This article explores the significant influence of Bernie Wrightson's illustrated version of Frankenstein, originally published by Marvel Comics, on Guillermo del Toro's latest adaptation of the classic tale. It highlights the direct inspiration and visual similarities between Wrightson's illustrations and the film's character design.
, which released in theaters on October 17th, bears the marks of the great adaptations before it. Traits like the towering frame and scarred face seen on Jacob Elordi’s Monster are now synonymous with the creature himself, thanks to legends like Boris Karloff and Christopher Lee.
Yet there’s one lesser-knownthat was a massive influence on del Toro’s adaptation, even earning a special shoutout in the credits. What’s weirder is that this influence stems from a book originally published by Marvel Comics., which is often considered the definitive illustrated edition of the tale. The resemblance between Wrightson’s illustrations and the film’s imagery is undeniable. Even del Toro himself has said the artist’s work was foundational. The direct contribution in the film’s credits reads: “Frankenstein character design inspired in part by Bernie Wrightson’s ‘Frankenstein monster.’” For Frankenstein and del Toro fans alike, Wrightson’s elaborate, detailed vision is something to behold. Before his death in 2017, Wrightson had secured his place among the comic book legends. Between his 1971 co-creation of, Wrightson built a reputation as a horror visionary. Yet it was after adapting other Gothic stories by Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft that Wrightson began an unpaid passion project, spending seven years hand-illustrating his own edition of. The result was a book of 45 astonishing black-and-white illustrations rendered in his distinct crosshatching technique. The book was initially published by Marvel Comics in 1983. It was also explicitly based on Shelley’s descriptions, avoiding influence from the existing film adaptations at the time. Wrightson’s monster was a gaunt, wide-eyed, pale creature, clad in military clothing, and he was more human than the version the public had come to know. This approach is echoed in del Toro’sDel Toro’s passion for monsters often veers into reverence, and Wrightson, the “master of the macabre,” is at the top of del Toro’s personal pantheon. When del Toro got the green light to make his long-dreamed-of adaptation, he licensed Wrightson’sand Oscar Isaac reportedly kept Wrightson’s art on the walls of their living quarters during filming. According to, Elordi even turned his apartment into what he described as “a shrine” to Wrightson’s monster, filling the space with prints of the artist’s renderings so he could live and breathe the creature’s melancholy. Every department, from makeup to cinematography was seemingly touched by Wrightson’s influence.as a “sermon” delivered in a church “built by Karloff, Mary Shelley, and Bernie Wrightson.” According to the end credits, Wrightson was one of the key architects behind this onscreen Monster, and according to del Toro, Wrightson himself “looms eternal” from beyond the grave. Thankfully, the comic book genius lived long enough to talk with del Toro about his dreams of one day adapting the story, and the two remained close until Wrightson’s passing. In the end, it was del Toro who made sure Wrightson’s influence was credited. Both their connection and the lineage of Frankenstein’s Monster are now immortalized in the movie itself.Popular Batman Fancast Actor Teases the DCU Role He Wants to PlayGet access to exclusive stories on new releases, movies, shows, comics, anime, games and more!
Frankenstein Guillermo Del Toro Bernie Wrightson Marvel Comics Horror
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Karol G Is Obsessed with Guillermo Del Toro, Artisanal Tequila, and Masculine ScentsEverything the Colombian superstar is loving right now as she enters her entrepreneur era including her new 200 Copas by Casa Dragones tequila.
Read more »
South Korean Remake of Guillermo Del Toro's Psychological Thriller 'The Eyes' Launching at AFMGuillermo del Toro at the Frankenstein screening at TIFF
Read more »
11 Years Later, Guillermo del Toro's Underrated 82% RT Classic Is Finding New Life on StreamingDirector Guillermo del Toro against a starry gray backdrop, smiling.
Read more »
Guillermo del Toro Recalls How The Hobbit Haunted HimJennifer has been a journalist for over a decade. She has covered a wide range of topics such as TV, comics, gaming, politics, and finance.
Read more »
Guillermo del Toro delivers a Frankenstein for the tech bro eraFind the latest technology news and expert tech product reviews. Learn about the latest gadgets and consumer tech products for entertainment, gaming, lifestyle and more.
Read more »
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Has a Comic Book Influence That Every Fan Should Know AboutThis 1983 comic book was a massive influence on del Toro’s adaptation, even earning a special shoutout in the credits.
Read more »