Firstly as much as Americans like to claim things as theirs, the Penny Dreadful was an English small printed book sold for a Penny. Such as Spring Heeled Jack etc. As for this new show, I see that it is its own show with the Penny Dreadful attached to it. The only problem being its very dull, there is very little to enjoy. Religion, WWII and racism. You could argue that was somewhat the theme of most 19th century horror literature, but this feel it is all a bit forced.