With Fanbase Press’ #StoriesMatter initiative, the staff is being challenged to look more deeply at the stories we consume to examine how they affect us personally and to pinpoint their relevance in the grander scheme of things, because, ultimately, stories do matter, and comic books continue to herald some of the best stories we have today.
As a storyteller, Mike Mignola has not only been telling stories for several decades now, but he invests his love of stories into his own worlds. His creation, Hellboy, has allowed him to explore legends, myths, and folklore – some of his own creation and some that he has enjoyed as a fan. And often, he has explored these stories with co-writer Scott Allie.
Frankenstein Undone is a Hellboy story, but it begins in the world of Mary Shelley. I remember the first time I read Frankenstein just like I remember the first time I read Hellboy. Mary Shelley challenged the reader to look at what it means to be human and where the line exists that sits between humanity and being a monster. Mignola has been exploring that theme with the character of Hellboy for some time now, so it’s only fitting that Frankenstein has been part of the Hellboy universe.
This first issue follows the monster from the end of Shelley’s story, using the poetry she wrote, drawing us in again to the monster’s struggle and loneliness. The poetic nature of her words carries into the poetic imagery of Ben Stenbeck’s artwork, and we see how Frankenstein has become a part of the Hellboy-verse.
Both Shelley’s and Mignola’s work have had a pretty big impact on me. Spending much of my youth feeling like an outcast and looked at by other school children as though I didn’t belong, Shelley’s world and words were riveting. Mignola’s work has taken it a step further and doesn’t just explore what it means to be a human and a monster, but also, what it means to be a hero.
So, yeah, Mignola dealing with Frankenstein: Count me in 100%.
Creative Team: Mike Mignola and Scott Allie (writers), Ben Stenbeck (art), Brennan Wagner (colords), Clem Robins (letters), Katii O’Brien (editor), Jenny Blenk (assistant editor)
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
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