Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is one of my all time favorite stories. In many ways it’s the first monster story of its kind. Over the years there have been quite a few adaptions of the classic, and many sequels. (Bride of Frankenstein? Son of Frankenstein?) Then there’s the crossovers, such as Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman and my personal favorite, Frankenstein vs. Baragon. Indeed, there will always be a new adaption of the classic, or a story with the monster. IDW decided to go ahead and do a sequel to the original book, ever wonder what happened to the monster? The first issue was quite interesting, establishing where this guy had went and that he had been haunted by his creator. The latest issue is definitely something of a modern classic, fans of the character and original story will especially enjoy it.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

Legendary artist Bernie Wrightson returns to Frankenstein with a comic series that picks up at the end of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s classic novel, hailed as one of the greatest horror stories of all time. Frequent Wrightson collaborator Steve Niles provides the script for this epic, decades in the making. 

Unlike Mr. Hyde or Dracula, Frankenstein (to make things simpler I will refer to him as that and ‘the monster’) was a character whom the reader felt sorry for. He didn’t ask to be made with such a monstrous appearance. The sad part is that he just wants to be accepted but people just won’t accept a rather off-putting figure. You know the story. This issue starts out with the title character as a frozen mummy. He is brought to the mansion of Dr. Simon Ingles. Once he thaws out his reaction is a clever mirror to when his creator shouted, “It’s alive!” But things aren’t all bad for him, Dr. Ingles is welcoming to the giant, and the latter is eager to read all the books the Doctor has. The writing by Steve Niles is top notch, the monster’s narration is definitely something worthy of a novel from the 1800’s. What I like is how well it’s set in its time period, you can tell by the dialogue and backdrops that it’s set in old-time. While it’s generally not an exciting issue, you shouldn’t be picking it up expecting lots of action. The narration of a monster whom has finally found a genuine friend is engaging enough. Little touches such as him telling the reader how being in the chemical lab of Dr. Ingles brings back bad memories were nicely added.

Unsurprisingly, the first issue was done in black and white by artist Bernie Wrightson. It makes the comic feel old fashioned, and I mean that in a good way. Frankenstein is drawn well, full of great, detailed reactions to certain things. The cover is relating to when he becomes de-mummified, a truly retro piece. And if black and white is your thing, the RI is the same thing except in those colors.

Overall, a truly great comic for longtime fans of the monster. It’s a rather simple story about a creature whom has awakened realizing his plot to destroy himself had failed, but finding he is in good company. Of course, things just can’t work out for this guy, as you’ll see in the ending. So go ahead fans of Universal Monster movies, the book, or if you’re looking to read about Frankenstein without having read the old book, give Alive, Alive! #2 a read.

4/5