July 19, 2024
Grades 9-12 This manga retelling of the classic novel Frankenstein bends the famous story into an action mystery about redemption rather than revenge. Set in early twentieth-century New York City, the story follows David Douglas, a boy from the slums who has been convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Just before his execution, he is given the opportunity to donate his corpse to a medical researcher, Victoria Frankenstein. When he awakens, David is given the name ""Eins"" and is set to the task of proving the value of Victoria's work by performing good deeds. Interestingly complex and markedly different from the tale it reimagines, this manga contemplates justice, class, and circumstances while still indulging in action sequences and comedic moments. The nature of life, death, and what it means to take and give life are discussed fairly in-depth, making this an excellent companion to the original novel. Action and the promise of more mysteries to come offer readers much to look forward to in future volumes.
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November 15, 2024
Gr 7 Up-In this take on Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein, 13-year-old child prodigy Victoria Frankenstein takes up her father's medical research on reanimating corpses. David was scheduled to be executed for murdering five people, but the young Dr. Frankenstein gives him a second life as Eins. Revived as a corpse brought back to life via electrical current and a scientific contraption, she promptly nicknames him the "Electric Coffin." But Victoria faces some competition in her field of study from her rival, 15-year-old Henry, a cybernetics expert determined to prove his inventions and reanimated cyborgs are superior to hers. This charming three-volume series asks readers to reflect on what it means to be human and the value of a life, all while bringing them along on an action-packed journey. There are a few emotional twists and plenty of departures from the source material to keep it fresh, but still enough nods to pay homage. Tajima's illustrations of 1920s New York beautifully transport readers into an opulent and sometimes desolate era. VERDICT This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.-Sara Smith
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