Stuff of Nightmares: The Monster Makers by R.L. Stine

  

Rating: 3.5/5

Genre: Adult Horror (Graphic Novel)

Themes: Science Gone Wrong, Rival Siblings, Dangerous Ambition 

Premise:

The Nightmare Keeper presides over a mysterious library, but instead of books, he collects strange, macabre items and the stories associated with them. Eager to share sordid details with his audience (the reader), he's currently showcasing a small, mummified corpse and discussing the Cameron brothers' tale. In the same vein as Frankenstein, Jordan and Isaac Cameron are scientists inspired to generate life using body parts from animals and the deceased, and as with the original narrative, the creators get more than they bargained for when their creations react in ways they could've never expected. 

My Thoughts:

A lot of people my age have nostalgic memories associated with R.L. Stine, whether it be from his Goosebumps or Fear Street series, but I regrettably got into his work long after I aged out of his target audience. The Monster Makers is a rare treat from Stine as it's a story intended for adults, which is probably the reason I appreciated this body of work more than his others. The graphic novel is gory and entertaining, blending elements reminiscent of Frankenstein and subsequent media inspired by it, particularly Re-Animator, in a familiar yet enjoyable way. While derivative of its source material, the book's still delightfully its own, hitting the traditional beats expected from the original gothic story but standing apart thanks to Stine's signature touch embedded in his love for thrills and the macabre. You can tell the author was having a blast with his script. It's playful and campy, while still packing a few well-placed chills and anticipated kills. 

Of the trademark references you'd expect from Frankenstein reimaginings, most are all here, including examinations of self-destruction and unchecked ambition, but my attention was drawn to the struggles of a family imploding. Two brothers whose personal and scientific appetites rival their familial allegiances made for a quick read, and the drama of a family turned against itself had an addicting effect on me. It's evident that shared blood does not translate to unwavering devotion for these two men, and you immediately want to throttle Isaac for his inability to see beyond his lust for glory and recognition. Yet, that same frustration makes his destruction all the more delicious. You crave to see him thrown from his pedestal, forced to confront the tragedies he's orchestrated in the name of advancement and laurels he's determined to receive. On the other hand, the brothers' monsters demonstrated they don't need to be genetically related to work together for a common cause. They advance throughout the story as one, sticking by each other's side despite an absence of hereditary obligation. How sad is it that complete strangers, albeit ones who share the same circumstances, have a stronger urge to stand by each other than two people who grew up together? The distinction between their relationships gnawed at my brain, and just like in the classic tale, readers are left to decide for themselves who better deserves the title of "monster" -- the humans or their creations.  

In terms of characters, don't expect huge strides made in their development. The brothers start out incredibly unlikable, and that's the way they primarily remain. While their arc is one of tragedy, the book's overall mood is lightened by the Nightmare Keeper, a host who keeps the tale moving and interjects with commentary much like the Creep or Crypt Keeper. He's over the top, introducing heavy theatrics rich in awareness and shock value. My favorite character, though, is Frankie, the brothers' crowning achievement. He's the "monster" they find most promising thanks to a curbed bloodlust his predecessors indulge in. Small and child-like, Frankie seems to grasp the world around him but lacks the ability to voice his needs beyond the most basic request of "help me." His recurring plea sent chills down my spine as he regularly communicated the only way he knew how. What he becomes by the end made my jaw drop!

Conclusion:

The Monster Makers isn't brand new material to sink your teeth into, but it's fun nonetheless. It's an indulgent take on campy horror grounded in a genuine love for the genre as well as comic books and graphic novels. I found it hard to resist a book penned by the legendary R.L. Stine himself, and I fell prey to the hype surrounding his name. Luckily, this installment in his impressive catalog of work is one I found myself loving. Not everyone will be into this quick take on Frankenstein, but if you want a gory tale that feels inspired by formats like Tales from the Crypt, then I recommend borrowing this one from your local library at the very least. I'd love to see Stuff of Nightmares become a regular series, but after two years and no new title on the horizon, I fear The Monster Makers is all we're going to get. 

Recommended for those who enjoy:

 Universal Monsters

 Frankenstein Retellings

 Re-Animator Vibes

 Campy Horror

 and Mad Science