Review: M is for Monster

M is for Monster by Talia Dutton

Summary

A moving take on Frankenstein, Doctor Frances Ai brings her younger sister, Maura, back to life after a tragic accident. Maura does not remember any part of her life before waking up and when she meets the ghost of Maura in her mirror, realizes she is not the sister Frances thinks she is. Choosing the name "M", she tries to adapt to who Frances wants her to be in fears she will be operated on again. But as she tries harder and harder M begins to realize that she does not want to be someone she's not, if only Frances could accept that.

My Thoughts

Unlike the horror story of Frankenstein, M is for Monster is about love, acceptance, and grief. Frances’ experiment to create M is motivated by her love for her sister and the guilt she has over her death. All she wants is her loved one back, which anyone who has lost someone close to them can understand. M herself pretends to be Maura in order to be what Frances needs, allowing M to be safe and feel a part of this family. That storyline in particular will resonate with a lot of teenagers, who are often navigating figuring out who they are while also living up to parent and peer expectations.

The graphics included bold black images, allowing details to shine through and make the novel seem fresh against the background of muted vintage colors.

Book Information

Title: M is for Monster

Author: Talia Dutton

Publisher: Abrams ComicArts - Surely

Publish Date: June 28, 2022

Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction

Themes: acceptance, love, being yourself

Protagonist Description: Asian-American female

Trigger Warnings: vague discussion of surgery and death

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