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Gris Grimly's Frankenstein
Gris Grimly, the New York Times bestselling artist and creator of the beloved Edgar Allan Poe's Tales of Mystery and Madness, has long considered Mary Shelley's classic tale of terror to be one of his greatest inspirations. He is now paying homage to it with a lavishly illustrated full-length adaptation, the first of its kind in this or any format. The tale of the hubris of Victor Frankenstein, the innocence of his monstrous creation, and the darkest desires of the human heart have never been more vividly represented on the page. Using an abridged version of the original text, Gris has created an experience that is part graphic novel, part prose novel, and all Gris Grimly: a bold sewing-together of elements both classic and contemporary. Beautifully terrifying and terrifyingly beautiful, this is Frankenstein as you've never seen it before.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2013
240 people are currently reading
3470 people want to read
About the author
Gris Grimly
37 books307 followersGris Grimly is an artist and storyteller who is based in the Los Angeles area best known for his darkly whimsical children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews
October 29, 2022
I think about “Frankenstein” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) a lot. Yes, I know how that sounds, and I don’t care. I think about the nineteen-year-old girl who wrote it. She had recently given birth to her second child, the first one having died just a few months before. She knew that she would be a social pariah for the rest of her life, for having had the audacity to run away with and bear the children of a man she wasn’t married to. The weather that year was atrocious and there wasn’t much to do for Mary but to stay inside and write. That combination of hormones, grief, angst and probably seasonal affective disorder – added to the incredibly sharp intelligence she had developed over her highly unorthodox upbringing, proved to be a fertile creative brew, and would color the lines of what is, arguably, the first science-fiction novel.
Gris Grimly has obviously thought about it a lot as well. He cares about Mrs. Shelley’s creation very deeply, and has captured it stunningly in this illustrated version of the story. Now it might sound a bit obvious, but you have to like his style in order to enjoy this, so Google extensively before you commit. I would call the art “whimsical Goth”, for lack of a better description; sort of Tim Burton-esque, but a bit darker and less cutesy. I’m quite fond of that style, having been brought up on “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, and while I had never pictured Victor and his Creature quite the way Grimly drew them, it was beautiful and unique enough for me to fall madly in love with this book.
The illustrations are lovingly detailed and surprisingly expressive. It’s easy to forget that the novel contains a lot of very strong, bombastic emotions: it was written as part of the Romantics movement, after all, and they were a crowd well-known for feeling things a little intensely. I'd recommend taking one's time with each page to truly appreciate the meticulousness of Grimly's work, especially the pages dedicated to the Creature's tale, which contain no dialogue.
It has been a while since I’d read the original novel, and it was lovely to be reminded of the philosophical aspects of the story: no one has ever framed the idea of asking one’s creator about their purpose (and holding them accountable for their creation) better than Mary Shelley, and Grimly’s gorgeous and grotesque art really brings it beautifully to life.
This book could definitely appeal to people who find the style of the novel to be too ponderous to enjoy: there is plenty of text here, but the illustrations lighten it up significantly. In his afterword, Grimly theorizes that monster fans are either Dracula people or Frankenstein people; it goes without saying what camp I fall into, but he does have a point – I like my speculative fiction gritty, thought-provoking and philosophical. If you like the great Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, check this one out!
Gris Grimly has obviously thought about it a lot as well. He cares about Mrs. Shelley’s creation very deeply, and has captured it stunningly in this illustrated version of the story. Now it might sound a bit obvious, but you have to like his style in order to enjoy this, so Google extensively before you commit. I would call the art “whimsical Goth”, for lack of a better description; sort of Tim Burton-esque, but a bit darker and less cutesy. I’m quite fond of that style, having been brought up on “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, and while I had never pictured Victor and his Creature quite the way Grimly drew them, it was beautiful and unique enough for me to fall madly in love with this book.
The illustrations are lovingly detailed and surprisingly expressive. It’s easy to forget that the novel contains a lot of very strong, bombastic emotions: it was written as part of the Romantics movement, after all, and they were a crowd well-known for feeling things a little intensely. I'd recommend taking one's time with each page to truly appreciate the meticulousness of Grimly's work, especially the pages dedicated to the Creature's tale, which contain no dialogue.
It has been a while since I’d read the original novel, and it was lovely to be reminded of the philosophical aspects of the story: no one has ever framed the idea of asking one’s creator about their purpose (and holding them accountable for their creation) better than Mary Shelley, and Grimly’s gorgeous and grotesque art really brings it beautifully to life.
