Manuel Sumberac

This book caught my eye in the teen section of our library several months back and I was immediately intrigued. I kind of love me some Edgar Allan - and my introduction to Steampunk last Christmas (of 2011) wasn't too bad either.

If you're unfamiliar with the idea of Steampunk, it's a little different. Wikipedia defines Steampunk as

"a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Therefore, steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century's British Victorian era or American "Wild West", in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power. Steampunk perhaps most recognizably features anachronistic technologies or retro-futuristic inventions as people in the 19th century might have envisioned them, and is likewise rooted in the era's perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art.

According to the jacket copy of Steampunk Poe, this is described as "a marriage between Edgar Allan Poe and Steampunk, the likes of which may surprise admirers of both writer and genre. Of course, there will be some who have always believed that gothic madmen and clockwork gears were destined to make brilliant companions. Inside, the classic works of Edgar Allan Poe are presented in their original form, with the dark tales of horror and mystery heightened by equally dark and mysterious Steampunk illustrations."

The short stories contained within include Poe's classics "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Balloon-Hoax," "The Spectacles," and "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether." Of the poems, we have "The Raven," "To Helen," "The City in the Sea," "A Dream Within a Dream," "The Conqueror Worm," and "The Bells."

I was relieved to see that Poe's stories and poems were kept to their original form. Every so often you hear about some publisher wanting to modernize some classic or another, and I thought this was going to be something along those lines. Thankfully, it wasn't. This was especially good because, while I liked the steampunk elements in the illustrations, several of the Poe stories and poems were new to me (or ones that I needed a refresher in, since I probably hadn't read them since high school or before).

This is an entertaining book (although it is much heavier in weight than it looks!). The illustrations are quirky and and fun, and the stories give the reader just the right amount of Poe that is perfect for a cold winter's night (or, even better, around Halloween). I could see where this would be appealing for young adults and hopefully entice them to explore more of Poe's work.… (more)

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: The classic tale of a monster and his maker.

Opening Sentence: You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.

The Review:

Mary Shelley’s dark tale of horror and destruction isn’t called a classic for nothing. Whether you need to read this for school or you are just looking for something special on a dark and stormy night, Frankenstein is a good choice. So what makes this book different from all the other copies out there? The illustrations are steampunk inspired, bringing a unique perspective without altering the original story.

The tale of Viktor Frankenstein and his creation would take far more time and space than I have available to properly explain. That said, I will endeavor to give you the basics. It begins with a letter: A letter to a beloved sister about her brother’s adventures sailing in the Arctic Circle and the fortuitous meeting of one Victor Frankenstein. Why is such a man traveling in such an inhospitable wasteland? Here begins his sad and fatalistic tale.

Frankenstein goes to school. Frankenstein obsesses over creating life. Frankenstein creates life then is horrified by his creation. Frankenstein abandons the monster and goes home. The monster hunts his maker down and pleads his case for a mate of his own. Frankenstein agrees under duress and when he backs out of the deal, the monster kills everyone that Viktor loves, including his wife. Frankenstein declares war on the monster and hunts him down. Frankenstein dies and the monster follows shortly after.

It is truly a sad and depressing tale without any happy ending. While beautifully written, the true gem within the story is its philosophical themes. What is life? Who should decide who is worthy of humanity and mercy and who is not? Where is the line between genius and madness? Is the monster a product of nature or nurture? Would this tale have had a happier ending if Frankenstein took responsibility for his creation and bestowed the knowledge the monster would need to survive in polite society? Would the monster’s vengeance been satisfied if Frankenstein had made another like its self? What if the escalation of supposed wrongs committed by both parties could have been prevented? These are just a few of the questions that arise from this cautionary tale. To be fair, stories of men tampering in things reserved for nature and God and it going horribly wrong makes for great reading.

The illustrations of this book are what set it apart from other editions of Frankenstein. Following key areas, each scene is portrayed in Technicolor steampunk vision; mechanical workings and fantastical scenery with indescribably unique inventions. In this case, the monster most definitely blends in well within this genre. Each individual picture is set within a postcard style framing or like an old time picture. Basic and Sumberac’s uses of stark colors invites the reader further into the world of Frankenstein and his foleys. Most of the scenes chosen to be drawn are key to the novel itself, giving the reader yet another avenue to fuel their imagination.

Overall, this is a must read if you like fantasy or science fiction, if you can take the time and effort to get into the flowery prose. Knowing the original stories of a genre gives us greater insight into current ones. This particular version is well worth the money. Not only do you get a great story, you also get great visual renditions of captivating scenes along the way.

Notable Scene:

“Wandering spirits, if indeed ye wander, and do not rest in your narrow beds, allow me this faint happiness, or take me, as your companion, away from the joys of life.”

FTC Advisory: Running Press graciously provided me with a copy of Steampunk: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payments I receive are hugs and kisses from my little boys.… (more)