Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Has a Comic Book Influence That Every Fan Should Know About

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Guillermo del Toro’s new movie, Frankenstein, which came out in theaters on October 17th, clearly builds on the classic versions of the story we’ve seen before. Features like the Monster’s large size and scarred appearance – as portrayed by Jacob Elordi – are now instantly recognizable, thanks to actors like Boris Karloff and Christopher Lee. However, a less famous Frankenstein adaptation had a surprisingly big impact on del Toro’s film, so much so that it’s specifically acknowledged in the credits. Interestingly, this influential version wasn’t a movie at all, but a book originally published by Marvel Comics.

Bernie Wrightson, a celebrated comic book artist, created a stunning pen-and-ink version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in 1983, widely considered the best illustrated edition of the story. His artwork strongly influenced the look of the film, and director Guillermo del Toro has acknowledged Wrightson’s work as a key inspiration. The film’s credits even specifically mention Wrightson’s ‘Frankenstein monster’ as a source of inspiration for the character design. Both fans of Frankenstein and del Toro will appreciate Wrightson’s incredibly detailed and elaborate vision.

Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein

Bernie Wrightson cemented his legacy as a comic book icon before his passing in 2017. He became known as a master of horror through his work on titles like Swamp Thing (co-created with Len Wein in 1971) and his illustrations for Stephen King’s Cycle of the Werewolf. Later, he undertook a personal, seven-year project to create his own illustrated version of Frankenstein, adapting stories from Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft along the way. The final product was a stunning book featuring 45 black-and-white illustrations, each meticulously created using his signature crosshatching style.

Originally published by Marvel Comics in 1983, this adaptation of Frankenstein deliberately drew inspiration directly from Mary Shelley’s original novel, intentionally steering clear of existing movie versions. Bernie Wrightson’s monster was a strikingly different creation – a thin, pale figure with large eyes, dressed in military attire – and presented a more human portrayal than audiences were used to. This approach is similar to Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein film, and Wrightson’s work essentially connects Shelley’s book to more recent cinematic interpretations.

Wrightson’s Influence on the Frankenstein Film

Guillermo del Toro deeply admires monsters, and considers Bernie Wrightson, a renowned artist of the macabre, a personal hero. When del Toro finally got to make his adaptation of Frankenstein, he immediately secured the rights to use Wrightson’s artwork. During filming, both Jacob Elordi (playing the creature) and Oscar Isaac (playing Victor Frankenstein) reportedly displayed Wrightson’s art in their homes. In fact, according to Vanity Fair, Elordi transformed his apartment into a tribute to Wrightson’s monster, covering the walls with prints to fully immerse himself in the character’s sadness. Wrightson’s influence was evident throughout the entire production, impacting everything from makeup to the way the film was shot.

Guillermo del Toro often expresses deep admiration for the filmmakers and creators who inspired him, viewing classic works like Frankenstein as profoundly meaningful. He describes it as a powerful message – a ‘sermon’ – brought to life by the contributions of actors like Boris Karloff, author Mary Shelley, and artist Bernie Wrightson. Wrightson, who played a crucial role in designing the creature for the film, is, according to del Toro, a lasting and unforgettable presence in the history of the monster.

Fortunately, the talented comic book artist lived to discuss his vision for an adaptation with Guillermo del Toro, and they stayed friends until the artist’s death. Ultimately, del Toro ensured the artist received proper recognition for his contributions. Their bond, and the history of Frankenstein’s Monster, are now permanently featured in the film.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is now in theaters.

Have you watched Frankenstein? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-07 19:14