'Frankenstein Undone' #1 finally explains why the monster is known by his creator's name
This article contains spoilers for 'Frankenstein Undone' #1 by Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, Ben Stenbeck, and Brennan Wagner
'Hellboy' writer Mike Mignola's prequel to his hit series 'Frankenstein Underground' is finally here and it is... pretty quiet. Not that it's a bad story. In fact, it's actually really good — but it is a slow burner and the actual plot is only just beginning to take form.
'Frankenstein Undone' #1 picks up right after the end of Mary Shelley's original 'Frankenstein's Monster' novella and deposits the titular character at the fringes of the Mignolaverse. With mentions of the secret fire and what we are assuming are Hyperboreans, there are a few elements from 'Frankenstein Underground' that pop up towards the end.
Ben Stenbeck has beautifully illustrated the issue in his trademark style, capturing emotion and beauty with understated lines that still speak volumes. Stenbeck's artwork is supplemented by Brennan Wagner's coloring, which takes the bleak arctic landscape and transforms it into a beautiful world of ice.
Of course, our biggest highlight from the issue was the fact that it finally explained why the monster is known by his creator's name. Basically, the monster makes a new frenemy who suggests that he take the name of his "father" as his own, as is the tradition in a lot of human cultures.
So yes, as it stands, 'Frankenstein Undone' looks like it is going to be a really good read and the fact that Mignola and Allie are taking their time with the story is hardly a negative. But as far as the first issue is concerned, its biggest contribution is giving us the license to call the monster 'Frankenstein' without being corrected by annoying literature nerds who delight in pointing out that "Frankenstein is the scientist".
'Frankenstein Undone' #2 is scheduled to be released on February 26.
