Gris Grimly's Frankenstein

Gris Grimly’s Frankenstein is a graphic novel adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel Frankenstein. It is illustrated by Gris Grimly, whose adaptations of classic literature are known for their detailed and emotive artistic style, as well as a dark and often gothic approach to art and literature. Gris Grimly’s Frankenstein was originally published in 2013 and is an examination of The Need for Purpose that defines being human, as well as The Cost of Unthinking Ambition that can result from this need. Frankenstein’s personal decline demonstrates How Misery Makes a Monster and why Taking Responsibility for One’s Choices is essential to living a moral life.

This guide is based on the 2013 Balzer + Bray paperback edition of the graphic novel.

Plot Summary

An explorer named Walton writes home to his sister, Margaret, in England as he and his crew board a vessel and set off to see the North Pole. Walton hopes to be the first to step on new land and to make grand discoveries. Along the way, he and his crew spot a gigantic man riding a sled being pulled by dogs; soon after, they find another man alone on the ice.