The Frankenstein Monster Reinterpreted: The Printed Works

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” burst onto the literary scene in 1818, forever changing the landscape of gothic horror and science fiction. This tale of a brilliant but misguided scientist who creates life, only to be horrified by his own creation, has captivated readers for over two centuries. Shelley’s novel, born from a ghost story competition among friends on a stormy night in Switzerland, has spawned countless adaptations, reinterpretations, and homages across various media.

In this exploration of Frankenstein’s legacy, we’ll venture into the realm of printed works, examining how comic book artists and novelists have taken Shelley’s creation and breathed new life into it. From faithful adaptations to wild reimaginings, these picks showcase the enduring power and flexibility of Shelley’s original concept. So, let’s stitch together this patchwork of Frankensteinian delights and see what monsters we can bring to life.

Part 1: The Best Frankenstein Comics

Comics, with their unique blend of visual storytelling and textual narrative, offer a perfect medium for reimagining Frankenstein’s creature. The grotesque beauty of the monster, the gothic atmosphere of Shelley’s world, and the visceral horror of Victor’s experiments all lend themselves beautifully to the comic book form. Let’s examine some of the standout Frankenstein comics that have graced our shelves over the years.

Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein (1983)

If there’s one illustrated adaptation that stands head and shoulders above the rest, it’s Bernie Wrightson’s lovingly crafted version of Shelley’s novel. Wrightson, a master of horror illustration, spent seven years creating 50 pen-and-ink plates to accompany Shelley’s original text. The result is a visual feast that captures the gothic essence of Frankenstein like no other.

Wrightson’s intricate black-and-white illustrations are a triumph of detail and atmosphere. His monster is a patchwork marvel of musculature and decay, at once pitiable and terrifying. The landscapes of arctic wastes and foreboding castles are rendered with a precision that draws the reader into Shelley’s world. This is more than just an illustrated novel; it’s a work of art that elevates and enhances the original text.

Wrightson went on to tell his own tale (along with writer Steve Niles) of the Monster, a four issue mini-series named “Frankenstein Alive, Alive!” This was published by IDW Publishing, and serves as a direct sequel to Mary Shelley’s original novel, probing deeper into the existential journey of Frankenstein’s creature as he seeks understanding and acceptance.

Wrightson’s intricate black-and-white illustrations are once again a visual feast, capturing the gothic essence of the tale with unparalleled detail and atmosphere.

Following Wrightson’s passing in 2017, artist Kelley Jones respectfully completed the final chapter, ensuring the series reached its intended conclusion. The complete collection, released in 2018, includes all four issues along with a gallery of Wrightson’s layouts and pencils, offering fans a comprehensive look at this masterful work.

“Frankenstein Alive, Alive!” stands as a poignant and visually stunning continuation of the classic story, making it an essential read for enthusiasts of sequential horror.

Junji Ito’s Frankenstein (2018)

When it comes to horror manga, few names carry as much weight as Junji Ito. Known for his unsettling imagery and psychological horror, Ito’s take on Frankenstein is a match made in horror heaven (or should that be hell?). Ito’s adaptation hews closely to Shelley’s narrative, but his visual style brings a new dimension of horror to the tale.

Ito’s monster is a grotesque wonder, its stitched-together form rendered with the artist’s trademark attention to disturbing detail. The scenes of the creature’s creation are particularly haunting, with Ito’s pen bringing Victor’s unholy experiments to squirm-inducing life. Beyond the adaptation itself, the volume includes some original short stories inspired by Frankenstein, allowing Ito to play in Shelley’s sandbox with his own twisted toys.

Marvel’s The Monster of Frankenstein (1970s)

Marvel Comics’ foray into the world of Frankenstein began in the 1970s with “The Monster of Frankenstein” series (later retitled “The Frankenstein Monster”). The first four issues adapted Shelley’s novel before spinning off into original tales set across various time periods.

What sets this series apart is its exploration of the monster’s life beyond the events of the novel. We see the creature navigating different historical eras, from the French Revolution to the present day, grappling with his immortality and search for belonging. Mike Ploog’s artwork in the early issues is particularly noteworthy, capturing a perfect blend of horror and superhero comic aesthetics.

