In Frankenstein, Junji Ito brings his distinct style to Mary Shelley’s classical novel, delivering an adaption that’s both faithful to the original and uniquely his own. Rather than merely retelling the story, Ito amplifies its gothic elements, fusing the narrative with his signature body horror and unsettling visual style.
Ito’s adaption of Frankenstein doesn’t stand out for introducing new plot points, but for the visceral and haunting visuals that breathe new life into a classic.
Plot Summary – The Monster Reborn
Ito’s adaption closely follows Shelley’s original narrative. Victor Frankenstein, driven by an obsession with creating life, assembles a creature from disembodied corpses.
Upon bringing his creation to life, Victor is horrified by the results and abandons it. The creature, yearning for companionship and understanding, faces relentless rejection from society, leading it onto a path of vengeance. The story culminates in a tragic confrontation between creator and creation, exploring themes of ambition, isolation and the consequences of playing god.
What Makes It So Good?
This adaption of Frankenstein stands apart from others because of Ito’s fantastic artwork.
One of the most striking aspects of his adaption is the depiction of Victor Frankenstein’s descent into madness. Through intense facial expressions and chaotic, claustrophobic scenes, Ito perfectly captures Victor’s unraveling psyche. His laboratory is shrouded in shadows, crammed with ominous machinery, and piles of dismembered body parts.
When we finally see the creature, Ito’s grotesque style shines. The creature is a towering figure of unnatural proportions and over-long limbs. Its body is nothing but a patchwork of rotting, stitched-together flesh covered in ragged bandages. Yet his expression, vacant eyes and a drooling mouth, is both terrifying and pitiable, making it a truly tragic abomination.
These visuals reach their peak when Victor’s forced to create a bride for the creature. In a moment both shocking and heartbreaking, he uses the head of a woman wrongfully executed for one of the creature’s misdeeds. Her reanimation is horrifying, her expression frozen in terror. When the two creatures fight, it’s one of the most grotesque and visually stunning scenes in the entire manga.
Deeper Themes – Obsession, Isolation and the Human Condition
While Ito’s adaption is visually intense, it doesn’t lose sight of the novel’s core themes. The story delves into the danger of unchecked ambition and the ethical implications of scientific exploration. The creature’s struggle for acceptance and the pain of isolation are portrayed with a rawness that resonates deeply.
The lines between humanity and monstrosity are blurred all throughout the work. The creature, despite its horrifying appearance, exhibits profound emotions and a desire for connection, making the reader wonder who the real monster is. This exploration of the human condition adds depth to the narrative, making it much more than just another Ito horror tale.
Final Verdict – A Haunting Visual Masterpiece
Junji Ito’s Frankenstein is a compelling fusion of classic literature and modern horror manga. His adaption stays true to the original narrative while enhancing its emotional and psychological depth through powerful visuals.
For fans of classic horror and Ito’s work, this adaption offers a fresh and chilling perspective of one of literature’s most timeless stories.
If you’re interested in learning more about Junji Ito’s work, consider reading my reviews of Headless Statues, The Bully, or my comprehensive list of the 40 best Junji Ito stories.
You can find Frankenstein in Junji Ito’s collection by the same name, available on Amazon.
