Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1
Review
Writer: Michael Walsh
Artist: Michael Walsh
Publisher: Skybound
Release Date: August 28, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Michael Walsh brings new life to one of cinema's most iconic monsters with a haunting story that's terrifying and emotionally gripping. This debut issue sets the stage for a unique take on the Frankenstein mythos that horror fans won't want to miss.
Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1
ReviewWriter: Michael Walsh
Artist: Michael Walsh
Publisher: Skybound
Release Date: August 28, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Michael Walsh brings new life to one of cinema's most iconic monsters with a haunting story that's terrifying and emotionally gripping. This debut issue sets the stage for a unique take on the Frankenstein mythos that horror fans won't want to miss.
In case you haven't been paying attention, Skybound has been doing some very cool stuff with Universal Studio's pantheon of iconic movie monsters. Starting with Dracula and then The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the publisher has revived these fan-favorite monsters with the help of some of the best comic book creators in the industry today. Next in line to come back from the dead is Frankenstein. From the creative mind of acclaimed cartoonist Michael Walsh comes a fresh take on the big green brute. Filled with horror, tension, and intrigue, this first issue in the new miniseries has all the parts to be a modern classic.
Keep on reading for my review of Skybound’s Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1!
Overview of Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1
A young boy mourns the passing of his father. But one night, the boy catches a pair of grave robbers taking pieces of his father's corpse straight from the casket. The boy follows them back to their lair and finds them performing an ungodly experiment. The scientist is Dr. Henry Frankenstein, who dreams of creating life from death. However, the young boy dreams of enacting revenge after seeing the men desecrate the body of his beloved father.
Image: Image Comics
Review
The art in this first issue of Frankenstein is nothing short of incredible. Michael Walsh kills it, bringing his passion for horror to every panel. In the afterword of this first issue, Walsh even talks about how much he loves drawing horror, and it shows. The comic is filled with ominously frightening moments that effectively use dark shadows to ratchet up the tension. There is a constant and palpable eeriness to the comic that makes it such a captivating read from start to finish. The issue’s final scene is particularly haunting and makes for a great cliffhanger to hook you in for the rest of the series.
Beyond Walsh’s incredible illustration work, Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1 packs plenty of artistic elements that push the horror over the top. Toni-Marie Griffin's coloring is breathtaking throughout this killer first issue. I was blown away by how the comic uses a rich color palette to dictate the story’s mood. From somber purples accenting the young boy's grief to the striking green glow of Dr. Frankenstein's lab, there is always a sharp look to every scene in this haunting first issue. Letterer Becca Carey also excels in elevating the comic's more impactful moments, even making an iconic line from the classic film hit so much harder.
Image: Image ComicsSpeaking of the classic film, I adore the angle this comic is taking on the Frankenstein story. While I may not be so well-versed in Frankenstein lore, I find it incredibly interesting to explore the iconic monster through the lens of a frightened young boy. The moment the boy finally comes face to face with the monster is absolutely chilling. But at the same time, you sense the connection between the two characters. Having the story’s focal point be someone related to one of the parts that make up Frankenstein’s monster is a very clever touch, as it opens the door for a very emotionally gripping story to unfold. From the short interaction this issue shows of the boy and the monster, I’m interested to see how their stories and relationships grow as the series continues.
Image: Image Comics
Final Thoughts
Among what I've read from Skybound's Universal Monsters line, Frankenstein is now easily my favorite of the bunch. Michael Walsh's art beautifully brings to life a haunting horror story with plenty of heart and soul. This debut issue does a fantastic job of introducing the comic's unique perspective on the classic monster. Fans of horror comics or the Universal Monsters should check this out, as it’s an absolute must-read. Skybound continues breathing new life into these classic characters, and Frankenstein might be their best effort yet.
Why You Should Read Universal Monsters: Frankenstein
- The premise delivers a unique take on one of cinema's most iconic monsters.
- Michael Walsh's art brings to life a terrifying story filled with all kinds of monsters.
- The coloring by Toni-Marie Griffin elevates the horror vibes of an already terrifying story.