This book could definitely appeal to people who find the style of the novel to be too ponderous to enjoy: there is plenty of text here, but the illustrations lighten it up significantly. In his afterword, Grimly theorizes that monster fans are either Dracula people or Frankenstein people; it goes without saying what camp I fall into, but he does have a point – I like my speculative fiction gritty, thought-provoking and philosophical. If you like the great Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, check this one out!
August 26, 2016
wow. woW. WOW. I FREAKING LOVED THIS. The art was AMAZING.
October 29, 2018
"Cursed Creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?"
The classic tale of man and monster is given new life by Gris Grimly's atmospheric artwork.
The story is presented in a visually exciting style that mixes text, handwritten letters, and Grimly's eerie art. Some pages are very text-heavy, while others, including the monster's account of his dealings with the outside world feature a series of nearly wordless panels.
I found this "quiet" section of the book to be the most powerful, and also deeply moving.
Whether you've read the original story or not, this is an enjoyable rendition that will leave you wondering about the identity of the true monster.
"I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel who thou drivest from joy for no misdeed."
The classic tale of man and monster is given new life by Gris Grimly's atmospheric artwork.
The story is presented in a visually exciting style that mixes text, handwritten letters, and Grimly's eerie art. Some pages are very text-heavy, while others, including the monster's account of his dealings with the outside world feature a series of nearly wordless panels.
I found this "quiet" section of the book to be the most powerful, and also deeply moving.
Whether you've read the original story or not, this is an enjoyable rendition that will leave you wondering about the identity of the true monster.
"I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel who thou drivest from joy for no misdeed."
September 16, 2017
We've probably all seen at least one of the movies (my favorite is still Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein. Lon Chaney as the Wolfman, Bela Lugosi as Dracula and Glenn Strange as the Monster. If you haven't seen it you've missed out on great comedy. Check it out. 😊)
This book is an excellent retelling. It highlights the best parts to keep the story easy to follow. The art is great and really adds a powerful visual.
This book is an excellent retelling. It highlights the best parts to keep the story easy to follow. The art is great and really adds a powerful visual.
December 3, 2019
I love the story, hate the illustrations. They're not a style that I enjoy, so I think I'll stick to reading the original.
January 1, 2016
I tend to avoid these kinds of books but I really enjoyed it! From the moment I saw this book I knew I needed to own it.
I first read Frankenstein years ago in high school and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Reading this book reminded me of those days reading it in school. I wouldn't say you need to read the original before this but I'm glad I did. Though he does use the majority of Mary Shelley's text there are some passages just conveyed with pictures and because I have already read it I was able to think, "oh yeah, and then that happened".
Overall I think Gris Grimly did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. The pictures were creepy yet beautifully done, especially Elizabeth and the monster. There was a steampunk theme to them, which I'm not a huge steampunk fan, but it didn't bother me at all. I'm very happy with my purchase of this book and it looks gorgeous on my bookshelf!
I first read Frankenstein years ago in high school and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Reading this book reminded me of those days reading it in school. I wouldn't say you need to read the original before this but I'm glad I did. Though he does use the majority of Mary Shelley's text there are some passages just conveyed with pictures and because I have already read it I was able to think, "oh yeah, and then that happened".
Overall I think Gris Grimly did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. The pictures were creepy yet beautifully done, especially Elizabeth and the monster. There was a steampunk theme to them, which I'm not a huge steampunk fan, but it didn't bother me at all. I'm very happy with my purchase of this book and it looks gorgeous on my bookshelf!
August 17, 2023
This was the perfect combination of text and illustration. The tedious long winded writing that stopped my enjoyment of the original novel was replaced by engaging images. The atmosphere created by the original text passages and Grimly's illustrations told the story in a vivid and capturing way I missed in the full novel.
I found myself immersed in the story and world and just flew through it.
I can recommend this to fans of the novel as well as to people struggling with the full length text, or just anyone who loves to read graphic novels.
I found myself immersed in the story and world and just flew through it.
I can recommend this to fans of the novel as well as to people struggling with the full length text, or just anyone who loves to read graphic novels.
November 24, 2024
Honestly not a bad book I just hate reading for school.
December 9, 2024
I haven't read the original, so I cannot compare this to the source material. However, this was an excellent graphic novel. The art style perfectly captures this gross and macabre story, and it helped my students understand the ✨️vibes✨️ of Mary Shelley's original. I'd like to reread this once I've read the OG version, but for now I had a good time reading this one.
