A-Z Blogging Challenge: F is for Frankenstein Pop-Ups

Frankenstein Pop-Ups

During last year's A-Z, I wrote about one of the Dracula pop-up books that I have; this year, I thought it only fair that I should include my Frankenstein pop-up book! As with the Dracula pop-up book, this adaptation of the famed Mary Shelley novel features the talents of Clare Bampton (story adaptation), Anthony Williams (illustrations) and David Hawcock (pop-ups), with the addition of Rob Taylor (colour), and is published by Walker Books as well.

Frankenstein is equally as visually appealing, and the panels featuring the creature are particularly emotive and well-executed. The story is shortened, surmised and details left out in order to fit the constraints of an illustrated pop-up book, which does make it feel slightly rushed in places. However, where an author might spend ten to twenty pages or more on each description of scenery, emotions, reactions etc. the illustrations and pop-ups create the scene in a page or less and the impact is much more immediate. 

Some of the paper craft creations, such as the one above, are close to half a metre high, which can't help but leave a lasting impression!

Whilst I won't pretend that this pop-up is a substitute for reading the original Frankenstein text, for horror fans who want something different after working through the novel several times, and for younger readers who aren't quite ready to tackle The Modern Prometheus yet, this is a fun and novel spin on a beautiful book.

This post is part of the A-Z Blogging Challenge, 2013.

Movies: New Frankenstein movie!

Hello there little monsters! long time no see!

I'm deadly busy, but I will try to bring some interesting stuff from time to time, and I'm starting with great news for Frankenstein fans (like me!).

Apparently, 20th Century Fox is working on a retelling of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It will be directed by Shawn Levy and the script is being written by Max Landis, but there's very little info about this project right now.

What do you think about it? High or low expectations? In my opinion, no one will ever be as good as my beloved Mr. Karloff... but this could be quite interesting! Wohooo!

Movies: Frankenstein's Army

Hello there my spooky kids!

I can't be anything but superexcited about this upcoming movie!

When someone mixes two of your fave things in the world - Frankenstein and Nazis (in movies!) - you just need to be!

"Frankenstein's Army" rises from the ashes of "Worst Case Scenario", a movie which unfortunately didn't make it through due to financial problems, though what we could watch of it a few years ago was more than interesting.

Here you have a little summary + the trailer. Tell me what you think of it afterwards!

Toward the end of World War II, Russian soldiers pushing into eastern Germany stumble across a secret Nazi lab, one that has unearthed and begun experimenting with the journal of one Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The scientists have used the legendary Frankenstein's work to assemble an army of supersoldiers stitched together from the body parts of their fallen comrades - a desperate Hitler's last ghastly ploy to escape defeat.

TV: Frankenstein's Wedding...Live in Leeds on BBC3

I was kindly given this article, which appeared in the Daily Mail, earlier today. It's about 'Frankenstein's Wedding' - a live, musical affair that is inspired by the sparsely detailed event that is Victor and Elizabeth's wedding, in Mary Shelley's gothic horror novel, 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus'.

The 'creative director' is Colin Teague (also directed 'Doctor Who' and 'Being Human') and the leads of the production are David Harewood (in the BBC's latest version of Robin Hood, as Friar Tuck) as the Creature, Andrew Gower as Frankenstein and Lacey Turner (ex. Eastenders) as Elizabeth, Frankenstein's fiance. Teague as the director seems like a good choice, but I have to say, I'm not overly enthusiastic about the cast. Who knows though, they might all be fantastic and I may be completely wrong. At least Harewood seems to have actually taken the time to research the character he's playing. (Keep in mind that he said he'll base his portrayal on the novel rather than the movies).

The rest of the cast and performers consist of over 2000 actors/dancers, a choir of 60 and a 12-piece band. the whole lavish affair will take place at Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, requiring the actors to scurry between various parts of it in front of 12,000 audience members as well as those watching at home! That said, isn't that what stage actors have always done? Performed live? Still, it is quite a feat, considering the scale of the Abbey.

Anyway, 'Frankenstein's Wedding' airs live on BBC Three, tomorrow (Saturday, 19th March) at 8pm (GMT). I think it will be worth watching, if only because it's something a little different and because I'm a sucker for anything 'Frankenstein'-inspired. The Abbey backdrop will also be stunning, I'm sure.

For more information, dance moves (yes...learn the choreography, kiddies!), and video diaries, check out the 'Frankenstein's Wedding' page at the BBC Three website!

Frankenstein Wax Ghoul on Lake George

During a short vacation to upstate New York, my friends and I came across a small little town named Lake George. Such town held a secret sleep for the winter, but open on the warmer months to just about the whole family. The House of Frankenstein Wax Museum holds beautiful figures inspired by Mary Shelley's novel, with a little bit of creepy and classical aesthetics.

The entire theme of the place has been inspired by various variations of the story, including James Whale's version of the monster tale. At the entrance, one witnesses the monster face-to-face, before uncovering more frightful (and literally educational) details.

If you're in the area, it is highly recommended that you add the museum to your destination.

For more ticket information and business hours, visit their website http://www.frankensteinwaxmuseum.com/

Who new such a remote place could hold such wondrous (and random) creepy delights!

Just a block away from the Frankenstein Museum, there lies Dr. Morbid's Haunted House. Frightful on the outside, it's all creepy inside as well. The two venues are simotenously managed, and open to the public ever through the year, except winter months.

http://www.drmorbid.com/