Frankenstein Lives: A love letter to the world’s most famous monster

Coming to life (again) August 5, 2025

It’s alive! Or should we say—it’s alive again! The legend of Frankenstein’s monster refuses to stay in the grave, and the upcoming book ‘Frankenstein Lives’ by Paul Ruditis is proof that our obsession with Mary Shelley’s misunderstood Creature is as powerful as ever.

This visually rich and wildly entertaining guide doesn’t just retell the tale—it electrifies it. From a stormy night on Lake Geneva where Mary Shelley first imagined the Creature, to the glitzy lights of Hollywood and beyond, ‘Frankenstein Lives’ follows the monster’s journey from nameless novel figure to full-blown pop culture icon.

Over the years, the Creature has worn many faces—literally and metaphorically. He’s been both villain and victim, tragic loner and slapstick sidekick. He’s squared off against Dracula and the Wolf Man, cracked jokes with Abbott and Costello, and even busted out dance moves with Gene Wilder. (Yes, we’re still singing “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”) He’s done it all—from scaring the pants off moviegoers to charming them on cereal boxes.

This book pays special tribute to the classic 1931 film that burned Boris Karloff’s haunting, lumbering performance into our collective memory. With stunning behind-the-scenes photos, manuscript pages from Shelley’s original novel, and deep dives into film, TV, merch, and monster sidekicks like Igor and the Bride, ‘Frankenstein Lives’ is your all-access pass to the mad, monstrous world that Mary Shelley spawned over 200 years ago.

Expect insights like:

• The real story behind Shelley’s creation of the Creature
• How Frankenstein’s monster became a Hollywood staple
• The evolution of his look and character over time
• Pop culture appearances you may have forgotten (or tried to)
• The rise of Frankenstein in video games, costumes, toys, and more

Whether you love him, fear him, or just want to hang out with him at Halloween parties, the green guy’s staying power is undeniable. ‘Frankenstein Lives’ is a celebration of a monster who’s never stopped evolving—and never stopped fascinating us.

Order your copy here.