March 10, 2023
Wasn't sure what to expect. When I looked at it, I wasn't sure about it. But I enjoyed it.
November 12, 2013
GRAPHIC NOVEL CATEGORY
The only reason this book got an okay is because the text is Mary Shelley's. I have a lot of beef with this book, and that may be because I am a bit of a literary snob. But please, hear me out. This is a graphic representation of Shelley's classic. In case you're not familiar with the story, Viktor Frankenstein creates a living body from dead ones. He freaks out when it comes alive and runs away; the creature must fend for itself and although he isn't inherently evil, takes a bitter view on the world because of his abandonment. The creature kills, Frankenstein is upset, and ultimately Frankenstein and his creation are doomed in an icy wasteland. I hope I didn't spoil too much for you. Now, on with my critique.
I didn't expect it to have her original text, but I was rather pleased when I realized it did . . . until I saw it coupled with the illustrations. The illustrations are whimsical and ultimately grotesque. The characters are ugly, the pictures seem dirty, and there are skulls and bones everywhere. The beauty of this story, for me, was that when I read it for the first time, the characters seemed real. Although Frankenstein's creation was fantastical, the story was not. That's what grips you: the seeming reality of it all. Grimly has distorted this reality into a fantastical story, which I personally did not appreciate. I think the story lost some of it's punch, some of it's value, due to these illustrations. This is my main issue with this story, although it may not be a problem for other readers.
But who are these other readers? This is marketed as a YA lit book, but I really don't see many teens getting through it. Sure, they might do a better job than going through the original Frankenstein novel, but it's the same text. The beginning of the book starts our with the letter from Captain Walton to his sister--six pages of letters in a script font (difficult to read) that I quite frankly don't think many teens will make it through. But maybe I'm wrong, and it's just the literary snob in me that makes me really dislike this book (although I'm really not a fan of grotesque illustrations).
The only reason this book got an okay is because the text is Mary Shelley's. I have a lot of beef with this book, and that may be because I am a bit of a literary snob. But please, hear me out. This is a graphic representation of Shelley's classic. In case you're not familiar with the story, Viktor Frankenstein creates a living body from dead ones. He freaks out when it comes alive and runs away; the creature must fend for itself and although he isn't inherently evil, takes a bitter view on the world because of his abandonment. The creature kills, Frankenstein is upset, and ultimately Frankenstein and his creation are doomed in an icy wasteland. I hope I didn't spoil too much for you. Now, on with my critique.
I didn't expect it to have her original text, but I was rather pleased when I realized it did . . . until I saw it coupled with the illustrations. The illustrations are whimsical and ultimately grotesque. The characters are ugly, the pictures seem dirty, and there are skulls and bones everywhere. The beauty of this story, for me, was that when I read it for the first time, the characters seemed real. Although Frankenstein's creation was fantastical, the story was not. That's what grips you: the seeming reality of it all. Grimly has distorted this reality into a fantastical story, which I personally did not appreciate. I think the story lost some of it's punch, some of it's value, due to these illustrations. This is my main issue with this story, although it may not be a problem for other readers.
But who are these other readers? This is marketed as a YA lit book, but I really don't see many teens getting through it. Sure, they might do a better job than going through the original Frankenstein novel, but it's the same text. The beginning of the book starts our with the letter from Captain Walton to his sister--six pages of letters in a script font (difficult to read) that I quite frankly don't think many teens will make it through. But maybe I'm wrong, and it's just the literary snob in me that makes me really dislike this book (although I'm really not a fan of grotesque illustrations).
November 12, 2024
decent book, I just hate amplify.
February 10, 2021
With Mary Shelley's Frankenstein being among my favorite books of all time, do I give this an automatic 5 stars since this book contained the original text? Or do I grade this on the artwork alone since credit cannot be taken for any of the writing?
The most fair way to rate this, in my mind, is to base my rating entirely on this interpretation of the classic Frankenstein story. Which sections of text were chosen and how does it coincide with the artwork?
With that as my criteria, I give this 4 stars. All the major and significant segments of Mary Shelley's original story were used and provide a narrative that is complete on the surface but a bit hollow. Ironically, the story itself mirrors the creation of Frankenstein's creature. Large segments of the original text were pieced together and given life that is a distorted version of the original tale.
The artwork provides unique imagery. The most accurate description that comes to mind is if a Tim Burton film had steampunk elements in it. It's not my favorite interpretation of this story, but it is also not a disservice. The art style fits the portions of text it accompanies and correctly matches the mood. It evokes the same emotions and feeling as the original book but to a lesser degree.
