Noe’s Comics Nook: Manga Classics Frankenstein

Review

I’ll admit that I am often skeptical of comics adaptations of books, much the same way that I am skeptical of beloved books becoming movies. I can’t help but think “the original is already perfect, what could this possibly add,” and, depressingly often, I am proven right. With Manga Classics Frankenstein however, my skepticism was misplaced – this adaptation not only does the original justice, but it adds emotional weight to the story by making smart use of the medium.

Frankenstein is the tale of a young natural philosopher (Victor Frankenstein) who reaches beyond what man is meant to do and creates life in the form the Monster, who lives, breathes, thinks, feels – but will never be accepted by humanity. Mary Shelley’s masterpiece offers it all, from epic moral struggles to familial drama to crushing grief and loneliness (perhaps particularly relevant in our COVID-19 struggle) and provides the base for so much science fiction to come after. Linus Liu’s artwork couldn’t help but make me think of one of those modern stories – the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa. In fact, I had to pause on page 25 to make sure I hadn’t misread who the illustrator was! This comparison shouldn’t be surprising to fans of FMA, as it too is a tale of mankind reaching for power over life that we cannot have.

Manga Classics adaptation of Frankenstein is not only a perfect opportunity to revisit the story for those who’ve read it before, but is sure to introduce and endear the Monster and his machinations to new readers as well.

Elements of Story

Plot: When natural philosophy obsessed Victor Frankenstein succeeds in creating human-like life, he finds that he is horrified by his creation and abandons the Monster – something the Monster neither forgets, nor forgives.

Characters: Victor Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Monster, Elizabeth Lavenza, Henry Clerval, Alphonse Frankenstein, Robert Walton, Ernest, William, M. Krempe, M. Waldman, Felix, Agatha, De Lacey, Justine

Major Settings: Geneva, Swiss Alps, Ingolstadt, England, Scotland, The Northern Ice, Frankenstein’s Estate and Lab(s)

Themes: Science, Morality, Loneliness, Grief, Family, Ambition, Prejudice

Lesson Plan Idea Using Common Core Standards (CCS)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3 – Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Directions: Frankenstein is a complex weaving of multiple points-of-view, most importantly of Frankenstein and his Monster, and these points-of-view are directly at odds with one another for the majority of the narrative. And yet, despite their antagonistic relationship, both Frankenstein and his creation often feel similar emotions and longings.

For this assignment, students are asked to explore one of these two characters and their growth throughout the story. Describe how their interactions with their environment and with other characters led to changes in their motivations and their emotions. Direct references to not only the plot but to the visual elements of the comic that make clear, describe, or enhance the character’s mental state are required. If students have had the opportunity to experience the story in other mediums (novel, film, other comics adaptation, etc.) they are invited to compare and contrast how each medium explored the character’s motivations. Length should be between 3 and 5 typed pages.