An arrogant creator, the late 18th century countryside, and a creature that can be recognized by almost everyone in modern times. This is a fraction of Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley; one of my favorite novels. And whilst I love a novel sometimes, I love an adaptation even more; particularly a comic adaptation. Naturally I scour for those of said favorite novel. While there are many tasteful adaptations to Frankenstein there are also many that leave me with a sour taste. So, I shall list some of the works I’ve read here to do with as you please. Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge… particularly when trying to find a favorite comic.
It only seems fair that the story that struck the inspiration for this piece be the one to lead the way. This past week Dark Horse’s The Perfectly Monstrous Life of Adam Frankenstein was released; a story that I had been impatiently awaiting for months. Firstly, I must admire the naming of Adam Frankenstein. I’ve never minded calling our monster Frankenstein. It may not be his given name but he is however the son of Victor Frankenstein and so I believe he has earned the title of Frankenstein. That being said it always made me a bit melancholic knowing that he didn’t have a true name. Adam fits perfectly though coming as the name of another’s first creation. Even in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein she writes “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel…” This comic boasts more than just a marvelous name and thoughtful literary ties. Author Tate Bromball has written language that flows with eloquence and shows mastery of the craft. An easy yet capturing read that brings new twists here and there. And the art by Soo Lee is wonderful to look at; I could view a single page for hours on end. It’s modern with bright pops of pastel colors while still having that dark gothic feeling. This seems to be a lovely comic that has no notes, or so I thought. That was until I read the last page; it is truly my only qualm with the story.
A small spoiler warning for those that may not wish to know the end and if so, please jump to the next paragraph. You want to know? Wonderful. On the last page Adam Frankenstein meets a young Mary Shelley and says he has a story for her to transcribe; this story being that of his life. To rip the quill from Mary Shelley the mother of Gothic literature and science fiction leaves a terrible taste in my mouth. By asking her to transcribe the piece I believe it takes away from her as an author. Also considering that Frankenstein has been thought to have some ties thematically to the loss of her own child it feels out of touch perhaps. I don’t think the creators have intended this maliciously. In fact, I’m sure it was meant to be a way to bring the two together and to celebrate Mary Shelley by bringing her into the work. This being said it feels like a bit of an oversight that didn’t feel like a great way to end the comic. I still would implore you to pick it up as the rest of it is definitely worth your while. In fact, it was my pick of the week at the shop and sits happily in my own collection.
Next up we have one that is not quite as close to an adaptation of the book as the last; but it’s also not trying to be. That’s because it’s Universal Monsters Frankenstein. Our main character resembles that of Boris Karloff’s image in the film Frankenstein (1931). It has a wonderful resemblance to one of Hollywood’s old favorites this time with a new twist. In each issue we learn the story of each of the body parts used to create the corpse that is the Frankenstein we see in the film. A refreshing take that I personally haven’t seen done in any other pieces of media. Once again, the artwork and story are stunning and how can it not be with a name like Michael Walsh attached to it. (Upcoming author and artist of the new Jonah Hex story from DC by the way.) A story that is available in a hardcover graphic novel, individual issues, and next month will release in black and white editions. I can’t think of a reason not to pick it up or any of the other Universal Monster books for that matter. Particularly Universal Monsters Blood of the Wolf Man for I fear the chagrin of a certain co-worker if I do not at least mention it. Speaking of mentioning things, if you enjoy this version of Frankenstein, you will have the great pleasure of waiting with the rest of us for Universal Monsters’ newly announced Bride of Frankenstein comic; which as of now comes out at the end of this month the perfect time for a spooky read.
Now remember when I said I’d done the reading so you could learn from me; well for these last two recommendations I haven’t. I know I know please forgive me but there’s simply too many comics to read. My stack is ‘frankly’ higher than the Sears tower at this point. This being said I do not recommend these blindly. The first is that of Junji Ito’s Frankenstein. Junji Ito has been my gateway to manga and I believe one of the greatest horror writers in the industry. From Gyo to Uzumaki to Tomie he has hit after hit. And it’s not just his bone chilling fresh stories but his intricate inking that leaves me stunned. While I haven’t read his version of Frankenstein, I know he can do a great adaptation as his No Longer Human adaptation I believe might even be better than the original novel; a praise I do not dole lightly. I have no doubt once I do read his version of Frankenstein, I will thoroughly enjoy it. That is if my expectations haven’t been set too high already.
The last comic I have is actually one I learned of while researching for this piece but I simply couldn’t leave it out. Graphic novella The Prometheite by Ari Mulch. Set in the 19th century two young women meet at university and bond quickly over their love for the occult; but when one dies suddenly the other resurrects her. Their love is brought back to life but our once dead protagonist starts to suspect that her existence may be unnatural. Will they live happily ever after? Will she learn that she died? I don’t know because I haven’t read it. However, it has been added to my ever-growing list.
If you’ve made it this far, I applaud you for reading my very last-minute ramblings of an article. There are many more I could write about, from DC’s Creature Commandos to Marvel’s Frankenstein’ s Monster or even IDW’s Frankenstein Alive, Alive! I hope that the ones I’ve chosen have given you more recent takes on the story for you to look forward to. If you are looking to learn more about the mother of gothic literature through one of our favorite genres I recommend Mad Cave’s Mary Shelley graphic novel. A beautiful novel that has an almost woodcut print feel to some of its illustrations.
But I leave you now to read as I need to read my own toppling stack. Lastly might I ask for us to be monsters reading comics because as written by Mary Shelley “It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another.” Thank you, fellow monsters and happy reading.