I recommend this for anyone who read the original novel and wants a brief reminder or refresher. It's simply enjoyable.
The most fair way to rate this, in my mind, is to base my rating entirely on this interpretation of the classic Frankenstein story. Which sections of text were chosen and how does it coincide with the artwork?
With that as my criteria, I give this 4 stars. All the major and significant segments of Mary Shelley's original story were used and provide a narrative that is complete on the surface but a bit hollow. Ironically, the story itself mirrors the creation of Frankenstein's creature. Large segments of the original text were pieced together and given life that is a distorted version of the original tale.
The artwork provides unique imagery. The most accurate description that comes to mind is if a Tim Burton film had steampunk elements in it. It's not my favorite interpretation of this story, but it is also not a disservice. The art style fits the portions of text it accompanies and correctly matches the mood. It evokes the same emotions and feeling as the original book but to a lesser degree.
I recommend this for anyone who read the original novel and wants a brief reminder or refresher. It's simply enjoyable.
July 9, 2017
Fantastic rendition! Absolutely gorgeous art, and the style is just so perfect for this book. Absolutely no criticisms; amazing work.
June 10, 2025
"Cursed Creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?"
"What I ask of you is reasonable and moderate; I demand a creature of another sex, but as hideous as myself; we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another. Our lives will be harmless, and free from the misery I now feel. Oh! my creator, make me happy; do not deny me my request!"
"Wretch! It is well that you come here to whine over the desolation that you have made. You throw a torch into a pile of buildings, and when they are consumed you sit among the ruins, and lament the fall. It is not pity that you feel; you lament only because the victim of your malignity is withdrawn from your power."
I gotta confess, I've not yet read the original version of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley so this was my first go at it and I have personally loved the story. Grimly wisely preserved the story's core themes of isolation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God; while his haunting artwork wasn't my fave, which is why I have this 3 stars instead of 4, it did well in representing the horrific atmosphere of Victor Frankenstein's tragic tale.
I wouldn't mind picking up other works from Grimly though. Who knows, maybe I'll end up liking his artwork more.
"What I ask of you is reasonable and moderate; I demand a creature of another sex, but as hideous as myself; we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another. Our lives will be harmless, and free from the misery I now feel. Oh! my creator, make me happy; do not deny me my request!"
"Wretch! It is well that you come here to whine over the desolation that you have made. You throw a torch into a pile of buildings, and when they are consumed you sit among the ruins, and lament the fall. It is not pity that you feel; you lament only because the victim of your malignity is withdrawn from your power."
I gotta confess, I've not yet read the original version of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley so this was my first go at it and I have personally loved the story. Grimly wisely preserved the story's core themes of isolation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God; while his haunting artwork wasn't my fave, which is why I have this 3 stars instead of 4, it did well in representing the horrific atmosphere of Victor Frankenstein's tragic tale.
I wouldn't mind picking up other works from Grimly though. Who knows, maybe I'll end up liking his artwork more.
November 6, 2020
⁸"Potwory są naszym dziełem" Mary Shelley
Kto nie zna tragicznych losów Victora Frankensteina, który w swym zaślepieniu marzy, aby wypędzić choroby z ciała człowieka i uczynić go odpornym na wszystko?
Za tę zabawę w Boga przyszło mu zapłacić okrutną karę.
Stwór, którego stworzył stał się ofiarą jego chorych ambicji. Od swojego stwórcy nie dostał miłości i akceptacji, której szukał i pragnął w efekcie tego sieje strach, zniszczenie i śmierć.
To opowieść o nauce i moralności, miłości i stracie, nadziei i rozpaczy.
Gris Grimly to współczesny mistrz gotyckiego horroru. Od dawna jestem zachwycona jego mrocznymi i fascynującymi ilustracjami.
Adaptując oryginalny tekst Mary Shelley stworzył kompletną ilustrowaną wersję jednej z najsłynniejszych powieści gotyckich.
Coś pięknego!
Kto nie zna tragicznych losów Victora Frankensteina, który w swym zaślepieniu marzy, aby wypędzić choroby z ciała człowieka i uczynić go odpornym na wszystko?
Za tę zabawę w Boga przyszło mu zapłacić okrutną karę.
Stwór, którego stworzył stał się ofiarą jego chorych ambicji. Od swojego stwórcy nie dostał miłości i akceptacji, której szukał i pragnął w efekcie tego sieje strach, zniszczenie i śmierć.
