Review — Martin Simmonds’ Art Brings ‘Universal Monsters: Phantom Of The Opera’ #1 To Life

Forget the theater; Phantom of the Opera belongs in the pages of comic books.

Sure, many of us have seen the story of the Parisian opera ghost singing his way into our hearts while causing the massive chandelier to come crashing down to the stage. But in the hands of writer Tyler Boss and artist Martin Simmonds, this Phantom has been reborn in our imaginations. In fact, this first issue threatens to make you forget that the musical (and the many film adaptations) ever existed.

Yes, Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera is that good.

It starts with Simmonds masterful paintings. Almost immediately, we catch a fleeting glance of the masked phantom and the prima donna he is terrorizing. He makes short work of her, stringing her up on stage like a rag doll as the curtain rises. At that point, Simmonds has masterfully grabbed our attention and refuses to let it go for the rest of the issue.

Later in the book, we see the phantom begin his tutelage — and seduction — of promising newcomer Christine Daae. Christine is not a confident singer, but the opera ghost coaches her — appearing through a mirror. Instead of embracing her, Simmonds chooses to paint tentacles that wrap around her. It’s a magnificently frightening choice that demonstrates the villains’ obsession.

Boss’ script is equally clever. With Simmonds’ stunning artwork, it’s easy to lose focus on the Boss’ story. That would be a tragedy, because Boss has much to say here. It’s part detective tale, as Inspector Raoul Dubert tries to track down who killed the leading lady and why.

But where Boss’ writing shines is his understanding of the fleeting nature of performance art. In a confrontation between the green Christine and the opera’s conductor, the maestro challenges the young singer to go beyond the normal and to seize her moment. “You have a choice. To live a normal life, or to be something more. You cannot do justice to both.” It could be something out of a superhero comic, not a century-old horror story.

Image Comics has struck gold with its Universal Monsters series. (Simmonds shone previously in his Dracula run.) Phantom is no exception. In fact, if it continues at this pace and quality, it could be the best of a fantastic lot.

Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 is available in comic book stores and on digital platforms from Image Comics.