'Edward Scissorhands' #1 Review: Kate Leth, Drew Rausch Take Tim Burton's Edward On "Surreal Adventure!"

IDW Publishing continues the Gothic fairytale masterpiece, Edward Scissorhands, from visionary director Tim Burton. From writer Kate Leth and artist Drew Rausch, Edward Scissorhands #1 takes readers on an enchanting and surreal adventure that recaptures the cinematic experience.  

We were very excited when we first heard the announcement about this title during San Diego Comic-Con. If you were at New York Comic Con, then you definitely saw the gorgeous variant cover by artist Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key).The comic takes readers where the film left off, taking us closer to Edward (Johnny Depp)'s struggle to connect because everything he touches falls apart.

At its best, Leth carries over the themes of Edward's yearning to love and be loved in return. Though times have changed, the suburban town hasn't forgotten about Jim's murder. Everyone wants to keep tight-lipped about the "killer" living in the castle on top of the hill. As the narrative switches back and forth between comedic and dramatic points, Leth nails the tone right where it needs to be.

Readers should be prepared that the opening pages begin on such a downer. When we last saw Kim Boggs (Winona Ryder), she was an old and fragile grandmother telling a bedtime story to her granddaughter. Megan, the granddaughter ,has grown up to become a rebellious teen, but still holds bedtime stories dear to her heart.  

The illustrations by Rausch remind me of the Bettlejuice animated series. Much like the cartoon, the comic highlights the differences between reality and fantasy. Notice how the characters have big round eyes, which change shape during different facial expressions.

The color schemes are different when Megan and Edward are in their own worlds. There is a focus on pastel colors on outfits and houses when Megan is driven to school. When Edward shows up, Rausch drowns out the primary hues and enriches the pages with black, white, and grey shades. Edward's castle comes off looking like something you would regularly see in a classic horror movie. 

A great start, Edward Scissorhands #1 continues the classic Tim Burton film and spins an imaginative sequel. 

Rating: MUST BUY