To opowieść o nauce i moralności, miłości i stracie, nadziei i rozpaczy.
Gris Grimly to współczesny mistrz gotyckiego horroru. Od dawna jestem zachwycona jego mrocznymi i fascynującymi ilustracjami.
Adaptując oryginalny tekst Mary Shelley stworzył kompletną ilustrowaną wersję jednej z najsłynniejszych powieści gotyckich.
Coś pięknego!
February 22, 2020
The story is about Victor Frankenstein and becoming so obsessed with science that he creates a creature. After creating the creature Victor wants nothing to do with it, so he lets it run wild. During this time of being free the creature wants what everyone else has and that is love. After a failed attempt of love and acceptance the creature goes and kills Victor's youngest brother. This starts an ultimatum that the creature gives to Victor and that is to create a female for the creature. If Victor does this the two creatures will leave Europe and go to South America never to be heard of again. Will Victor end the murders by creating a female creature or does Victor have another plan?
I became wrapped up in this book the minute I picked it up. The text is assembled form the original text by Mary Shelley, so for me that made the story much more easier to follow. I didn't need to get into details that made the book better, but also longer. I liked that Gris Grimly kept true to the characters of Victor Frankenstein and the monster.
Mr. Grimly's use of steampunk graphics made the story more modern and also very bleak and barren. He kept to very neutral tones and shades of light green. When there was a glimpse of joy or happiness Mr. Grimly used colors of spring that were relaxing and joyful. The pictures were very modern and had very hard lines to them. I found them to be very appropriate to go along with the steampunk theme of an industrial era.
monsters, murder, love, family, friends Recommended Age 14-17
I became wrapped up in this book the minute I picked it up. The text is assembled form the original text by Mary Shelley, so for me that made the story much more easier to follow. I didn't need to get into details that made the book better, but also longer. I liked that Gris Grimly kept true to the characters of Victor Frankenstein and the monster.
Mr. Grimly's use of steampunk graphics made the story more modern and also very bleak and barren. He kept to very neutral tones and shades of light green. When there was a glimpse of joy or happiness Mr. Grimly used colors of spring that were relaxing and joyful. The pictures were very modern and had very hard lines to them. I found them to be very appropriate to go along with the steampunk theme of an industrial era.
monsters, murder, love, family, friends Recommended Age 14-17
December 12, 2025
Read this with my 8th graders as part of the ELA Amplify curriculum! Giving 5 stars because my students were engaged and enjoyed this graphic novel! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ And there’s truly not much more I can ask for than that lmao
November 12, 2025
Beautiful book, the art is absolutely amazing.
February 17, 2024
I love Frankenstein. This version was really fun to do with my 8th graders. They enjoyed the artwork a lot, and really ended up liking the story. Yay!
December 7, 2014
I consider myself Team Dracula (not trying to be meme-ish, just referencing Grimly's afterword), but when it came to reading both novels, both of which I believe I read on my own, not in a class, I couldn't get through Dracula. Somewhere in the middle of the umpteenth letter pledging eternal friendship to one another, I got sick of the twee and said "screw it." I ended up much preferring Frankenstein, when I got to it. Maybe Mary Shelley's writing style appeals to me more than Bram Stoker's. I somehow ended up with a small sort of pocket-book sized comic book ("Classics Illustrated" version talked about here http://finalgirl.blogspot.com/2009/12...) of Dracula years ago and found that more engaging.
My husband got me this graphic novel for my Halloween birthday as an appropriately spooky gift. I thought it would be as engaging as the Dracula one (styles VERY different). Now I have to issue a disclaimer here: I'm not immediately shocked and turned off by freaky illustrations, dark stuff, some gore, surrealist illustration, etc. And I think the illustrations are very well done, and intentionally have that Tim Burton/American McGee/Todd McFarlane vibe because let's face it, necromancy is gross. And things are ugly. It's kind of interesting that all the characters look like gothy Tim Burton characters. So good job to Grimly for getting that feeling across.
One thing that irrationally bothered me is that Frankenstein didn't seem to do that great a job of cobbling his monsters together. He has the bride almost done and I'm looking at her like, "Vic, you don't even have her leg attached all the way, she's missing a foot, WTF sloppy work dude." Granted I'm not sure how he could spend months assembling "parts" and not have those parts rot completely away by the time he wants to use them, but disbelief suspended I guess (clever, Mary Shelley, evading having to come up with HOW he did it by having him loath to tell anyone lest they follow in his footsteps).
