As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast who has spent countless hours navigating dark alleys, haunted houses, and virtual graveyards, I can confidently say that Universal Monsters: Frankenstein is a must-read for any aficionado of classic horror tales. The debut issue takes the iconic character, whose creation story I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve witnessed, and breathes fresh life into it by focusing on the lesser-known characters who played crucial roles in creating the monster.
In modern pop culture, few figures are as widely recognized as Frankenstein (often referred to as Frankenstein’s Monster by some) due to his legendary status. So it’s no wonder that Image Comics is reviving this character in their upcoming miniseries titled Universal Monsters: Frankenstein. The Frankenstein we know from the 1931 film, portrayed by Boris Karloff, is the latest Universal monster to find life again at Image. Previously, they’ve delved into stories involving Dracula and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Unlike other characters who may be more openly villainous, Frankenstein has always evoked sympathy due to his status as a misunderstood being, one who never sought life and didn’t understand right from wrong. This new series seems poised to further dissect this iconic character, reminding readers that he is merely a collection of various parts, with each issue promising to delve into the origins of those body parts.
In the inaugural installment of the series, readers experience renowned incidents from Frankenstein folklore, such as grave robbery and Dr. Frankenstein exclaiming “It’s alive!” upon realizing his project’s success. Instead of rehashing the story’s elements, writer Michael Walsh and artist Toni-Marie Griffen delve into these key moments, but they explore them from the sidelines, focusing on a young boy who was forced to watch as his deceased father’s hand was desecrated for the creation of the Frankenstein monster. As more body parts are gathered, this tale is merely the start of how this monstrous creation could symbolize a community’s collective pain.
Regardless of the format they choose, creators endeavoring to resurrect Universal monsters grapple with the dilemma of either adhering too closely to the original stories, which might result in a repetitive or predictable experience, or adding excessive personal touches that could upset longtime fans who view reinterpretations as potential defacement of these iconic characters. However, Universal Monsters: Frankenstein strikes a balance by introducing fresh perspectives on the peripheral characters whenever readers begin to anticipate familiar turns in the plot. In essence, this comic book seems to present previously untold aspects of a story that horror enthusiasts have been familiar with for about 200 years since Shelley’s novel was first published.
Walsh successfully maintains the original essence of the material, skillfully blending modern and timeless dialogue, subtly portraying Dr. Frankenstein’s early stages of madness without resorting to over-the-top characterizations. It appears that Dr. Frankenstein believes he can extend life by conquering death, and while his medical methods may seem unusual, it seems more like a pursuit for the greater good rather than an attempt to usurp the role of God out of mere curiosity.
Much like the phrase “It’s alive!” is synonymous with Frankenstein tales, so too does a gothic atmosphere pervade, skillfully depicted by Walsh and Griffen. The essence of both the classic film and most Frankenstein spin-offs lies in the nuance of the visuals, as the most effective portrayals of the character preserve him in the past rather than abruptly placing him in contemporary settings. This preserves the authenticity, as outdated mechanical devices are utilized that appear scientifically plausible for resurrection yet do not raise questions about their capabilities, while the artwork seamlessly transitions from moonlit cemeteries to rain-soaked valleys to fortresses adorned with bricks.
This mini-series is marketed as one that delves into the stories of bodies desecrated for scientific purposes. With just three episodes left and several intriguing aspects to cover, it leaves us pondering how the creative team will balance revealing each character’s background while providing satisfying endings. It seems less likely that this mini-series will follow a traditional anthology format, with each episode focusing on a different body part, but instead might provide insight into all the components used to create the Monster, offering a more comprehensive narrative.
Fans of horror have witnessed countless interpretations of Frankenstein throughout history, and while the first issue of Universal Monsters: Frankenstein doesn’t revolutionize the Monster’s lore, it successfully pays tribute to the Monster and his past, suggesting that there remains a wealth of untold stories involving the reanimated corpse. The writing and artwork are expressive and approachable, catering to readers regardless of their familiarity with the character, while maintaining the rich legacy of Frankenstein’s story. We eagerly anticipate future issues, hoping for insights into the backstories of the unwitting contributors who assembled the Monster, which could potentially offer fresh perspectives on the monster without compromising its beloved aspects.
Published by Image Comics
On August 28, 2024
Written by Michael Walsh
Art by Michael Walsh
Colors by Toni Marie-Griffin
Letters by Becca Carey
Cover by Michael Walsh
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2024-08-27 18:10