Title: Frankenstein (Bernie Wrightson)

Author: Mary Shelley

Date of First Publication: November 1, 1983

Place of Publication: Dodd, Mead and Company

Type: Graphic Novel

Characters: Adaptation

Themes: ALL THEMES

Critical Summary: Bernie Wrightson’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein uses her original words and storyline but illustrated. Though not all the scenes have dialogue, Wrightson conveys her ideas and story through hyper-detailed pen and ink illustrations. The volume is full of depictions of Victor’s lab, a huge centerpiece for Wrightson’s work, as well as countless drawings of the Creature in various states of emotion. Wrightson wanted to capture the essence of Shelley’s novel in a visual way. He worked on the volume for about seven years in between projects. The drawings are a collection that detail Shelley’s novel from beginning to end.

Since Wrightson tried 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. Wrightson’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)