I know all the text is from the book but I don't think it's ALL of the text from the book and maybe that's why I wasn't as jazzed about this comic as I remember being about the novel itself. I think I'll have to reread the original and see. I am interested in checking out some of Grimly's graphic-novelizations.
My husband got me this graphic novel for my Halloween birthday as an appropriately spooky gift. I thought it would be as engaging as the Dracula one (styles VERY different). Now I have to issue a disclaimer here: I'm not immediately shocked and turned off by freaky illustrations, dark stuff, some gore, surrealist illustration, etc. And I think the illustrations are very well done, and intentionally have that Tim Burton/American McGee/Todd McFarlane vibe because let's face it, necromancy is gross. And things are ugly. It's kind of interesting that all the characters look like gothy Tim Burton characters. So good job to Grimly for getting that feeling across.
One thing that irrationally bothered me is that Frankenstein didn't seem to do that great a job of cobbling his monsters together. He has the bride almost done and I'm looking at her like, "Vic, you don't even have her leg attached all the way, she's missing a foot, WTF sloppy work dude." Granted I'm not sure how he could spend months assembling "parts" and not have those parts rot completely away by the time he wants to use them, but disbelief suspended I guess (clever, Mary Shelley, evading having to come up with HOW he did it by having him loath to tell anyone lest they follow in his footsteps).
I know all the text is from the book but I don't think it's ALL of the text from the book and maybe that's why I wasn't as jazzed about this comic as I remember being about the novel itself. I think I'll have to reread the original and see. I am interested in checking out some of Grimly's graphic-novelizations.
October 29, 2015
Gris Grimly is now one of my favorite people, because his version of Frankenstein is the most incredible thing I've read this year. I read the original by Mary Shelly and, at risk of being hanged, hated it. She was to descriptive for my tastes and it took to long to get to the meat and potatoes of the story. I completly understand that she needed to describe the beauty of the Alps and that there just are not enough words to complete that task. However, for a plot driven reader like me, it's just a bunch of stuff to trudge through until I get to the story. Grimly remedied all of that and I was finally able to see the amazing story that everyone else so loved. I now proudly and with joy join the hords of Frankenstein lovers world wide. I was nearly overcome by tears at the end of the story. It made me sad and happy all at once to finish the book. The art was also just plain fantastic. I loved the tone scenes took on and thought it was prefect for the novel. I enjoyed seeing the illustrations as much as I enjoyed reading the rich language the book uses. Overall I can not say enough how in love with this book I am and I'm really upset that I borrowed a friend's copy. l now have to return it and buy my own. If you are even remotely curious about the book, read it. If you hated the original, read it. If you love every incarnation if Frankenstein, read it. If you have never encountered Frankenstein, read it. In short, read it, read it, read it, read it, read it, and for a little change of pace read it.
August 2, 2025
This was wonderful. I've read the original novel & seen various film adaptations, but I could easily set this illustrated version of the story at the top of all the rest. The images are gorgeous, a mix of gothic and steampunk. The selected text carefully moves the story along while keeping the tone of the images.
I would read this again (and again) and plan on seeking the rest of the author's work.
There's something very special about a piece that has obviously been toiled over, with tons of feelings and emotions worked into it, and the level of appreciation is also compounded from another "little weirdo who grew up in Hicksville, USA."
I would read this again (and again) and plan on seeking the rest of the author's work.
There's something very special about a piece that has obviously been toiled over, with tons of feelings and emotions worked into it, and the level of appreciation is also compounded from another "little weirdo who grew up in Hicksville, USA."
November 22, 2015
Maravillosa adaptación del libro de Mary Shelley donde de forma muy fiel se nos narra la dramática creación de uno de los monstruos más famosos de la historia.
Esta novela gráfica es una oscura recreación de la una de las historias de amor más tristes y trágicas que he leído.
Gris Grimly´s dibuja magistralmente unos personajes que rompen las páginas y las viñetas de un libro que os va a sorprender. Figuras alargadas, fondos rompedores monocromos, juego de claroscuros donde la grafía y la colocación de cada viñeta y bocadillo están seriamente estudiados...
No lo dejéis pasar y disfrutadlos tanto como yo¡¡¡
Esta novela gráfica es una oscura recreación de la una de las historias de amor más tristes y trágicas que he leído.
