Interview: Frankenstein Gets a Fresh New Take in 'Mary Shelley: Monster Hunter'
You've seen the story of Frankenstein before, but AfterShock will deliver a bold new take on the [...]
Not What You Expect
While this version of events will differ from what's come before, fans will meet a few recognizable characters or at least ones that seem familiar. Early on we meet an Igor-like character, who has been featured prominently in movie interpretations but isn't in the original novel, but everything is not what it seems with this new version.
"Oh yes, you will definitely get to know this character, and it's not at all what you expect,' they said. "That's all I can say without spoiling it."
The book will be illustrated by Hayden Sherman, and as you can see his style is a perfect match for the tension-filled premise, including that spectacular cover.
"That first cover is amazing, I know," they said. "When he sent it out there was just this resounding, "Hell, yes!" And yes, right off the bat we knew we wanted Hayden for this project. His artwork has both the soul, and that delicate, refined spookiness we were looking for to bring Mary Shelley Monster Hunter to life."
prevnextA Fresh Take On A Classic
Fans will notice the first issue bounces a bit between the past and the present, but in future issues, Shelley's time in the past will mostly be in the spotlight.
"The story mostly follows Mary Shelley in the first five books, but we will be returning to the present day, as we have a pretty awesome story to tell there as well," they said.
As fans will learn by this first issue's end, the duo isn't kidding about delivering a fresh new take, and if you had any doubts that last page cliffhanger will certainly put them to rest.
"It was very important to both Adam and myself, not just to bring a fresh take to the retelling of the Frankenstein story, but to make it unflinchingly current, and welcome new audiences as well," Cuartero-Briggs said. "Mary Shelley was a woman ahead of her time, and we felt it only appropriate that Mary Shelley Monster Hunter be reflective of that. We are so excited to see what the reaction is to our little twist, and for all our readers to see how it drives the story moving forward."
prevnextMonster Hunting
The series' title does tease some Monster Hunting, and that isn't going to be just a title either.
"Like many willful nineteen-year-olds, Mary quickly gets in over her head," they said. "Without spoiling anything, let me just say that this young, determined, tour de force is about to find herself in the middle of a storm she never anticipated, but she's not about to back down. She may not be a monster hunter yet in book one, but you better bet she's going to become one, and quick."
prevnextFrankenstein's Monster
You can't have the story of Frankenstein without Frankenstein's iconic monster, and Mary Shelley: Monster Hunter will be no different. If you're expecting the same creature you've seen in the movies though, you will be surprised, and issue #1 is already making the differences between them quite clear.
"The reason we chose that particular movie adaptation to feature in the beginning of book one, is to show how far the interpretation of Frankenstein's Monster has gone from the original intention," they said. "Now, when you go to Universal Studios, you see this giant, green hulk with bolts sticking out of his neck, mumbling incoherently (And incorrectly called "Frankenstein" to boot!). By doing this, they've reduced what once was a soulful, rejected, angry, and truly human character, to a half-wit, accidental murderer."
"Mary Shelley's original Frankenstein was so revolutionary because, even in 1815, Mary understood the inherent complexities and problems in what is effectively artificial intelligence," they said. "If we decide to play god, are we then responsible for the creatures we create? And if we reject that responsibility, are we then responsible for the disastrous consequences that rejection can produce? In this way, when it comes to our Frankenstein's Monster, we think of this more as a return to the original intention and thematic crux of Frankenstein than a departure. And really, at the end of the day, what's scarier? A big, aimless oaf, or a smart, sophisticated and calculating monster hell-bent on revenge?"
You can check out Mary Shelley: Monster Hunter #1 right now at your local comic store!
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