Bibliographic Information:
Genco, E. (2008). Frankenstein. Minnesota: Magic Wagon. ISBN# 9781602700598
Plot Summary:
This is a graphic novel version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The story starts with the captain of a ship writing a letter to his sister. In it he describes a man whom they found floating on the ice, practically dead. They rescue him. As his health slightly improves he tells them a story. He states that his name is Victor Frankenstein from the well-known Frankenstein family. His family traveled a lot when he was a child. His mother had been poor prior to marrying and therefore helped as many of the poor as she could no matter where they traveled. At the home of one poor family, his mother, always wanting a daughter, falls in love with their youngest daughter, Elizabeth. Victor’s family adopts her. Victor adores his new sister. He also loves science and vows to discover the secrets of creating life. Victor studies under renowned scientist and finally thinks he has the answers. He creates life, but when he sees his creation he is disgusted and runs away hoping his creation will disappear. But his monster doesn’t. The monster follows him and eventually finds him. The monster tells Victor his story. While he has killed, he will stop if Victor creates a mate for him. If not, the monster will destroy Victor.
Critical Evaluation:
The story is a little disjointed. The plot jumps a bit which caused me to reread a few sections. In addition, there are a few areas where the verb tense changes from present to past in the same sentence. This could cause some confusion for less experienced readers. Even with these potential problems, the gist of the original story is maintained. The font is very small, but the illustrations are large. The illustrations do add to the text clarifying some of the events. The darkly colored images add to the suspense of the story. The cover illustration will definitely catch most teens’ eyes. As a graphic novel this book may interest less experienced readers and help introduce them to a classic story. After reading this version they may want to find the original and read it as well. A glossary in the back will also help support less experienced readers. Genco includes a brief biography of Mary Shelley and a list of her other books. This is a nice touch and gives credit for the original story. Overall, this would be a good addition to most collections especially for less experienced readers or teens not that interested in reading.
Reader's Annotation:
This book is a graphic novel version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Dr. Victor Frankenstein details his life and the creation of his monster.
Information about the author:
Elizabeth Genco has written several graphic novels and comics. She lives in Brooklyn, New York where she writes and is an entrepreneur. Genco is a board member, contributor, or columnist for several magazines or foundations. She is married to Leland Purvis, a graphic novelist and illustrator in his own right.
http://www.elizabethgenco.com/
Genre: Graphic novel; horror; classic
Curriculum Ties: Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas:
• How does the graphic novel version compare to the original novel by Mary Shelley?
• Why does the “monster” want a mate?
• Why does Victor destroy this mate prior to finishing her?
• What is meant by the phrase “let the stone seep into” a character’s heart?
Reading Level/Interest Level:
Upper elementary school – young adult
Challenge Issues:
“Comic book” format; distortion of a classic; murder
If the book is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire novel.
• Show positive reviews of the novel.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the book:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
• Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
o Positive reviews
o Selection policy
o Reconsideration policy
Selection Process:
I found the book in my local library. Because graphic novels are popular with students of all ages, I checked out this one.
Two positive reviews
Reviews were accessed using the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database at http://clcd.odyssi.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/cgi-bin/member/search accessed through SJSU and not available to everyone.
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