Graphic Novels Reviews: Frankenstein Or The Modern Prometheus (Brigit Viney)

 

Introduction

In the cover we see the creature under a torrential rain, with a mighty lightning bolt that strikes the ground.

The creature is very angry about what happened to him. The creature is shouting his anger on the edge of a cliff.

This graphic novel is rich in content.

In the first pages there is the list of the characters and their faces, then there are three volumes. At the end there is a glossary (it is intended for English students), a brief biography of Mary Shelley, the characters summary, Frankenstein content and plot, notes.

It is accompanied with two CD roms where the text is read and some background noise.

Incipit

In the first picture there is a sailing ship that has just left the port. The sea is stormy. The captain is proud to go to the North Pole and shares this with his sister through a lovingly written letters.

Plot

The story begins with the ship setting sail for the North Pole and the discovery of Victor Frankenstein, half-frozen on the ground.

Each page has a black background to highlight the characters' faces.

Victor Frankenstein is very engaged in graphic design in the middle of a library, where he seems to be absorbing all the knowledge needed to create life.

Immediately afterward, we have a panel with a tree torn apart by lightning, which has sparked his interest in electricity.

A few panels later, we see the creature freeing itself from its chains in front of his tiny creator.

The panels illustrating the creature's encounter with the blind man highlight the creature's humanity and the physical size, which inspire terror.

Then, immediately, a contrast is emphasized by the color of the background and that of the panel, when the creature frames a woman for the murder of Frankenstein's child.

Here comes the dilemma for Victor Frankenstein: should he create another creature? The drawings reveal his state of mind.

During the wedding, Victor Frankenstein finds his beloved Elizabeth lying on their marital bed, disfigured by the creature's violence.

At the end, we see the creature flying and engulfed in flames, declaring that only death will free him from his unhappiness.