Title: Classic Comics Frankenstein

Author: Ruth A. Roche

Date of First Publication: 1945

Place of Publication: Gilberton Company, Inc

Type: Graphic Novel

Characters: Adaptation

Themes: ALL THEMES

Critical Summary: Ruth A. Roche, sometimes credited as R. A. Roche, was one of the early female pioneers in American comic books. In 1940 Roche began to work with Samuel M. “Jerry” Iger, who created, wrote and drew the syndicated newspaper comic strip, Mickey and His Gang. Eventually, she began to collaborate on and oversee multiple strips while working at the newspaper. Roche worked on an issue of Frankenstein which was written in Classics Illustrated in 1945, though the series never really picked up.

Her version follows Mary Shelley’s story, but with illustrations to accompany. Roche takes liberties with the stories plot and dialogue, not necessarily taking a strict adaptation of Shelley’s work, but for the most part Roche attempts to capture the essence of the original novel. Victor is still portrayed as a dedicated, if somewhat emotionally unaware, scientist. The Creature is still described as a rejected and scorned child, doomed to wanting to belong but being unable to. Elizabeth is still Victor’s childhood companion and ultimately his wife until she meets her untimely death. Roche’s adaptation work to highlight Shelley’s themes of the Byronic Hero and engage in conversations about what science can do versus what it should do. I am also relating this to Retro SF because of the use of technology in the graphic novel/comic.

Administrative Notes:  Annette Morrison, CSUF; Dr. David Sandner, CSUF (editing)