The original Creature from the Black Lagoon film hit theaters in 1954 and while film sequels were made, nothing compares to Skybound’s comic book sequel written by Dan Watters and Ram V with artwork from Matthew Roberts. Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! takes the mantel from the original film and brings fresh new eyes while maintaining the original feel.

Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! picks up years after the events of the 1954 film, with journalist Kate Marsden hot on the trail of a notorious killer in the heart of the Amazon. Dan Watters and Ram V’s use of investigative reporting and cleverly placed flashbacks gives us a unique a glimpse into the whole story and adds depth to the story. As Kate delves deeper into the mystery, she encounters an unexpected threat.

The artwork by Matthew Roberts with colors by Dave Stewart really brings this eerie world to life, perfectly capturing the tension and suspense of their creative team’s writing. The details draw in each panel and enhance the overall experience, capped off by the wonderful lettering by DC Hopkins. Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! is a prime example of what a great creative team can bring to a comic.

A great choice in Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! is the decision to follow the events of the original film rather than rebooting or a straight adaptation. This allows a seamless continuation of the story told by Maurice Zimm in 1954 while still offering fresh twists and turns for new and older fans to enjoy. By building on the familiar lore and expanding the story, Watters and Ram V are able to crafter a narrative that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!‘s pacing in the debut issue is really spot-on. Each page turns wonderfully and smoothly. The engaging writing draws us deeper into Kate’s investigation with each passing panel. Before we knew it, the issue was over eagerly awaiting to see what comes in next in upcoming issues.

Skybound has done an outstanding job so far with bringing the Universal Monsters to life on the pages of a comic book. The recent release of Dracula and now Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! gives us fans of mystery, horror and suspense something to look forward to each month.

Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! #1 is a fantastic start to what promises to be an exciting new series. With strong writing, stunning artwork, and a unique take on a classic story, this series has all the makings of a standout hit.

Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! #1 hit local comic shops on April 24, 2024 from Skybound and Image Comics.