DC’s Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. (2011)

For a completely different take on Frankenstein’s monster, look no further than DC Comics’ “Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.” This series, part of DC’s New 52 relaunch, reimagines the creature as a heroic secret agent working for a shadowy government organization.

This Frankenstein is a sword-wielding, gun-toting action hero, battling supernatural threats alongside a team of monstrous allies. It’s a far cry from Shelley’s philosophical creature, but it showcases the versatility of the character and the concept. The series blends horror, science fiction, and superhero action in a unique cocktail that demonstrates how far the Frankenstein mythos can be stretched while still retaining its core appeal.

Dick Briefer’s Frankenstein (1940s-1950s)

One of the earliest and most influential Frankenstein comics came from the pen of Dick Briefer. Starting in 1940 in Prize Comics, Briefer’s Frankenstein went through several fascinating transformations over the years.

Initially conceived as a straightforward horror comic, Briefer’s Frankenstein eventually morphed into a humorous character, starring in comedic adventures that were a far cry from Shelley’s gothic horror. Later, Briefer returned the character to his horror roots, showcasing the flexibility of the Frankenstein concept even in these early days of comic book storytelling.

Frankenstein’s Womb by Warren Ellis (2009)

For a meta take on the Frankenstein story, Warren Ellis’ graphic novel “Frankenstein’s Womb” offers a unique perspective. This work explores Mary Shelley’s creation of the Frankenstein story, blending historical fiction with elements of the supernatural.

Ellis imagines a pregnant Mary Shelley encountering the spirit of the not-yet-created Frankenstein’s monster, who shows her visions of the future impact of her work. It’s a clever, thought-provoking take on the genesis of one of literature’s most enduring creations.

Destroyer by Victor LaValle (2017)

Victor LaValle’s “Destroyer” brings Frankenstein firmly into the 21st century, using the classic story as a springboard to explore issues of racial injustice and police brutality. The graphic novel follows a descendant of Victor Frankenstein who creates new life to avenge the death of her son at the hands of police.

LaValle’s work demonstrates how the themes of Frankenstein – the ethics of creation, the responsibilities of the creator, the nature of monstrosity – can be recontextualized to address contemporary issues. It’s a powerful example of how Shelley’s work continues to resonate and find new relevance centuries after its creation.

Doc Frankenstein: The Wachowskis’ Post-Modern Prometheus

For a truly unique and mind-bending take on the Frankenstein mythos, look no further than “Doc Frankenstein,” the brainchild of the Wachowski sisters (of “The Matrix” fame) and artist Steve Skroce. This series, which began in 2004 and concluded with a deluxe hardcover edition in 2019, reimagines Frankenstein’s monster as a centuries-old intellectual and social progressive caught in the crosshairs of religious fundamentalists.

The titular Doc Frankenstein, having survived the events of Shelley’s novel, has spent the intervening centuries earning doctoral degrees and involving himself in pivotal moments of history. From gunslinging in the Wild West to fighting in World War II, from supporting evolution at the Scopes Trial to championing Roe v. Wade, this Frankenstein’s monster has been on the frontlines of social progress.

What sets “Doc Frankenstein” apart is its audacious blend of high-concept science fiction, biting social commentary, and over-the-top action. The Wachowskis’ script crackles with wit and big ideas, while Skroce’s detailed, kinetic artwork brings the wild concepts to vivid life. Whether Doc is battling werewolves, debating philosophy, or facing off against religious zealots, each page is a feast for the eyes and the mind.

The series doesn’t shy away from controversial topics, using its fantastical premise to explore very real issues of science, faith, and social progress. It’s Frankenstein by way of Warren Ellis, with a healthy dose of the Wachowskis’ trademark reality-bending storytelling.

While publication was sporadic (only six issues were released between 2004 and 2007 before a long hiatus), the 2019 hardcover edition finally completed the story, adding 64 new pages to wrap up this ambitious tale. Lana Wachowski’s deeply personal introduction to this edition adds another layer of meaning to the work, reflecting on change, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling.