Gris Grimly´s dibuja magistralmente unos personajes que rompen las páginas y las viñetas de un libro que os va a sorprender. Figuras alargadas, fondos rompedores monocromos, juego de claroscuros donde la grafía y la colocación de cada viñeta y bocadillo están seriamente estudiados...
No lo dejéis pasar y disfrutadlos tanto como yo¡¡¡
December 26, 2017
DNF at Page 26.
I was expecting this to be a graphic novel interpretation, rather than an illustrated version of the story, and I don't really feel like rereading a book that I didn't care much for, even if interesting illustrations are involved.
I was expecting this to be a graphic novel interpretation, rather than an illustrated version of the story, and I don't really feel like rereading a book that I didn't care much for, even if interesting illustrations are involved.
January 30, 2023
I had to read this for school. It was not good
November 14, 2017
I feel pretty mixed about this book. It's a beautiful artifact, with lovely paper and a richness with its earth tones and scripted letters (straight from the novel, I think) and tim burton meets steampunk (?) aesthetic.
But alas, the "handwritten" scripted letters I found so difficult to read, I skipped them. And the aesthetic, though compelling in its way, didn't match the tone of the story. Or, maybe I just didn't get it. Everyone is basically ghastly and so the monster's monstrosity is matched if not exceeded by that of his human creator and company.
I know I am meant to feel compassion for the monster who is created against his will (no one exactly chooses to be born, and this becomes metaphorical on many levels) by a creator who refuses to make for him a 'helpmeet' (as if, in the garden of Eden, Adam asks for a companion and God says, 'okay' but then realizes the two might hate each other and the 'helpmeet' might be even more monstrous than that first golem created of earth. And so God does no such thing and Adam is left alone and, tormented by his loneliness and isolation, destroys all the other creatures God adores. But in this version of the myth, of course, science has rendered humans almost god-like creators. A theme that is still relevant and perhaps becomes more relevant as genetic and robotic technology grows.)
Parts of the original novel ring clearly and stand out in this adaptation--the case of Franknstein's poor judgment created by cold ambition; VF having to bear witness as others suffer the consequences of his actions and his powerlessness and inability to undo the horrors he has created (without consideration for possible outcomes); the depravity that can come from guilt and shame and loss; the profound sorrow of the outcast that can understandably turn to violence and/or illness. And the question or illusion of choice (or of having at any turn a good choice and a bad choice. For VF, at a certain point, none of his choices can be 'good' choices. And so, are they choices at all?)
this book is, like the original, a philosophically and existentially rich exploration. But I found it hard to care about the characters because the art is consistently grotesque and the characters sort of exaggerated and one-dimensional. that said, I'm glad I read it and Bernie Wrightson's older graphic adaptation from the library (an influential graphic adaptation by Wrightson, who wrote a forward to this book.)
adding this link just for fun since I came across it today http://www.jspowerhour.com/comics/57
But alas, the "handwritten" scripted letters I found so difficult to read, I skipped them. And the aesthetic, though compelling in its way, didn't match the tone of the story. Or, maybe I just didn't get it. Everyone is basically ghastly and so the monster's monstrosity is matched if not exceeded by that of his human creator and company.
I know I am meant to feel compassion for the monster who is created against his will (no one exactly chooses to be born, and this becomes metaphorical on many levels) by a creator who refuses to make for him a 'helpmeet' (as if, in the garden of Eden, Adam asks for a companion and God says, 'okay' but then realizes the two might hate each other and the 'helpmeet' might be even more monstrous than that first golem created of earth. And so God does no such thing and Adam is left alone and, tormented by his loneliness and isolation, destroys all the other creatures God adores. But in this version of the myth, of course, science has rendered humans almost god-like creators. A theme that is still relevant and perhaps becomes more relevant as genetic and robotic technology grows.)
Parts of the original novel ring clearly and stand out in this adaptation--the case of Franknstein's poor judgment created by cold ambition; VF having to bear witness as others suffer the consequences of his actions and his powerlessness and inability to undo the horrors he has created (without consideration for possible outcomes); the depravity that can come from guilt and shame and loss; the profound sorrow of the outcast that can understandably turn to violence and/or illness. And the question or illusion of choice (or of having at any turn a good choice and a bad choice. For VF, at a certain point, none of his choices can be 'good' choices. And so, are they choices at all?)
this book is, like the original, a philosophically and existentially rich exploration. But I found it hard to care about the characters because the art is consistently grotesque and the characters sort of exaggerated and one-dimensional. that said, I'm glad I read it and Bernie Wrightson's older graphic adaptation from the library (an influential graphic adaptation by Wrightson, who wrote a forward to this book.)
