Frankenstein: Prodigal Son

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son, by Dean Koontz, is a graphic novel based on his bestselling novel.

This comic adaptation is based upon the first Frankenstein novel by Dean Koontz. Deucalion returns to America when he discovers that his creator is living in New Orleans. Dr. Victor Frankenstein has been creating monsters for his own personal amusement. But one of his creations has become a serial killer.

Grisly and suspenseful, the story starts out well enough. But unfortunately, unless you have read the novel, be prepared to be confused not only by time periods but by characters as well. While the artwork is powerful and intense, I found it next to impossible to ascertain who characters were. And several of them looked much too similar to be recognizable. So, a majority of the tension and plot was lost in translation.

I really wanted to enjoy it more. At least it did succeed in making me want to go pick up Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein novel. I have a feeling I’ll get more out of the mystery and horror from the actual novel.