August 22, 2009

Gris Grimly's Frankenstein

Gris Grimly’s art is cartoon gothic, a precarious balance of light macabre and dark whimsy. His elegant illustrations are peopled with disarticulated characters that evoke broken dolls and muppets gone terribly wrong.

Grimly’s books, ostensibly for children, have won him fans of all ages. Notable titles include Wicked Nursery Rhymes, Santa Claws, and Boris and Bella. He has illustrated Neil Gaiman’s The Dangerous Alphabet and Kelly DiPucchio’s book of “Campfire songs for monsters” with the delightfully creepy title of Sipping Spiders Through a Straw.

Having done his own very personal versions of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Pinocchio — currently under development as an animated feature produced by Guillermo del Toro — and the stories of Edgar Allen Poe, Grimly has now undertaken an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

The project is just underway. The drawing seen here is a very early test and the first one in color, but already you can see how Grimly has already made The Monster very much his own.


Grimly’s basic material is the original 1818 text of the novel, which he says, “feels like that raw punk version, untainted and untouched. It’s like discovering a lost manuscript.

The author is generously sharing his experiences in deconstructing, adapting and illustrating the new book through a dedicated blog, a rare and revealing look into the creative process. Follow the artist’s journey from concept to publication, looking over his shoulder, as he stitches together Gris Grimly’s Illustrated Frankenstein.


Gris Grimly’s Frankenstein blog.

Gris Grimly’s website.

Book: Where Madness Reigns, The Art of Gris Grimly.


7 comments:

Luke Farookhi said...

I love this version of the creature - weathered, engulfed by itself, and in permanent agony.

Coincidentally, Dover has just released a version of the book with the Lynd Ward illustrations:

http://store.doverpublications.com/0486470539.html

Anonymous said...

I love this, it's quite different.
Check out my horror movie blog for the latest horror news and the occasional creepy treasure.
http://atomicfox.blogspot.com/
thanks! :)

bat tao lo said...

As a looooong time fan of Frankenstein and (especially Boris Karloff). I'd like to share some recent work I've been doing. You may be interested.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/battaolo/3829972660/

The sequence with the Homunculi left a lasting impression.


I've always loved the monster in the 1910 Edison movie too. Sorry to say, it reminds of a girl I know.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/battaolo/3662566976/

waylanmarx said...

Bad credit borrowers will be glad to payday loans unemployment benefits ok find out that payday loans online can be easily approved regardless your poor credit score, which prevents you from getting loans for unemployed people credits from traditional banks.

Chapa John said...

Gris Grimly's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein showcases his unique cartoon gothic style, blending macabre elements with whimsy. His work captivates audiences of all ages, much like the thrilling gameplay of Snow Rider 3D, which offers a fun escape into a snowy adventure. As Grimly shares his creative process through a dedicated blog, fans can witness the transformation of this classic tale into a vibrant, illustrated masterpiece.

Raleigh Kozey said...

Gris Grimly's unique take on Frankenstein is fascinating! His blend of gothic and whimsical art truly brings the classic tale to life. I can't wait to see how he captures the essence of The Monster. Speaking of creative adaptations, have you tried the Sprunki game? It offers a quirky twist on classic horror themes, much like Grimly's work. Both showcase how dark stories can be reimagined in fun, engaging ways.

rose laura said...

Wow, Gris Grimly's Frankenstein looks amazing! The illustrations are hauntingly beautiful, a perfect match for Mary Shelley's classic. This makes me think about how even flawed creations, like maybe even a glitchy flappy bird, can find their own unexpected beauty and relevance. I'd love to see Grimly tackle other gothic novels. What other classics would suit his style?