Frankenstein Undone #1 (Review)
FRANKENSTEIN UNDONE #1
Writers: Mike Mignola & Scott Allie
Artist: Ben Stenbeck
Colorist: Brennan Wagner
Letterer: Clem Robins
Publisher: Dark Horse
Rating: 8.5/10
Mike Mignola + Frankenstein, I was sold immediately. While I wasn't aware that Mignola had introduced the character into the Hellboy universe with Hellboy: House of the Living Dead and I haven't read the previous series Frankenstein Underground, I knew I had to give this book a shot. I've been meaning to read more of the "Mignolaverse" books, as I've mainly stuck to the Hellboy, because I know there's so much great stories to be read. Well I'm a huge Frankenstein fan so I figured what better time than now to start doing it. The great thing about this issue, is that you don't have to have read the prior book, it's super accessible.
The book starts off with Frankenstein in a self imposed exile in the Arctic. Apparently in the last book he got revenge on all of those who had done him harm, including his father/maker. But Frankenstein is a creature that is so poetic in the way he comes across, that you can't help but sympathize with him. He feels remorse and regret for the things he has done and thus has exiled himself. But what he ends up finding is a new family, in the form of a polar bear and her cubs. The next few pages were wordless and let artist Ben Stenbeck do all the heavy lifting. He proceeded to show us just how human this "monster could be. The landscape lends itself perfectly to the coldness of Frankenstein's despair.
After his ne family is attacked by some sort of yeti, he lashes out to protect them. But he's soundly defeated before waking up in the cave of some elderly man. The man proceeds to nurse Frank back to health, even though Frank thinks he's undeserving. It's here that we learn the extent of why Frankenstein exiled himself. As he tells the story, he learns that Arobas, the old man, is actually the yeti. But he also helps Frank realize that he's more human than he thinks and it sets up what is sure to be a redemption story for Frank.
Overall, Mignola and Allie have captured my attention with this new spin on a classic character. I will definitely be seeking out the previous story to learn more about their new take on Frankenstein. Stenbeck's art was beautiful and definitely evokes a feeling of Mignola's art but still unique all it's own. If this is any indication of what I can expect from the rest of the Mignolaverse spin offs, then my wallet is about to get way lighter, because this book leaves you wanting more. This is the perfect book for all of you Hellboy fans out there.