ALA Booklist (Wed Dec 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Beware, monsters and scientists; London can be an unsafe place for you in this story that begins with an angry mob of townsfolk hunting down a werewolf to destroy it. Out of nowhere comes one man to save the day, Dr. Jekyll, founder of the Society for Arcane Sciences. He desires to turn science into a respectable field, but Dr. Jekyll is hiding a secret, and now a mysterious man is causing chaos within the Society. Who is this man, and can he be stopped? This historical fantasy comic will transport readers to an early Victorian era with a Sherlock Holmes type feel. After a somewhat slow start, the pace picks up, especially when Cotugno explores the Society, which is filled with wacky scientists with even wackier inventions and experiments, such as one scientist attempting to make a cat invisible. The detailed, jewel-toned artwork packs intriguing details into just about every panel, and the gothic atmosphere is in fun contrast to the cartoonish figures and action. Readers unfamiliar with the original story of Dr. Jekyll will get a kick when his secret is revealed.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde must work together to save the Society of Arcane Sciences.When a monster is cornered by an angry mob in the East End of London, Dr. Jekyll comes to help-thanks to information from his so-called associate, Mr. Hyde. Jekyll's substantial reputation and membership in the Society for Arcane Sciences, where rogue scientists can freely practice their art, offers him that freedom. With the society's Grand Exhibition only two weeks away, Jekyll must keep up appearances so he can lure in new financial backers and stay afloat. Hyde, however, does his best to lead Jekyll into mayhem at every turn. But when Dr. Frankenstein herself shows up with her creature in tow and in need of help, they lead diabolical Dr. Moreau right to them. Hyde and the society take Moreau on, leaving destruction in their wake. With Hyde a wanted man and the exhibition drawing closer, will Jekyll be able to keep the society safe and Hyde in check? This imaginative, beautifully illustrated work ironically struggles with its own identity-its multitude of plot lines and characters-even as it explores themes of identity, imposter syndrome, and living authentically in a world that doesn't want you to. The main character is light-skinned; there is some diversity in skin tone among the supporting cast.Makes interesting narrative promises but requires waiting for the sequel to see if they will come to fruition. (short story, afterword, author's note, art notes) (Graphic horror. 14-18)

School Library Journal (Wed Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gr 10 Up— Carried by the infamous character Dr. Jekyll, a posh society man whose changing personality emerges at night as Mr. Hyde, Cotugno's graphic novel astutely navigates multiple classic characters in fresh ways while offering larger themes of community and acceptance that warmly connect to TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea . This webcomic-turned-published volume will already have an audience. Dr. Jekyll uses his charismatic personality to build a safe environment at the Society for Arcane Sciences, away from the prying eyes of average citizens. This persona, including dueling Mr. Hyde-by-night, protects mad scientists, including Frankenstein and her monster, in a world of myth and fantasy with creative intersections. Plenty is bubbling under the surface with the mix of eccentric characters assembled under one roof, embarking on new adventures in their laboratories after being pushed to the margins of a society that does not tolerate them anymore. Using vibrant colors and a 19th-century London setting, the combination is visually stunning. The character driven journey explores the history and future of the monsters and scientists, using abundant dialogue that crowds each panel. Scenes range from humorous to horrific with engaging twists and turns, the underpinnings of the regularly scheduled webcomic. VERDICT Quirky characters in a Victorian setting navigate new territory in the shadows, breathing new life into graphic novel offerings with a combination of science and historical fiction. Add to a collection where webcomics are a hit.— Alicia Abdul