Frankie Stein: Britain’s Lovable Monster

While American comics were reimagining Frankenstein’s monster as everything from a brooding antihero to a secret agent, British comics took a decidedly more lighthearted approach with Frankie Stein. This bumbling but good-hearted monster became a beloved staple of British children’s comics from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Frankie Stein first lumbered onto the pages of Wham! in 1964, created by the prolific Leo Baxendale. However, it was Ken Reid’s version, introduced in the first issue of Shiver and Shake in 1973, that truly cemented the character’s popularity. Reid’s Frankie was a visual marvel, combining the classic Frankenstein’s monster look with expressive features and slapstick comedy.

The premise was simple but effective: Frankie, the well-meaning but clumsy creation of the diminutive Professor Cube, would invariably cause chaos wherever he went. Despite his monstrous appearance, Frankie was gentle and childlike, with his misadventures stemming from misunderstandings rather than malice.

Frankie Stein’s popularity saw him featured in various IPC publications, including Monster Fun, where he served as the comic’s fictional editor. The character was so beloved that he starred in his own summer specials, packed with strips by top British comic artists.

While Ken Reid’s version is often considered definitive, other talented artists also left their mark on Frankie. Robert Nixon, in particular, took over the character in later years, bringing his own dynamic style to Frankie’s misadventures.

Frankie Stein represents a uniquely British take on the Frankenstein mythos, one that embraces humor and heart over horror. His enduring popularity was evident in his recent revival in the 2019 Cor!! & Buster Special, introducing a new generation to this charming monster.

Mike Mignola’s Frankenstein: The Dark Horse of Horror

Mike Mignola, the visionary behind Hellboy, has crafted a compelling series of Frankenstein comics under Dark Horse Comics, seamlessly integrating the iconic monster into the Hellboy universe. This journey began with “Frankenstein Underground” in 2015, a five-issue miniseries that follows Frankenstein’s creature as he navigates a subterranean world filled with other monsters and uncovers profound secrets of the universe.

The narrative continued with “Frankenstein Undone” in 2020, intended as a bridge between Mary Shelley’s original novel and Mignola’s earlier work. This series delves into the creature’s quest for purpose following the death of his creator, leading him into the expansive Hellboy mythos.

In 2022, Mignola expanded the saga with “Frankenstein: New World,” introducing Lilja, a young girl from the Hollow Earth, who awakens Frankenstein to confront emerging darkness on the Earth’s surface. Their adventures continue in the upcoming “Frankenstein: New World – The Sea of Forever,” set for release in early 2025, promising further exploration of this richly developed universe.

Mignola’s Frankenstein comics offer a unique blend of classic horror elements and his distinctive storytelling, making them a standout addition to the Frankenstein canon and a must-read for fans of the genre.

Part 2: The Best Frankenstein Novels

While comics offer a visual feast, novels allow for deep dives into the psychology of Frankenstein’s characters and the philosophical implications of the story. Many authors have taken up the challenge of expanding on, reinterpreting, or paying homage to Shelley’s work. Let’s explore some of the most compelling Frankenstein novels that have emerged over the years.

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel (2011)

Kenneth Oppel’s young adult novel serves as a prequel to Frankenstein, focusing on Victor Frankenstein’s teenage years. Set in the Frankenstein family’s ancestral castle, the story follows young Victor as he discovers a hidden library of alchemical texts and becomes obsessed with creating the Elixir of Life to save his ailing twin brother.

Oppel’s novel captures the spirit of gothic adventure while exploring the origins of Victor’s fascination with the secret workings of nature and life itself. It’s a compelling coming-of-age story that offers insight into the man Victor would become, setting the stage for the events of Shelley’s novel.

Frankenstein Unbound by Brian Aldiss (1973)

Brian Aldiss, a master of science fiction, offers a unique and mind-bending take on the Frankenstein mythos with his novel “Frankenstein Unbound.” Set in a future ravaged by war and climate change, the story follows Joe Bodenland, a 21st-century scientist who finds himself transported back to 1816 Geneva due to a space-time rupture.

