edward scissorhands: THE final cut

by Jai Hutchison 

​Author- Kate Leth
Artist- Drew Rausch 
Colourist- Rikki Simons
Colour Assist- Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons
Letterer- Travis Lanham
Publisher- IDW

As a huge fan of the original movie I was rather excited when I discovered that someone had continued on Tim Burton  and Caroline Thompson’s story of Edward Scissorhands. That someone was Canadian comic book creator Kate Leth (Adventure Time, Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! and Vampirella). Alongside the brilliant artwork of Drew Rausch (Eldritch, Haunted Mansion and My Blacks Don’t Match!), Leth’s writing invites fans back into the world of Edward Scissorhands for new adventures, as well as introductions to new inhabitants of his local suburban residence. Leth and Rausch are both huge fans of Tim Burton’s work, and loved the movie, so it’s great to know that this comic has come from talented fans that know and care about the character and his world really well. It’s safe to say that this project was in great hands, and that Leth and Rausch really have done a great job with Edward Scissorhands.

​‘The Final Cut’ encompasses all 10 issues from the series, which are also available as two graphic novels, ‘Parts Unknown’ and ‘Whole Again’. However, I’d say that this hardback deluxe edition is a must have for any fan; all the issues are together, and it's gorgeous! However, the graphic novels and the individual issues give you the opportunity to see more of Rausch’s fantastic artwork, so they are also worth picking up. ​​

​When we first step back in to the slightly warped suburban setting that was Edward’s home, we pick up somewhat later than when the movie left off. When we left off from the movie version, Kim was a grandmother telling her story of Edward to her granddaughter, yet when we enter the comic book world of Edward Scissorhands, Kim has long since passed on and Edward has reverted to extreme social isolation, living back in the attic of the home he once shared with his inventor father. In this new chapter of Edward’s life we meet an entire new cast of Boggs family members including Kim’s daughter and granddaughter Megan, who become central to the story, and to Edward’s life. The comics, although an extension of the Edward Scissorhands movie world, are their own entity; a whole new set of stories that work very nicely on their own, and not necessarily a squeal to the movie.

As I mentioned, ‘The Final Cut’ contains all 10 issues of the Edward Scissorhands comic book series, and within these we experience two major plot lines. The first takes us back to Edward’s origin, and his inventor. Prior to Edward, the inventor worked on many other projects, which we were given an insight to throughout the film. In the comic, Leth develops this idea to bring us Eli: a new creature and potential companion for Edward. Eli’s story however is slightly sinister in comparison to Edward’s. You could say, that just like Edward, Eli is also ‘unfinished’. However, what he is missing is not an anatomical component as such. ​

As well as following the journey of Eli, the first story also introduces us to new members of the Boggs family and reintroduces us to Edward; and Although we bypass the latter years of Kim’s life, we do get to meet the family she has left behind, and follow their journey as the Boggs’ and Edward Scissorhands finally get to know one another in person.
 
When we are reintroduced to Edward, it is through the curiosity of Megan Boggs, Kim’s granddaughter. Megs, as she is known throughout the series, has always been curious about Edward and his past relationship with her Grandmother. However, this is a subject that her mother will reluctantly discuss, and if she ever does, it is not in a positive manner. Getting no answers from her mother, Megs decides to go in search of her own answers in amongst her grandmother’s belongings, leading her on a journey to discovering Edward herself.

​The second plot within 'Final Cut' revolves around Edward’s identity and the prospect of a doctor being able to change his life by giving him the hands he never received from the inventor. With the help of his new friends, Edward makes an audition tape for ‘Get Wells’, a reality television show with Dr. April Wells, who gives people extravagant makeovers. Edward is hopeful and excited for this possibility, Megs however is worried; perhaps all isn’t what it seems? We follow Edward, The Boggs’ and their friends as they take a road trip to the ‘Get Wells’ studios where Edward’s life may be about to change forever.
 
Both storylines vary in plot, pace and aesthetics. I found the first story to be much more gripping and also in keeping with themes of the original movie. Darkness was present throughout all aspects, weaving its way through the story and the artwork, which I loved. Although the comics are not presented as a sequel, I feel that the first story really flowed nicely from the movie. There is a shift however from the first story which focuses on Eli, and the second where we follow Edward on his make over story; the art is much more vibrant in the second half, the story less sinister; I personally prefer the darker tone to the first half. Don’t get me wrong, taken as a whole I thoroughly enjoyed Edward Scissorhands, I am just drawn more towards the darkness, and for me the artwork in the second half of ‘The Final Cut’ was a touch too colourful. The story was still enjoyable, it held my interest, but for any possible future adventures I would prefer Leth and Rausch to lean towards the style and tone of the first half of ‘The Final Cut’, which also seemed to reflect more aspects of the original movie. In an interview with CBR.com, Leth talks about how they brought Burton’s style into the comic book world of Edward Scissorhands while still imparting their own styles within the work. This is something that I feel they have both done successfully; I would have just liked a little bit more darkness is all. 

​Drew Rausch’s artwork throughout 'The Final Cut' is brilliantly done. As a comic book artist who works within the horror genre he was purposely picked up for this project due to his Burton-esque style; which you can see has been translated throughout the comic. The characters are fantastically done; just how you would envisage. In an interview with Rue Morgue Magazine last October, Rausch explained how they had a lot of freedom on this project and the only thing they could not do was create a Edward that looked exactly like Johnny Depp, as they do not have the license to the actor. The Edward whom Rausch has created though looks pretty sweet to me.  
 
Future adventures of Edward Scissorhands are definitely something I would love to read. The stories so far have translated to this medium really well and there is great potential, and definitely demand from this fan anyway, for more. In his interview with Rue Morgue Magazine, Rausch stated that he and Leth would love to continue this series, but that we would just have to wait and see what happens. But with Fox Studios on board, and Leth and Rausch both eager to tell more tales of Edward, let’s hope that it’s not too long until the next chapter is on the shelves of our local comic book stores. 

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I give ‘Edward Scissorhands: The Final Cut’ 4 out of 5 Ben-Day Dots.


Edward Scissorhands: The Final Cut Oversized Hardcover is available to purchase HERE. 

The graphic novels are also available to purchase online. Volume 1: Parts Unknown is available HERE, and Volume 2: Whole Again is available HERE.