Are you a Frankophile? There are so aspects to consider when contemplating Frankenstein and his monster- Is Frankenstein an Adamic figure? Does his head wound have Christological analogues? Neck bolts or head bolts?
Conceived during a creative writing challenge by Mary Shelly in 1818, the epistolary novel is a product of both Enlightenment science and gothic Romanticism. Experiments in galvanism combined with folkloric vestiges of created (Golem) and reanimated life (vampires). All this on a foundation of classical (and biblical, for that matter) mythology about the consequences of giving mortals too much knowledge (or power).
For over two hundred years, interest in both the man and The Monster have persisted, each generation applying their own prism to the telling of the story. It is a tale (always cautionary) of hubris and its price, of the desolate horrors of the Arctic, of seeking to best nature’s design. Early depictions of Frankenstein’s monster (or Frankenstein as he is now known; poor Victor having taken a back gurney to his creation), remind me of a giant brother to Eris (if she had one); a wild-haired embodiment of rage. It was in 1931 however, under the skilled hands of Jack Pierce, that Boris Karloff’s face became the iconic image for the Frankenstein for the Modern Era. In a 1967 interview published in For Monsters Only, Peirce indicated that he flattened the monster’s head and added metal clasps to facilitate swapping out brains. And now the image of the green-skinned, box-headed monster is a pervasive icon in popular culture of mythic proportions.
Frankenstein’s Tome
While there is only one Frankenstein, there are many books about The Monster. The following are a few of note on a subject that is anything but dead.
Frankenstein. Penetrating the Secrets of Nature. 2002
Softcover book edited by Susan E. Lederer. Rutgers University Press. About 23 x 23 cm., 78 pp.
This exhibition catalogue focuses on Frankenstein as a reflection of and metaphor for scientific development and its implications.
Current affairs in galvanism.
Electric Frankenstein. 2004
Softcover book edited by Sal Canzonieri. Dark Horse. About 21 x 28 cm., 160 pp.
A colorful compendium of contemporary posters by numerous artists promoting the American punk(ish) band Electric Frankenstein. Sorry, Edgar Winter...
The many moods of The Monster.
The New Annotated Frankenstein. 2017
Hardcover book edited by Leslie S. Klinger. Liveright. About 22 x 26 cm., 352 pp.
The only way to read Frankenstein. This extra-illustrated cornucopia contains a wealth of information about the author, the novel, and the context in which it was written.
A passing description of travelling through the Alps yields these evocative images to complete your armchair travels.
Frankenstein. The First Two Hundered Years. 2017
Hardcover book by Christopher Frayling. Reel Art Press. About 24 x 28 cm., 208 pp.
Once of several (see below) surveys of Frankenstein in popular culture on the two hundredth anniversary of the novel’s publication. This one is particularly generous with full-page images.
It’s Hammer Time!
It’s Alive! A Visual History of Frankenstein. 2018
Hardcover book by Elizabeth Campbell Denlinger. D Giles. About 21 x 29 cm., 336 pp.
This exhibition catalog of a show at the Morgan Library in New York is a beautifully-illustrated kunstkammer of all things related to Frankenstein. From 18th Century anatomists to 20th Century comics, this one covers it all.
Nevertheless, she persisted. Shelly initially had to publish her work anonymously, adding her name to the second edition published in 1821. Do all those fanboys realize it was a woman who brought their most favored monster to life?
Dramatic productions of the Frankenstein story were quite popular in the 19th century, but in contrast to the articulate being of Shelly’s novel, most depicted the monster as a brutish mute.
Vault of Frankenstein. 2018
Hardcover book by Paul Ruditis. Becker & Mayer. About 24 x 31 cm., 176 pp.
A nice collection of self-described memorabilia with an emphasis on the post-Karloff period.
Don’t tell me you’re not drooling over this laboratory paraphernalia too...
Frankenstein for the 50s Rock ‘n’ Roll crowd.
[2024 Addenda- New Acquisition]
Mary Shelley’s Frenkenstein. 2020
Hardcover book by Mary Shelley. Puffin Books. About 16 x 24 cm., 266 pp.
In keeping with Penguin’s (of which Puffin is an imprint) history of innovative covers, this clever binding to the eponymous novel leaves the reader without uncertainty as to when they have reached the end.
The Mid-Century Monster
In the late 1950s, Universal made its classic horror movies available for TV syndication, giving birth to a new generation of fans whose tastes for the monstrous were satiated by toy manufacturers, magazine publishers, and television producers. Most prevalent amongst his Universal brethren was Frankenstein, whose omnipresence in the media secured his place as a 20th Century pop-culture icon.
Frankenstein Mask. 1963
Die cut cardboard. Lowe. About 21 x 31 cm. (including header card)
The highlight of this set of six cardboard masks is an expressionistic and painterly rendition of The Monster. Just the thing for the little ones.
Frankenstein Mask. 1960s
Die cut cardboard. Childhood Publications. About 20 x 27 cm.
