this Aftershock train with the premise alone, then you are a sad duck. I definitely recommend this read and I am very much looking forward to how this story unfolds.

Mandy's Rating: 4/5