What sets Aldiss’s work apart is its clever blending of fact and fiction. Bodenland encounters not only Victor Frankenstein and his monster but also Mary Shelley herself, along with Lord Byron and Percy Shelley. This meta-textual approach allows Aldiss to explore the genesis of Shelley’s novel while simultaneously bringing its characters to life.

The novel grapples with themes of scientific responsibility, the nature of reality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Aldiss uses the time-travel premise to contrast the technological advancements and ethical dilemmas of Bodenland’s era with those of the early 19th century, creating a thought-provoking dialogue across time.

“Frankenstein Unbound” is not just a retelling or continuation of Shelley’s story, but a complex meditation on the enduring power of the Frankenstein myth and its relevance to modern scientific debates. Aldiss’s prose is both lyrical and philosophical, creating a work that is as much a literary experiment as it is a science fiction adventure.

This novel stands out in the canon of Frankenstein adaptations for its ambitious scope, intellectual depth, and its ability to seamlessly weave together historical figures, fictional characters, and futuristic concepts. It’s a must-read for fans of the original Frankenstein and those interested in exploring its themes through a science fiction lens.

The Memoirs of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Theodore Roszak (1995)

Theodore Roszak’s novel offers a feminist perspective on the Frankenstein story, retelling the events from the point of view of Elizabeth, Victor’s adopted sister and eventual wife. Roszak imagines Elizabeth as a practitioner of natural magic, offering a counterpoint to Victor’s scientific pursuits.

The novel delves deep into themes of alchemy, the occult, and the tension between masculine and feminine approaches to understanding and manipulating nature. It’s a thought-provoking companion to Shelley’s original, offering new dimensions to familiar characters and events.

The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd (2008)

Peter Ackroyd, known for his historical novels, brings his considerable talents to bear on the Frankenstein mythos in “The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein.” This novel reimagines Victor Frankenstein as a real historical figure who interacts with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, and other notable personalities of the Romantic era.

Ackroyd’s work blurs the lines between fiction and reality, weaving actual historical events and figures into the Frankenstein narrative. It’s a clever exploration of the genesis of Shelley’s novel, suggesting how real-world events and personalities might have influenced the creation of one of literature’s most enduring works.

Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron (2013)

Jon Skovron’s young adult novel “Man Made Boy” takes a playful approach to the world of classic monsters, featuring the teenage son of Frankenstein’s monster and the Bride of Frankenstein. The protagonist, known as “Boy,” runs away from the underground shelter of monsters in New York to experience the human world.

Skovron’s novel is a coming-of-age story that uses the Frankenstein legacy as a jumping-off point to explore themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to be human. It’s a clever update of the Frankenstein concept for a modern young adult audience.

Hideous Love by Stephanie Hemphill (2013)

Stephanie Hemphill’s “Hideous Love” takes a different approach, focusing on the life of Mary Shelley herself and the creation of Frankenstein. Written in verse, this novel explores the tumultuous personal life of Shelley and the experiences that led to the creation of her masterpiece.

Hemphill’s work offers insight into the mind of the young woman who created one of literature’s most enduring monsters. It’s a reminder that behind every great work of fiction is a very human story of creativity, struggle, and perseverance.

---

The Wrap-Up

The legacy of Frankenstein continues to thrive in the world of printed works. There are faithful adaptations and there are wild reimaginings. Much like the screenwriters and directors in the world of cinema, comic book creators and novelists continue to find new ways to interpret and expand upon Shelley’s themes. These works demonstrate the enduring power of the Frankenstein story, its ability to speak to different eras and audiences, and its flexibility as a vehicle for exploring a wide range of human experiences and societal issues.

Whether you prefer your Frankenstein in the form of beautifully illustrated gothic horror edition, action-packed superhero adventures, thoughtful historical fiction, or contemporary social commentary, there’s a Frankensteinian work out there for you. So why not stitch together your own reading list from these literary body parts? Who knows what kind of monster you might bring to life with your endeavors?

---

---