adding this link just for fun since I came across it today http://www.jspowerhour.com/comics/57
May 11, 2017
The story was good, but I've no idea if it was faithful to the novel or not, having read it a loooong time ago. The events unfolded nicely, with a good pace, many dramatic events and interesting ethical questions (yep, science without conscience is the ruin of your life and you'll unleash terrible things on the world). The story was presented in a good variety of formats, not always conventional in a graphic novel (letters, strips without text, full page illustrations, boxes near the text, etc) and there was a lot of text, giving the impression to read a shorter and illustrated version of the novel rather than a graphic novel. I found the read visually pleasant, and even if the artwork wasn't totally for my tastes, it perfectly conveyed the emotions, the atmosphere and the gothic side (with a touch of steampunk). The important characters were of course featured, with Frankenstein, his family, Monster, etc, each having traits that I succeeded to recognize at first glance so I suppose they came from some visual adaptation I stumbled on at some point. The choice for Monster's design was different from the usual but it really enhanced the sense of horror, which was nice and a better way to show why people were afraid of him or disgusted. I especially loved when Monster's told his debut through a story without text, it was really cute. Overall, a good pick and I think a good adaptation too, maybe easier to digest than the novel.
December 23, 2025
This was such a great adaptation! I read it for my middle school student teaching placement. The art was very rooted in steam punk and brought a lot of character to Frankenstein that I can see middle schoolers relating more to.
The story was still there, and I felt like the adaptation did a great job at making more explicit (without being too obvious) some of the events or Romantic elements that might have been harder for middle schoolers to understand or see previously.
The creature’s perspective was my absolute favorite because it was just pictures without any words, and the speech bubbles for a while were just scribbles, with a few repeated words eventually popping up in them. It was such a creative way to use the graphic novel medium to display how the creature literally couldn’t speak or understand anyone until he started reading.
I made it four instead of five stars because Walton’s letters were largely just literal letters until the end of the frame, and I was kind of hoping for more from them within a graphic novel I think. Still fantastic and excited to see what the students think!
The story was still there, and I felt like the adaptation did a great job at making more explicit (without being too obvious) some of the events or Romantic elements that might have been harder for middle schoolers to understand or see previously.
The creature’s perspective was my absolute favorite because it was just pictures without any words, and the speech bubbles for a while were just scribbles, with a few repeated words eventually popping up in them. It was such a creative way to use the graphic novel medium to display how the creature literally couldn’t speak or understand anyone until he started reading.
I made it four instead of five stars because Walton’s letters were largely just literal letters until the end of the frame, and I was kind of hoping for more from them within a graphic novel I think. Still fantastic and excited to see what the students think!
November 10, 2023
"For the first time I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were."
I bought this 8 years ago, when I first discovered Grimly as an illustrator. Since then, it has sat on my bookshelf, patiently waiting for me to pick it up. I have read Frankenstein before, and I seem to remember when I read it, that I found it sad more than anything. As with many people, the expectations that I brought to my first reading of the novel were tarnished by snippets of films that I had seen, based upon the myth. What Grimly has done with his illustrated edition, is to bring the classic horror to a new audience. His artwork perfectly compliments this Gothic tale, but if you are not familiar with his work, it may be worth you checking it out before investing in this book. As for the story itself, it is horrific and sad in equal measure. You have the horror of what Victor Frankenstein does, by bringing life to something which should not be walking this earth. You then have the horror of him rejecting his creation, and the repercussions that this brings upon those around Victor, as well as himself. This is not just a horror tale, it is horror with morals at its heart.
I bought this 8 years ago, when I first discovered Grimly as an illustrator. Since then, it has sat on my bookshelf, patiently waiting for me to pick it up. I have read Frankenstein before, and I seem to remember when I read it, that I found it sad more than anything. As with many people, the expectations that I brought to my first reading of the novel were tarnished by snippets of films that I had seen, based upon the myth. What Grimly has done with his illustrated edition, is to bring the classic horror to a new audience. His artwork perfectly compliments this Gothic tale, but if you are not familiar with his work, it may be worth you checking it out before investing in this book. As for the story itself, it is horrific and sad in equal measure. You have the horror of what Victor Frankenstein does, by bringing life to something which should not be walking this earth. You then have the horror of him rejecting his creation, and the repercussions that this brings upon those around Victor, as well as himself. This is not just a horror tale, it is horror with morals at its heart.
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