Gris Grimly's FRANKENSTEIN; Book Review

By: Gris Grimly
Assembled from the original text by Mary Shelley
Published by: Epic Reads
Released on: 8/27/13
Source: book from publisher to review
Purchase it from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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Gris Grimly's Frankenstein is a twisted, fresh, and utterly original full-length, full-color graphic-novel adaptation of Mary Shelley's original text, brought to life by acclaimed illustrator Gris Grimly.

This is the first fully illustrated version to use the original 1818 text and is destined to capture the imagination of those new to the story as well as those who know it well.

New York Times bestselling illustrator Gris Grimly has long considered Frankenstein to be one of his chief inspirations. From the bones and flesh of the original, he has cut and stitched Mary Shelley's text to his own artwork, creating something entirely new: a stunningly original remix, both classic and contemporary, sinister and seductive, heart-stopping and heartbreaking.

Perfect for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and Neil Gaiman's Coraline.

The week of Halloween is that perfect time of year to pull out old favorite reads and check out some new ones. From wolves, vampires, and monsters, there are quite a few new releases this years that fans will enjoy reading. Today's review is for a new Frankenstein read. I'm a fan of Frankenstein. Some of the YA adaptations that have come from the classic story. I love the series The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, that Kenneth Oppel has written, and I even enjoyed a recent release, Hideous Love, which is about Mary Shelley. Both of these are fabulous adaptations. When I received this book, I was intrigued by it. I've never read anything of Gris's before, but I've heard good things about his work. This book, much like any other Frankenstein story has darker undertones and great themes in it, but this particular story didn't quite make the "I loved this book" grade with me.

Here's what I did like. As I mentioned above, I liked the themes in the story, I like that Frankenstein is seen as a slightly troubled, brilliantly minded character who after making his creation feels guilty for doing so, and in turn wants nothing to do with them. I liked his so called monster, and that Frankenstein's creation was a character I felt like I understood the motives behind his actions. I also liked some of the quotes in the book, and I liked how the story wrapped up. I liked feeling as though I understood both character's choices, and at times I felt both bad and hopeful for each one during various points of the story. I loved the hideous creation was a character I felt for.

What I didn't like was how the bulk of the story was told. I enjoyed the letter writing that starts the story off, but once the story is focused on the retelling I wasn't so much of a fan of how it was done. I felt some parts were a little less organized within the structure of the story. I get that this is a graphic novel, but some of the illustrations weren't my favorite. I think graphic novel fans are really going to dig the book's artwork. Over all, and this is where my classic side comes out, I personally don't feel classic stories and graphic novel illustrations go together. But, as I said before, I think graphic novel fans will enjoy this one. Over all it just wasn't my cup of tea.