| abstract
| - Grimly’s vision of Frankenstein is part Steampunk part Gothic. He includes little details like skull centered flowers and cross bone butterflies mixed with innovative machinery such as guns and cars, creating a distinctive world for Frankenstein. The novel follows the pattern of the original text quite closely, however Grimly follows no consistent formula in creating his pages. The graphic novel mirrors the novel's three volumes. Grimly begins with several pages of beautiful letters written by R. Walton to his sister back home. His decision to begin the graphic novel this way is bold as it means the first few pages are very text heavy. However for those who love the frame narrative from the original text including these letters is a real treat. This portion of the original is seldom seen in adaptations. Grimly takes great care to make the pages striking as well as authentic. The things that Grimly includes by staying close to the original narrative add layers to the confusing man he becomes. While the way his parents came to be married may seem inconsequential it is another instance where a woman relies on a man which recurs later. This is perhaps one of earlier stories of death that Frankenstein heard as a child. Grimly also includes Frankenstein’s frustration at his father’s brushing off of the texts he finds interesting. This one moment is the catalyst that begins Frankenstein’s journey into the science of life and death. For his father it is clear he only means to inform Frankenstein of the truth, but for Frankenstein he sees his father’s flippancy as ignorance and becomes all the more intense. Grimly’s drawing of Frankenstein as he hardens at his father’s words is the first instance of a grim frown on Frankenstein’s face. These many little details bind together Frankenstein’s history in science and death. Grimly has his own style for drawing people which fits well with the dark and ominous aspects of the story. He takes great care to draw Justine in a very traditional way. The panel featuring her sleeping form, as The Creature frames her for the murder of William, is perhaps the most classically beautiful portrait of the entire novel. Volume One ends with the execution of Justine. Volume Two focuses primarily on the Creature. Grimly gives The Creature plenty of space to share his journey. He begins this part of the story, told from The Creature’s prospective, with six words. Throughout the following pages the panels depict The Creature’s early education, beginning in stark black and white. During these pages The Creature is almost child-like as he learns what to eat, how to stay warm, and how cruel humans can be. Perhaps the most touching sections come during his time observing the De Lacey family. The panels, which are now pale sepia, illustrate The Creature’s education on family, language, and community. The panels become rich sepia with some color as The Creature learns to read. Grimly begins to illustrate The Creature with more detail as he learns of his own making and his creators feelings about him. The end of this section shows a very different Creature as he finishes his tale with the failed attempt at interaction with the De Lacey’s. Volume Three contains the few bright moments left for Frankenstein before The Creature takes it all away. This section holds the best and worst of Frankenstein's life. Here color is scarce, but plays an important role. One of the most colorful and pure image is a full page of Cherval's grinning form. His bright red coat is the only bright color used. This stands in contrast to his version of how Frankenstein is able to harness life with this green liquid used to connect the monster together. His treatment of The Creature and hid would-be-bride depict a distinct similarity to human form while maintaining the “other” qualities as well. Grimly wraps up his novel by intertwining Walton’s letters with panels in the last few pages. Here we see the end of Frankenstein and experience the affects his death has on The Creature. The last image of The Creature carrying Frankenstein out into the icy abyss is haunting.
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