Review: Baltimore - Dr. Leskovar's Remedy #2

Issue One of this story arc had set the bar high with its gripping story and atmospheric art.

This issue continues both in story and quality.

Baltimore has gone off to confront Dr. Leskovar who has been conducting experiments on vampirism.  Most of those trials involve villagers from a small seaside town.  When Baltimore faces down the evil physician, he finds that the doctor included himself in those experiments.  Now Baltimore must fight an all- powerful vampiric Leskovar.

Two of the village children wander into the abandoned town hoping to see Baltimore busting fang.  Instead they become captives of a corrupted priest.  “You said that the church was a safe place,” young Cecilija says to her brother.  Drago replies, “It may be that there are no safe places left.”  That’s excellent dialogue, and that’s why this book is a must-read.

The twists in the conflict between Baltimore and Leskovar escalate.  During those battles we learn of the conflict of faith that the enigmatic hero endures.

Once again this comic book does everything right.  The story moves.  The characters are mysterious yet appealing.  Stenbeck’s artwork gives this book a great early 20^th century feel while also supplying frightening monsters like those seen in Eerie or Creepy.

As Dustin can attest, the Mignola properties are some of the most underrated comic books available.  If the comic writer/artist continues with such consistently great work, I will have to make those books my best of the month pick.  Over and over and over…

Score: 5/5

Writer: Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden

Art: Ben Stenbeck

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 7/18/12