Image Comics’ Universal Monsters franchise has been more dependable (and sometimes better than) some of the movies. A lot of it has to do with the creative team using a mix of stuff from the original movies and adding their own spin. Thankfully, they haven’t taken so much away that it ruins what came before it.
In this day and age, there are people who want to get into comics but don’t know where to start. This writer recognizes that and thought to break down what makes the six Universal Monster miniseries and explain why they’re perfect starting points for new comic book readers. Let’s start with the first one that Image Comics released.
Dracula
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Art and colors: Martin Simmonds
Writer James Tynion kept the mystery of Dracula going until the very end by not exposing too much of the Lord of the Vampires. And when he finally revealed himself, it was like seeing the shark in Jaws. You were waiting so long for the payoff, and it was done perfectly.
On top of Tyion's writing is the art of Martin Simmonds. It was the perfect addition to the story. Simmonds made this comic book perfectly monstrous. However, as bloody and creepy as Dracula was, it was also beautiful.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives
- Writers: Dan Watters and Ram V.
- Artist: Matthew Roberts
- Colors: Trish Mulvihill
What makes The Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives special is that it shied away from the 1954 classic. First, there was no damsel in distress. Kate Marsden was out for revenge. And the theme of the mini-series showed how determination can turn into obsession and turn a person into a monster. On top of that, in issues No. 3 and 4, you’ll see who the real Creature from the Black Lagoon is.
Another interesting thing is how The Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives made a run in modern times, unlike the other titles on this list. This allowed for the lead character (Kate Marsden) to be more than someone who needed to be saved.
Frankenstein
- Writer and artist: Michael Walsh
- Colors: Toni-Marie Griffin
Michael Walsh does double duty and stays true to everything that made Frankenstein’s Monster the poster child of a misunderstood gentle giant. But it also shows that even though the creature had good intentions, he still hurt people. It's what made the story so tragic and memorable.
On the flip side, you see that Henry (not Victor) Frankenstein is the true monster. Admittedly, it’s been years since I’ve seen the original, so I don’t know how accurate this is. Nevertheless, Henry was clearly evil and disturbed, and Walsh brought that to life.
The Mummy
- Writer and artist: Faith Erin Hicks
- Colors: Lee Loughridge
The Mummy begins and seems to be about a lonely person finding a friend and two people’s forbidden love costing them their lives. Eventually, it turns into something dark, disturbing, and vile. Luckily, writer and artist Faith Erin Hicks used their art to make the story less gloomy. Even then, Hicks and Lee Loughridge's visuals couldn’t hide the evil in this story.
One of my favorite moments came in issue No. 3 when Amun’s father told Imhotep that he would never spit in the faces of the gods for his daughter. Imhotep quickly and beautifully replied, “Then you did not love her enough." It was a response that would make anyone with a romantic heart smile.
Phantom of the Opera
- Writer: Tyler Boss
- Artist and colors: Martin Simmonds
I’ve heard the story of Phantom of the Opera, and it’s clear that writer James Tynion IV changes how the original story ends. However, that’s not a bad thing. In fact, the surprise ending may make some readers who know what’s coming happy.
Phantom of the Opera turns the story into something more tragic than the original, and it's done in a way that only James Tynion IV could pull off. But before the final issue concludes, the main character leaves a little girl with a message that many may need to hear.
Blood of the Wolf Man
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Leomacs
- Colors: Pip Martin
As this article is being written, Blood of the Wolf Man is only two issues into the four-issue series. So far, Joshua Williamson hasn’t disappointed. He’s giving readers a nice mystery to follow, interesting characters and isn’t relying on the blood and guts of the werewolf attack.
The Bride of Frankenstein Lives (coming soon)
- Writer: Kelly Thompson
- Art and colors: Mattia De Iulis
All of the Universal Monster mini-series have been worth reading, but I'm calling it now. The Bride of Frankenstein Lives is going to be the best of them.
Individually, Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis are hitmakers. Together, they created one of the best comics of the year (Absolute Wonder Woman Annual 2026). And judging by the image above, and knowing that Kelly Thompson is an elite writer, you bet your bottom dollar this will be a must-read.
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