Advance Review: ‘Universal Monsters: Phantom Of The Opera’’#2 Continues To Wow

Character development is difficult to pull off in a four-issue miniseries. Seeing growth in a character after just the first issue is practically unheard of. And yet, we see a very different Christine Daae in Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #2 than we met in the previous issue.

Written by Tyler Boss, this Christine is more confident. Now studying under the Phantom, she fires her vocal instructor and flirts with police inspector Raoul Dubert. She even has the temerity to argue with the Phantom, albeit just a bit. This new Christine shines as the Paris Opera’s new prima donna, again showing off a self-assurance we haven’t previously seen. It’s a rapid change, but a welcome one.

The strong script matches well with Martin Simmonds’ often grandiose imagery. Simmonds treats us to atmospheric paintings of the opera hall, a bloody murder, and the Phantom stalking Christine from the Parisian rooftops. Perhaps the most stunning spread is Christine’s operatic debut, where she commands the stage as music in the form of lasers emanate from her.

Under Simmonds’ skilled brush, the Phantom is less a man and more a ghost. Waves of blue and red flames project from his head like an ethereal spirit — one that will do nearly anything to protect Christine. So it’s appropriate that when we see the opera ghost, there often seems to be a curtain of blood around him.

While change is in the air from the previous issue to this one, a few things remain constant: Boss’ writing is strong and only getting better, while Simmonds continues to wow. This Phantom seems like it was made for both of them to shine.

Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #2 — written by Tyler Boss and illustrated by Martin Simmonds — will be available in comic book stores and on digital platforms on Wednesday from Image Comics.