Title: Frankenstein (Barry Moser)

Author: Mary Shelley

Date of First Publication: 1983

Place of Publication: University of California Press

Type: Graphic Novel

Characters: Adaptation

Themes: ALL THEMES

Critical Summary: Barry Moser’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein uses her original words and storyline, but he creates illustrations to go alongside of it. Though not all the scenes have dialogue, Moser conveys her ideas and story through recreating the scenes in a visual way and giving the characters more flexibility through their facial expressions. The volume is full of depictions of Victor’s lab as well as countless drawings of the Creature in various states of emotion. One thing Moser does differently than other artists is the way he focuses on the religious/spiritual aspect of the novel. In his adaptation, Moser goes into detail when describing the relationship that Victor has to the Creature and to God, he also frames the Creature in a philosophical way when equating Victor to his creator.

Since Moser attempts to illustrate a “true” adaptation, he does not change any of the major plot points in Shelley’s text. 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. Moser’s illustrations work to highlight Shelley’s themes of the Byronic Hero and engage in conversations about what science can do versus what is should do.

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