UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: FRANKENSTEIN REVIEW: MICHAEL WALSH BRINGS CLASSIC MONSTER TO LIFE

Written By Rayhan Bengougou

Michael Walsh gives a fresh spin to the iconic creature, set within the same framework as the 1931 Universal film. Artwork by Rayhan Bengougou.

Ever since Skybound teamed up with Universal Monsters and relaunched their most iconic creatures, taking them from the silver screen to the vibrant pages of comics to mixed results. Dracula was a gothic and beautiful splash of blood and terror that emulated the darkness of the original film really well, while Creature of the Black Lagoon Lives was a disappointingly executed mess. 

However, when it was announced that Michael Walsh was going to take on Mary Shelly's iconic monster and give it his own unique perspective, a part of me was cautiously excited for it. After all the original 1931 movie starring Boris Karloff is one of my favorite films of all time and a staple of the horror genre.  

It's Alive...It's Alive...IT'S ALIVE!. Image by Rayhan Bengougou

After its announcement in early March in 2024 and after four issues full of monster mayhem, I am happy to say that Frankenstein is a brilliant read, that honor's the dark beauty of the original and looks upon the idea of humanity and the risk of playing God. 

This newer retelling of Frankenstein proves to be a refreshing experience that offers plenty of unique and interesting ideas to the table while also paying homage to the original Universal picture that spawned an entire genre.  

Michael Walsh (The Silver Coin, Creepshow) brings a layer of raw style and storytelling that shines through four mesmerizing comic book issues, bringing along his gorgeous artwork that gives the world of Frankenstein so much depth and soul.  

This rings especially true with the characters of the book. Frankenstein's monster never felt so alive and full of emotion. The way Walsh uses heavy inking in his work, pairs fantastically with the vibrant colours gives Henry Frankenstein's creation a complex addition of terror and sadness. The same goes for Henry Frankenstein himself who also is given tremendous characterization thanks to the artwork. The art style gives him a madness that is synonymous with the original source material and pays it with the upmost respect. 

The beautiful romanticism of the book, paired with the stunning artwork by Michael Walsh. Image by Rayhan Bengougou

One newer idea I also loved from this version of the tale is the way it breaks down the little pieces of the monster's creation and what makes it tick, resulting in a horrific creation process that is one half heartbreaking and cruel. All of these little additions to the Universal Monsters' catalogue feel fresh and add a bit of flavor to the character of the monster and make him seem more broken down and complex. 

The story is mostly the same as the 1931 film with some minor alterations to entice fans of the original, and for the most part it works well and manages to stay afloat, even if at times a bit too fast for my liking. 

At times while the story may be captivating, it does at times struggle to maintain it's freshness and turns into a remake of the film, which in turn isn't a bad thing at all, but it means that the ordinality fades after a bit and by the end of the final issue you feel wondering if that was it.

But I still believe that it lasts just long enough to really make you enjoy this classic tale come to life and feel different to what came before.

Overall, Skybound's and Michael Walsh's Frankenstein is a hit in the new Universal Monsters' line and does so much right that it feel whole and complete by the time you start and finish reading it. It's helped tremendously by some hauntingly beautiful artwork by Walsh which gives the world of Mary Shelly's creation a sense of darkness and evil that made it popular in the first place.

All four issue of the book featuring some haunting artwork that together create an unforgettable experience. Image by Rayhan Bengougou

Rating:

8/10

Featured Image by Rayhan Bengougou