Wake the Dead, a modern take on ‘Shelleyian’ consequences…

Posted by Ms Harker | Filed under Graphic Novels

Its been a little while since I shared some of my graphic novel readings with you, so to make up for the lack of coverage I bring you a quality title: Wake The Dead by Steve Niles and Chee (yes just Chee, you know like Madonna or Cher).

This graphic novel is a keeper, the cover is textured with the etchings of a human torso, devoid of its skin with titles that hark back to an older style font; similar to that of  50’s cult  horror movies. The cut out peep hole gives just enough of a hint to the horrors that lie within.

Niles has taken Shelley’s classic tale of messing with the natural order of life and death and given it a modern twist. The story centers around Victor a spoilt rich kid who fancies himself a ground breaking scientist, he embroils his friends in his bloody endeavors whilst finding time to bonk the local Sheriff’s daughter. However his blind ambition takes him and those around him down a path of tragic ‘Shellyian’ consequences of which Chee illustrates with fine gory detail.

I admit to being a bit of a fan girl when it comes to the work of Steve Niles, however his interpretation of Mary Shelley’s gothic horror tale of science and humanity gone awry is worthy of the original novel.

Ms Harker

Wake The Dead

Wake The Dead: Single Issue Cover Art

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Permalink | June 21st, 2009

4 Responses to “Wake the Dead, a modern take on ‘Shelleyian’ consequences…”

  1. B-Sol Says:
    June 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    Yes! This is a great piece of work, which I first read when it was published in individual issue form, I’d say about five years ago. I understand it’s also being turned into a movie. Steve Niles is a great talent. I worked with a graphic designer at WWE who knew him quite well and had nothing but great things to say about him.

  2. Ms Harker Says:
    June 21st, 2009 at 8:27 pm

    I think it was your fine self that recommended this to me, great read and great art. When I bought this I also got ‘Freaks of the Heartland’, but that’s another post ;)

  3. B-Sol Says:
    June 22nd, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    Yes, now that you mention it, I was the one who first recommended it when I read how much you dug Steve Niles. Glad you liked :-)

  4. Will Says:
    June 23rd, 2009 at 8:51 am

    I love his work but I haven’t read this one. Next time I’m in the comic shop (which is every week anyway) I’ll have to look for it.

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