This is a Canadian version of the Lowe set (above); it reprints some of the latter’s non-Frankenstein masks. The cover features the same Frankenstein face as Lowe's for a base but adds a few new details, including the addition of a mod mullet. Love the lip gloss, Frankie!
Frankenstein “Revenge” Puzzle. 1963
Interlocking cardboard puzzle. Jaymar. About 43 x 56 cm (assembled).
This in one in a series of puzzles that came in multiple sizes that featured the green giant. The narrative scenes are notable for their particularly gory tableaux.
Just the thing for family puzzle night!
Mad Magazine. September, 1964.
Magazine cover by Norman Mingo. EC Publishing. About 21 x 27 cm., 48 pp.
Model building was but one form of monster adulation in the 1960s. Here the roles are reversed- but which is the real monster?
Game Piece. 1960s
Hard plastic game piece. Pop-Up Frankenstein Game by Wilkin. About 8 cm. tall.
In this game, players would take turns pulling out plastic swords to see which would trigger the spring-loaded diminutive Frankenstein to pop out of a castle turret. Almost as effective a Red Ryder BB gun.
Frankenstein Figure. 1960s
Soft plastic figure. Marx Toys. About 15 cm. tall.
For those who couldn’t or didn’t want to build model monsters, Marx offered a collection of 6-inch scale figures which included the Wolfman, Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and dear old Frank.
Frankenstein (Monster Men) Toy. 1960s
Soft Plastic Figure. Hong Kong. 8 cm. tall.
When toy trolls became the rage, astute toy manufacturers in Hong Kong were quick to offer an alternative for the monster-obsessed. Absent in this example is the incongruous primitive cloth tunic that originally adorned the bagged figures. To-ga! To-ga!
Bobblehead. 1960s
Plaster caricature of Frankenstein. St Pierre & Patterson. About 15 cm. tall.
Alongside the 60s Monster Craze was the Rat Fink Craze, a subset of the Hotrod Craze, itself a cousin to the Surf Craze. One of the many things these crazes shared was a fondness for caricature that featured large heads and grotesque expressions. This piece is a witty homage to Frankenstein. It originally came mounted on a stand on which was printed “I work better under pressure”.
We all have our vises...
Face Time
As any right-minded person knows, it isn’t simply enough to watch monster movies, play with monster toys, eat monster candy, build monster models, and read monster magazines. No, the true cognoscenti must also be the monster. Fortunately, costume manufacturers understood this and were only too happy to accommodate.
Frankenstein Mask. 1970s?
Plastic vacuform mask. Unknown manufacturer. About 25 cm.
This mask ups the traditional Karloff rendering with additional bolts and a brain-viewing plate!
Frankenstein Mask. 1970s
Plastic vacuform mask. Ben Cooper. About 24 cm.
I partially like the palette on this one. The bright red wounds contrast with the pale green and white skin nicely!
Frankenstein Costume. 1973
Vinyl costume by Ben Cooper. About 36 cm. wide (as depicted).
As an alternative to cloth costumes, manufacturers offered vinyl ones in the 1970s with printing that is much crisper.
Frankenstein Mask. c. 1976.
Plastic vacuform mask. Hong Kong. About 23 cm. tall.
This one’s about as traditional as it gets- green face, flat head, and some quite prevalent neck bolts.
Frankenstein Poncho. 1979
Vinyl poncho by Ben Cooper. About 87 cm. wide (as depicted).
Another vinyl costume, this time in the form of a rain poncho because inclement weather should never impede amassing a treasure trove of candy! Precious...
Frankenstein Mask. 1980s
Plastic vacuform mask. AJ Quality. About 20 cm.
The designer of this mask has taken a different approach to The Monster’s visage. Absent are the green skin and flat cranium, but at least there’re sufficient scars and hardware to remove any doubt as to the character’s identity.
Frankenstein Conquers Japan
Modern Japan has always offered a unique perspective on American culture and this includes the pop icon (versus the British literary) persona of Frankenstein. In addition to their own hommages to the traditional monster, Japan introduced their own version of Frankenstein in Toho’s 1965 movie Frankenstein Conquers the World. This incarnation of The Monster offered a departure from Karloff’s dour (and subsequently) viridescent visage, with a toothy grin and caveman vibe.
[2024 Addenda- New Acquisition]
Frankenstein Mask. c. 1950
Paper. Japan. About 15 x 22 cm.
An unusual palette (pallor?) and a lobsided grin distinguish this early Japanese rendition from its Western brethren.
Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine. September, 1966
Magazine cover by Vic Prezio. Warren Publishing. About 21 x 28 cm., 82 pp.
An orthodontic tribute to the 1965 Toho film Frankenstein Conquers the World.
Frankenstein (Conquers the World) Sofubi. 1998.
Soft vinyl Figure. Marmit. About 24 cm. tall.
Frankenstein meets... Tarzan? How can you not love the Japanese spin on western cultural icons?
