A forthcoming Universal Monsters: Frankenstein series updates the classic tale from a shocking point of view. Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment recently teamed with Universal Pictures for a new line of titles based on the beloved Universal Monsters franchise. These comics are aimed at introducing these icons to a new generation through fresh and reverent takes, and their latest offering, Frankenstein, will debut later this summer.
As reported on AIPT, Universal Monsters: Frankenstein, which will be written and drawn by Michael Walsh, will debut later this year, and present a unique perspective on Frankenstein and his iconic monster. In many adaptations, where Doctor Frankenstein got the body parts from is never dwelt on. Image and Skybound’s Universal Monsters: Frankenstein begins with the Doctor robbing the grave of a deceased police officer, seeking a corpse with strong hands.
Unbeknownst to the Doctor, the officer had a son–who, according to Image/Skybound’s press release: “forever changed Frankenstein’s life.”
Image and Skybound Are Bringing Frankenstein into the 21st Century
Frankenstein and His Monster Are Literary and Cinematic Icons
Michael Walsh’s Universal Monsters: Frankenstein is the third entry in Skybound and Image’s Universal Monsters line, which kicked off last year with Dracula by James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds. The line will expand this spring with Creature From the Black Lagoon Lives, by Ram V, Dan Watters and Matthew Roberts. Tynion and Simmonds’ Dracula was a hit with fans and critics, who praised it for simultaneously honoring the spirit of Tod Browning’s 1931 film while also providing a fresh take on the material.
Given the longevity of the Universal Monsters franchise, finding new and clever takes on the characters can be tricky. The original films helped lay the foundations for modern horror cinema, making these characters beloved the world over. Universal has tried multiple times to reboot their Monsters characters, most notably with The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise, in 2017. This attempt was met with critical derision and a disappointing box-office performance. The movie was an attempt to start a “Universal Monsters Cinematic Universe,” but the idea died with the movie’s low ticket sales.
Junji Ito’s Frankenstein Makes the Classic More Horrific With One Twist
Junji Ito’s manga adaptation of Frankenstein contains one devastating twist that enhances the themes of Mary Shelley’s horror classic.
Image and Skybound’s New Frankenstein Has All the Makings of a Massive Hit
Michael Walsh Has Picked a Unique POV For the Book
While these reboots have failed to connect with audiences, Image and Skybound’s new Universal Monsters comics are doing a wonderful job of bringing these icons into the 21st century, and Universal Monsters: Frankenstein will keep this trend going. By situating the action around the body Doctor Frankenstein is stealing, Walsh is adding another perspective to the story, one absent in many adaptations. Focusing on the human side of the story gives fans a fresh look at this horror icon that has terrified audiences for over 90 years.
Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1 is on sale August 28 from Image Comics!
