Review by Frank Plowright

Assorted super powered individuals have been seen in the world of 1939, yet the Chimera Brigade themselves remained a mystery until the end of Book Two. Although held up as a paragon of virtue, it seems Marie Curie experimented on Jean Séverac as he lay in a coma, transforming him into a conduit to bring forth supernatural protectors. Serge Lehman and Fabrice Colin use the opening chapter to supply greater detail about what’s happening, although in keeping with the entire series this is supplied in an oblique manner suggesting rather than explaining. What is clear is Séverac experiencing his past alongside his present.

Séverac is the central character to both chapters here, the first exploring his past and the second showing his present. He’s a good example of what comics are capable of, drawn by Gess as an utterly serene and dignified man as the narrative captions reveal him to be a troubled character. Although a series concerning superheroes, it’s been introspective rather than action based, but here a threat requiring superheroes manifests, yet not one that just punching will sort out. Gess draws the resulting sprawl beautifully, and moreso than in previous volumes the distinctive colouring of Celine Bessonneau plays a part. A transformation occurs, and Gess delivers a memorable image from it.

The perspective of French creators continues to render The Chimera Brigade as a unique experience. This just isn’t the way Americans would approach a superhero drama, even in a period setting. Action is minimised, and the threats have a supernatural tinge. There’s always a feeling of people knowing more than they disclose, except in the case of Séverac, and the gloomy tone, lighting and sense of impending gloom make B.P.R.D. a far closer relation than the Justice League despite a nice Superman homage.

Personal and creative, The Chimera Brigade is continually compelling with its slow roll-out. Unfortunately these nicely designed hardcovers from Titan only present half the series and seemingly didn’t sell well enough for Titan to issue the remainder. European readers have been treated to a further three volumes and a conclusion.