UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: FRANKENSTEIN #2 – New Comic Review

UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: FRANKENSTEIN #2, by Image Comics & Skybound on 9/25/24, shocks Elizabeth and Henry’s colleagues with the realization of what he’s created. Meanwhile, Fritz’s insecurity turns deadly.

Credits:

• Writer: Michael Walsh
• Artist: Michael Walsh
• Colorist: Toni-Marie Griffin
• Letterer: Becca Carey
• Cover Artist: Michael Walsh (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: September 25, 2024
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 36
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

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Analysis of UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: FRANKENSTEIN #2:

First Impressions:

This is the issue we’ve been waiting for. Creator Michael Walsh adds to the retelling of Universal’s version of the classic monster tale by figuring out a clever way to explain the monster’s behavior… from a certain point of view. So far, the broad strokes still follow the original film, but Walsh finds the story within the story to give the tale new life.

Plot Analysis:

Previously, in Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1, a young boy left orphaned by the death of his father secretly followed Dr. Frankenstein to his laboratory after the infamous scientist dug up the grave of the boy’s father for the fresh corpse. When the boy witnessed Frankenstein’s experiments, he was hopeful his father could be resurrected but was shocked and angered when only his father’s hands were used in the monster’s creation. Before the boy could exact revenge, he was pulled aside by Fritz for an education.

In Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #2, we begin with a prologue that shows a murderous robber standing over his latest victim. When he’s surprised by a policeman, the chase begins through the alleys and abandoned hovels. The policeman corners the robber but is mortally stabbed in the scuffle. Fearing his death is near, the policeman throws his lantern at the robber, setting him on fire, as the two crash through a window to the street below. The dead robber’s brain, recalling searing flames moments before death, eventually finds its way to a specimen jar marked “Abnormal.”

If you know, you know. Michael Walsh creates a gripping backstory to explain the origin of the abnormal brain used in the monster’s creation and, as we’ll soon see, how that backstory motivates the monster’s actions. This is the kind of cleverness we want to see out of all Universal Monster adaptations.

The story returns to the point just after the monster’s “birth.” Henry is almost hysterical from the success of his experiment, but his colleagues are gravely concerned. When Fritz stops examination of the creature without Henry’s permission, he’s chastised by the scientists present for his incompetence. Later, Fritz blames himself for obtaining an abnormal brain and beats the creature to force its obedience.

The preceding scenes and several that come after add depth to Fritz’s origin as a brutish helper who appreciates Henry’s help, but he acts out with primitive violence when he feels his new station in life is threatened. Walsh doesn’t make Fritz a more complex man, but he provides nuance and depth that makes Fritz a more believable character.

The comic jumps again further to the cliffhanger from the previous issue. Fritz manhandles the boy into a locked room to prevent the boy from harming Dr. Frankenstein. The boy tries to scale down the rough wall outside the room’s only window, but he loses his grip and falls to the window ledge further down. When Fritz returns to the room, he sees the open window. The boy is gone.

The last issue cliffhanger could have been interpreted in multiple ways, but this scene clarifies Fritz will go to any lengths to protect Frankenstein. His desire to never become homeless and destitute again creates a form of idol worship in the doctor that verges on zealotry.

Later, Fritz visits the monster in his cell in response to the clanging of chains from the monster’s restraints. Again, Fritz tries to beat the monster to force obedience, using a fiery torch this time. Something triggers a frantic reaction from the monster at the sight of the fire, causing it to fly into a rage. Fritz does not survive the backlash.

The issue ends with a gruesome warning, a long carriage ride, and a stowaway.

Overall, Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #2 is a prime example of what we wanted out of these adaptations – cool art, respect for the source material, and new ideas that are additive to the original. The only drawback to Walsh’s script is the “jumpiness” of the flow of scenes and timeline, but that criticism is a minor flaw.

Artwork and Presentation:

Michael Walsh pulls double duty on writing and art, so it’s no surprise that the vision of the story matches the script perfectly. Walsh makes excellent use of shadows and silhouettes to homage to the B&W original within a color comic and adds tons of dramatic impact with the panel framing.

Art Samples:

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The Bigger Picture:

Historical Context:

If you’re a lover of horror films, you may notice that no other interpretation of Frankenstein’s monster on film is depicted with the classic flat head and neck bolts. That’s because the monster design in the Universal film is trademarked specifically as a unique creation. If you want to print or film any depiction of the monster that looks like the Universal design, it will cost you.

Final Thoughts:

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UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: FRANKENSTEIN #2 builds and improves on issue #1 by providing backstory on key points to the film that make Universal’s classic horror tale richer. Michael Walsh, despite some oddities in the scene progression, nails the concept for the strongest Universal Monsters adaptation yet from Skybound.

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