In 1910 Thomas Edison made the world's first Frankenstein film. Today only one print of that film exists, making it one of the oldest and rarest epics in film history. Now you can enjoy the original story line in this lavishly illustrated graphic adaptation by award-winning writer Chris Yambar and artist-illustrator Robb Bihun.

We caught up with writer, Chris Yambar, to talk about this book.

Horror News Network: "Edison's Frankenstein" is based on the 1910 rare, cult silent film.  What drew you to the concept of turning it into a graphic novel?

Chris Yambar: There was great mystery and speculation about this film with horror fans. It had all the trimmings. It was censored to the point of erasure in it's day because of heresy. Less than 2000 people had seen a complete screening of the film since it's destruction and most of those saw it only after (the now late) film collector, Alois Dettlaff discovered the only  known copy in an obscure box lot of silent films some 60 + years later. Film fans in Europe only saw select snippets of the film which Dettlaff sent to them for documentaries. He was very protective about his find and wouldn't even allow people like Scorsesse to pay for it's cleaning and restoration. This film also pre-dated the Universal Frankenstein movie release by 21 years and had a different mystical and scientific twist than Mary Shelley's original manuscript concept. It was an enigma and an 'unholy' grail. As a result this was the first graphic novel adaptation of Edison's Frankenstein in history.

Horror News Network: Tell us a bit about the adaptation of the 1910 film, and what people think of when they think of the modern day  Frankenstein monster?

Chris Yambar:  I had, thanks to Frankenstein film historian and expert, Frederick C. Wiebel Jr., an opportunity to view the film and take extensive notes on it frame by frame. From what I saw I wrote a narritive which i broke down into a script for the project illustrator, Robb Bihun. Every temptation was rejected to sensationalize what was there. We attempted to keep this as bloodless and yet as dramatic as the original film version. Our goal was to produce a graphic adaptation that people could enjoy and understand who may never get a chance to actually watch the film. Naturally there were areas where some bridging had to be applied. This was a 1910 film set in the previous century. How did the monster's creator discover the secrets of life and death with only a few years of 1800s era college?  How did he arrive at constructing the life-box? What did he actually put into that box  to create the monster? Was the creature in his mind or was it actually a living beast? Was this a mixture of science and the supernatural? Was there a deeper message to Edison's Frankenstein version that was missed? There were a lot of thngs to consider. All of the answers were there in the film and (im)possible in the time in which it was set.  We did our best to keep only the bridges that were absolutely necessary to make this a cognitive reading experience.  

This was a much different monster than the Karloff version. This creature was not made up of sewn together body parts from dead bodies found in a graveyard. This was the creation of a life form from scratch. There were darker and deeper themes in motion in Edison's Frankenstein. Every time I've lectured about this film to groups of horror fans they have brought this up without coaching. The moment the monster goes after the new bride in jealousy and rage. The moment the monster steps into the mirror. The moment it turns into the young Doctor 's reflection and vanishes. It's amazing when you consider that this 'remake' of Shelley's masterpiece actually pre-dates what most audiences asume is the first 'reel' adaptation of the text. It's also amazing that Edison's Frankenstein is only around 15 minutes in length.   

Horror News Network:  In the book there is no dialogue, but a Narrator.  Was this done to stay tru to the silent film form?

Chris Yambar:  Yes. Although we had to add some necessary bridge work for flow, we always worked on the principle that 'less is more'. Using narration rather than dialogue allowed the story to become more internally driven and personally emotional.

Horror News Network:  What was it like working with artist Robb Bihun?

Chris Yambar: Robb is an international treasure. We've worked together on some of our creator owned humor projects and always had a great time. He is a very gifted illustrator who has worked for decades on films and television. He still does. When I first conceived of doing this adaptation, there was no one else in my mind who could do this project justice. He is an 'artist's artist' in every respect.

Horror News Network:  How does the artwork add to the mood of the story?

Chris Yambar: His attention to small details like fashion, gesture, and props is always a joy to behold. He actually researches his subject matter and draws from live models when he works on a period piece. The story rings true because he has made the effort to be more authentic than the average comic artist who feels that pulling things from the top of your head is enough. He also didn't have any sound effects to hide behind. His use of light, dark and shadow adds to the mix too. Organic, authentic and creepy in all the right places. .

Horror News Network: What can the audience expect in terms of the horror/creep factor from "Edison's Frankenstein"?

Chris Yambar: Vintage otherworld gothic evil with strong psycho-spiritual undertones. Afterall, deep tortured personal horror always begins with a good hard look in the mirrior, doesn't it?

Horror News Network: Do you have a release date for the book yet?

Chris Yambar: October, 2010. You can advance order by sending $10 .00 per copy (+ $5.00 priority postage for up to five copies) with checks or postal money orders made payable to: Chris Yambar, Suite 337, Ohio One Building, 25 East Boardman Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503 USA.  If you mention the interview on this site when you order I'll be glad to sign them on request. Shipping begins a week before Halloween.

I'm also taking presentation bookings to speak about Edison's Frankenstein (as well as my work on Bart Simpson Comics, Popeye, I Dream of Jeannie and other licensed characters) . Interested parties can contact me at: cyambar@hotmail.com

Horror News Network: Where can people go to learn more about "Edison's Frankenstein"?

Chris Yambar: I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of my friend Frederick C. Wiebel's historic and award winning book on Edison's Frankenstein with 'restored' dvd. This guy knows his monsters!  For more information contact him directly at: fredwiebel@aol.com

Horror News Network: Thanks so much for your time Chris!

Comment on the Edison's Frankenstein interview here or on our forums.