Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: A Dark Graphic Novel

Plot

This entry in the Dark Graphic Novel series is a fine addition to school and public libraries and would work well as a companion read for any curriculum that includes Shelley’s original prose novel. Illustrator Ribas’ dark, clean, German woodcut–inspired art perfectly matches the brooding tone of the original, and adapter Sierra whittles Shelley’s flowery language and dialogue into more modern, palatable, and concise fare. Although this adaptation does cut much of the original story to allow the plot to move forward more quickly and maintain good comics pacing, it leaves the meat of the story intact, helping less advanced readers understand many of the classic novel’s heralded discussion points about morality, ethics, science, birth, rebirth, death, nature versus nurture, parental responsibility, revenge, stereotypes, assumptions, and more. With its solid hardcover, strong binding, and unique artwork, this adaptation is one that students will be able to make use of for years to come. Grades 7-10. --Candice Mack