Universal Monsters: Frankenstein

No movie makeup will ever become as iconic as the monsters Jack Pierce created for Universal. Thanks to Pierce and the legendary (but often uncomfortable) actors who endured his applications, including Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney Jr., Universal’s Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolf Man, and Mummy became the ultimate gateway drugs for the horror genre. Image Comics has re-imagined several classic Universal Monster movies, illuminating hidden dramas and depicting beloved scenes from different perspectives, including Michael Walsh’s Universal Monsters: Frankenstein, illustrated by Toni Marie Griffin, which releases this Tuesday in a hardcover bind-up of issues 1-4.

The death of poor Paul’s left him an inconsolable orphan. Watching Dr. Frankenstein and his hunchback assistant Fritz plunder his father’s grave left him angry—angry enough to stowaway on their horse-drawn hearse back to Frankenstein’s castle-laboratory.

Throughout Walsh’s companion-alternate narrative, Paul watches the events of the beloved film unfold. Initially, the monster horrifies him, but Paul eventually recognizes the miserable creation is a victim, just like he is. However, Elizabeth Lavenza, Henry Frankenstein’s childhood friend and fiancée, tries to protect Paul and show him compassion, even though the crusty old Baron only sees a street urchin.

Walsh nicely fleshes out Lavenza’s character, while leaning into the Monster’s pathos. Telling the story from Paul’s perspective heightens the tragic vibe, which is very definitely in keeping with the tone of the vintage Universal films. If any character suffers from Walsh’s treatment, it would  be Henry Frankenstein, who is defined here by his hubris (which is fair enough, considering he makes the exact same mistakes all over again in Bride of Frankenstein).

Griffin’s art shows a love for the Pierce makeup and the wonderfully moody visuals of James Whale’s original film. As a purist, black-and-white would have been absolutely perfect, but her art still looks suitably noir in color (which was probably much more commercial).

Regardless, Universal Monsters: Frankenstein was clearly made by fans, for fans. After reading it, you will be able to imagine Paul peaking around corners the next time you watch Whale’s film. Very highly recommended, the hardcover edition of Universal Monsters: Frankenstein goes on-sale this Tuesday (4/8) at book comic retailers.