Frankenbat Sofubi. 2017
Soft vinyl figure. Medicom. About 25 cm. tall.
You can see it- right? Dracula and Frankenstein are two sides of the same coin! This chimera is the product of a live-action Tokusatsu movie. Frankenbat was not only able to fly but he also had a fully-functioning cannon on his back. So convenient.
Frankenstein Nodder. c. 2018.
Plastic nodder by TikiCo. About 17 cm. tall.
A nostalgic throwback to the nodders of the 1960s and 1970s, complete with a kitschy aphorism.
Frankenstein. 2018.
Hardcover book by Junji Ito (in translation). Viz Media. About 15 cm. x 22 cm. 400 pp.
About half of this volume consists of the horror-manga master Ito’s vision of the man and The Monster.
Not just another Karloff clone- right mummy?
Franken Sofubi. 2020
Soft vinyl figure. Maruhachi Gangu. About 15 cm. tall.
Some well-applied blue eye shadow completes this traditionalist rendition of The Monster.
Jungle Frank
As is the case with many pop-culture icons, iconography eventually branches out into sub-genres. The Jungle/Tiki Frankenstein is but one of them.
Beatnik Frankenstein Tiki Mug. c. 2016.
Ceramic mug with glow-in-the dark paint. Produced by John Redding (Cursed Tikis). About 22 cm. tall.
If Frankenstein had been raised by beatniks...
Witch Doctor Frankenstein Tiki Mug. c. 2018.
Ceramic mug. Produced by John Redding (Cursed Tikis). About 31 cm. tall.
Fire good! (if you’re using it to heat your cauldron...)
Just in case you were wondering where the brew is kept...
Frankenstein Shrunken Head. c. 2020.
Soft rubber sculpture with artificial hair. Produced by Vxx. About 14 cm. tall.
A classic Monster Magazine Frankenstein with Voodoo sensibilities.
Monster Mélange
Topping off this collection of monstrous artifacts are a few more random nuts and bolts from the collection.
Frankenstein Statue. 1970s. (?)
Plaster casting. Esco. About 42 cm. tall.
Part of a line of “big head” caricature figures that included Hollywood Stars and other Universal Horror icons.
Portrait Painting. 2004.
Acrylic on board by Doug Boehm. About 24 cm. wide by 30 cm. tall.
This outsider art-style rendition of The Monster was part of a series of four portraits- I regret not having purchased the other three...
Frankenberry Bobblehead. C. 2010
Vinyl figure. Funko. About 19 cm. (boxed).
Evincing his role as a true pop icon, Frankenstein has made his way into almost every facet of our culture. Here Franken Berry promotes the health benefits of an all (and nothing but) sugar breakfast!
Frankenstein Portrait Plate. c. 2011.
Altered ceramic transferware plate. Produced by Beat Up Creations. About 21 cm. wide by 28 cm. tall.
An fine example of the output of the cottage industry built around Frankefying objects such as plates and posters. Finish all your broccoli and you’ll get a surprise!
Frankenstein Electronic Head. c. 2017.
Hard plastic head and dome. Produced by Gemmy. About 31 cm. tall.
With a flip of the switch, It’s Alive! Eyes and electrodes blink and samples of the 1931 movie lines are played. I, of course, keep mine in my laboratory.
Buddha Frankenstein. c. 2018.
Hollow plastic. About 12 cm. tall.
Created by a 3D printer, this figure illustrates a more contemplative side of The Monster.
Frankenstein Jr. Bank. c. 2018.
Vinyl figure. Funko. About 32 cm. (boxed).
Part of the Hannah Barbera Saturday morning cartoon lineup, Frankenstein Jr. was a large robot who shared adventures with his creator’s son Buzz. Not as much fun (i.e., violent) as Johnny Quest or Space Ghost, but still science-fictiony enough to hold your Archivist’s interest at a tender age.
Frankenstein Bust. Contemporary casting.
Plaster casting. Gabriel (toy manufacturer). About 12 cm.
In 1977 Gabriel offered a roto-cast kit that included a Frankenstein mold. This one remains unpainted as an hommage to 19th Century Neoclassical aesthetics.
Frankenstein Patch. c. 2020.
Embroidered patch. About 12 cm.
A wide-eyed pastiche of zombie and Frankensteinian facial characteristics.
Frankencutie. c. 2015.
Resin statue. Produced by Don Picton. About 16 cm. tall.
A fitting conclusion to our cadaverous cavorting... The body of a (Marx Toy) Beauty with a head for horror!
The stuff of nightmares... Or dreams?
Adhering to your Archivist’s self-imposed constraint of only depicting items that are in The Collection (yet again) did not prove overly-difficult. If I had tried to show you everything in the collection, I’d never have finished the entry. So, I hope you enjoyed this installment’s theme and its accompanying glimpse into yet another of your Archivist’s myriad obsessions. Sorry- I mean interests.
Thank you for visiting.
de Gustibus
“Nothing is but what is not.”