Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and the creations that this story influenced, have been an inspiration on me since I was a kid. Early exposure includes Herman Munster, Groovie Goolies, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, and Young Frankenstein. As I got older, I was exposed to the Universal Classic directed by James Whale, Bernie Wrightson’s illustrated version and eventually, I made my way through the classic Victorian novel. In college I found myself absorbing even more alternative adaptations by Andy Warhol, Hammer films and the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
This influence is evident in my own work from the detail of stitches on everything, laboratory mad scientists (after all, I named my company Mad Creator Productions in 1998), and the theme of societal rejection. I have painted numerous images of Frankenstein and Frankenstein inspired characters, but it was a nightmare-come-true when I was given the opportunity to illustrate Frankenstein for Harper Collins. It was a great experience working with my favorite material, an incredible editor who shared a common brain, and a master artisan of a Art Director. I took artistic liberties to visually tell the story in a fantastical world and time period. While this choice was not received favorably by everyone, I don’t regret this decision for a minute. I have always felt that Frankenstein doesn’t need another historically accurate adaptation. The quintessential version has already been done by Bernie Wrightson. The only way I was going to tackle the story would be to do something new. All of this can be read about in depth on the Frankenstein Blog I kept throughout the three plus years working on the book.
When I heard about 2018 marking the bicentennial for Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein, I wanted to be involved in some capacity. But fathering a newborn and rearing a toddler has made it difficult to fulfill all my aspirations this year. For now, I am offering both the book and the baseball tee (while supplies last) at a discount price throughout the rest of the year. You can buy them here. I will also be throwing in free Frankenstein pin sets with every order of either. I have a couple events and group shows in the works, along with new Frankenstein affiliated merchandise. These will be announced as the time gets closer.
Happy Birthday *Frankenstein!
*A huge debate throughout time has been in regards to the name of the creation. I call him Frankenstein for two reasons. First and foremost, that is the name everybody knows him as. Nobody questions what you are talking about when you name him Frankenstein. Secondly, there is a logical reason to call him Frankenstein. I went through a period where I followed the path of others who rejected naming the creation Frankenstein because he is never called that in the book (that is the name of the creator). These folk use names like “The Monster”, “The Creature”, “Frankenstein’s Monster”…etc. But this becomes more arduous than it’s worth. Then I came to the conclusion that it would be logical to call the creation Frankenstein because in essence he is the son of Frankenstein, who brought him into existence (or beget). Therefore, as it is a long English custom of referring to a man by his surname, it seems perfectly logical to call the son of Victor Frankenstein by…Frankenstein. Which brings be back to my first reason; it’s the universal name of the monster that everyone identifies with, so why fight it.
In 2016 I was asked to be a part of a shortly lived project called Cartoon Network Collective. I created a watercolor piece inspired by the Over The Garden Wall episode “Hard Times At The Huskin’ Bee” to be produced as licensed prints. Although the Cartoon Network Collective project was shut down, I was able to acquire a small amount of my Cartoon Network approved prints. This print is now available in my store as a signed limited edition of 20. All prints sold before January 1st will receive a remarque (small pencil sketch of Greg in the bottom righthand corner). I am also offering the original artwork for sale. Email me at