How the Frankenstein Story Has Come Alive Over the Years

In 1818, Mary Shelley wrote perhaps the greatest gothic novel of all time. Yes, we’re talking about Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. In the book, Shelley explores love, horror, science, and death. Most famously, the book explores the creation of life itself.

Did you know that there were adaptations even within Shelley’s lifetime? Yes, there were plays, novels, and more! Now, over two hundred years later, we’ve compiled a thrilling list of interesting versions of this classic horror story. After all, Frankenstein is now public domain, leading to a wide variety of stories about Frankenstein and his monster — including Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming film.

Before we begin, one thing to note is that Shelley never actually gives Victor Frankenstein’s creation a name. Instead, she opted for the use of words like, “monster,” “creature,” “daemon,” or “fiend.” This article will refer to the creation using the same terms.

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Frankenstein in Theatre

First up, Peggy Webling wrote one of the most popular play adaptations of Frankenstein. Interestingly, this play was the first time that Victor Frankenstein and the daemon were referred to by the same name. After all, is Victor not the father? Furthermore, the novel already juxtaposes the different characters, showing how the so-called “daemon” is actually kind and gentle. Alternatively, Victor himself is cruel and spiteful. Most intriguing, perhaps, is that this play is the very play that inspired James Whale’s 1931 Universal film. That film certainly left its lasting mark by popularizing two essential aspects of the monster’s image.

First, the bolts in the neck. Second, the electric shock that brings him to life. In the novel, the monster is brought to life through unique chemical experimentation. Now, we imagine electricity or a lightning strike! Well, in the film, this electrical magic was engineered by Kenneth Strickfaden. And, interestingly, he may have used one of Nikolai Tesla’s original Tesla coils for the project! That said, none of this would have been possible without the innovations from the play. Truly, Weblings’ visual and dramatic depiction of the story is what really solidified the monster icon as we know him today.

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Frankenstein in Movies

And now, let’s pull back the curtain and start rolling the camera! True, there are many iconic Frankenstein films. In fact, it was films that saw the introduction of the Bride of Frankenstein, who is just as iconic as the monster himself. That said, despite popular adaptations like Young Frankenstein or The Bride of Frankenstein, there are some stories that capture the essence much better. In fact, there’s no film that understands the themes better than The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

The story explores the hysteria surrounding new technology and new (electric) waves of thought. It shows a man desperate for love. And of course, it shows the creation of life! Now, ask yourself, did we describe Frankenstein or Rocky Horror? That’s right! It’s both. Remember, in the novel, the monster immediately demands a partner. Mary Shelley very clearly explores how we all long to be loved and accepted. In the film, Doctor Frank N. Furter created Rocky, a powerful beast with insatiable desire. Look closely, and you’ll see all the similarities. Really, it’s not just on the screen, but also in real life! Frankenstein inspires people to dress up and sing, and so does Rocky Horror!

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Frankenstein in Comics

Well, it wouldn’t be long before the daemon appeared in comic books. Naturally, there were quite a few horror comics that featured the monster. Still, with so many different versions going around, very few of them stuck. Really, it would take a while before any one comic book company got it just right.

In time, however, there would be one adaptation that stuck around. DC Comics released a story called The Creature Commandos. Admittedly, there have been many different versions. However, nearly every version features an adaptation of Frankenstein’s monster. We’re pretty excited to see James Gunn’s upcoming animated series for the new DCU. And we even know that David Harbour (Stranger Things) is set to voice Eric Frankenstein himself!

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Frankenstein in Games

Now, there have been an unbelievable amount of video game versions of Frankenstein’s monster. Unsurprisingly, very few of them are particularly accurate. Instead, they opt for a green, Boris Karloff-inspired villain when, in fact, the so-called “fiend” is intelligent and thoughtful. While there is an extremely famous depiction of Frankenstein’s monster in the Castlevania series, another stands out. The very best game adaptation comes from author Rod Pike and designer Jared Derrett in their text-based game Frankenstein.

Rod Pike emulates the style of Mary Shelley better than anyone else — just check the manual. Certainly, his prose and story lend themselves to further exploration of the novel’s themes. But where he really shines is in his depiction of the mind of Victor Frankenstein himself. Finally, we understand that the threat of Frankenstein’s monster comes from the vile hatred and fear of Victor himself. Honestly, the terror and impact of Victor Frankenstein’s actions are apparent from the very start of the game. With that dynamic, this text-based game captures Frankenstein in a way that no other game has achieved … though there have been quite a few point-and-clicks and platformers that tried.

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Frankenstein in Art

Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about an artistic adaptation. Once again, this really is one of the best adaptations of Frankenstein’s monster. Or, in this case, we have the Bride of Frankenstein. The Frankie Reborn Statue from Sideshow was designed by Olivia de Berardinis, sculpted by Martin Meunier, and painted by Kat Sapene. It is the three-dimensional version of Olivia de Berardinis’ original design.

This piece grapples with the themes of the novel in a way that few people recognize. In the book, Victor specifically chooses beautiful parts to make the creature. He is designed to be beautiful, and he is! And yet somehow, he is detested and rejected. This pinup depiction of “Frankie” explores that same beauty, contrasting life itself with harsh machinery. Even the binding of the feet in tall heels exemplifies the pressure from society’s expectations of beauty balanced with Frankie’s undeniable power!

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So then, who actually is the monster in this story? Is it Victor Frankenstein or his beautiful creation? Or, could it be us, the viewer and voyeur, who would watch such horrors in silence and complacency?

Perhaps those questions are a touch too much. Instead, tell us which depictions of Frankenstein’s monster you like most! Share all your thoughts with us at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup — and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!