2007-10-27 Pitchforks At The Ready...It Lives!!

Koontz's attempt to revive Shelley's classic literary masterpiece could easily have ended in disaster, instead it is a triumph. Koontz takes the demented Frankenstein and his hapless creation, and drags them screaming and kicking into the modern day.

Interestingly in the 200 years since their exploits were last recorded by Shelley, Frankenstein has become more disturbed and ruthless in his pursuit of supreme creation. No longer does he need to root through prison graveyards for grizzly remains. Technology has developed to the stage of far more human-looking creations.

Only his first-born son knows who he really is, and has the means or the will to stop his Father...

Just like the original, Koontz's update contains many interesting themes about humanity and what it means to be human, if indeed it means anything. In an age that has become obsessed with materialism, and the empty pursuit of wealth, has the monster become more human than human?

Fascinating stuff, and dare I say it, some of the ideas expressed explored in this modern update are more relevant than when Shelley wrote the original.

Bold words indeed. There again, I'm a human being and I can say what I like....