Frankenstein’s monster is one of the original icons of horror. What started as the product of a nineteen years old girl’s imagination is now one of the most popular monsters that have ever been created. The story of Frankenstein and his hideous creation started in 1818, when Mary Shelly published Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The novel’s first edition was published anonymously in London, due to the reticence people had in reading novels written by female authors. The second edition was signed and published in France. It has never been out of print.

Frankenstein is the story of an ingenious student in science who seeks refuge from his worldly problems in the creation of a human-like being out of inanimate items. Using bones collected from charnels Victor Frankenstein created the monster’s skeleton, while for the complete creation of the human-like creature, Frankenstein made use of his extensive knowledge of chemistry and alchemy, hoping to design a beautiful being that will serve him as friend and fellow. Instead, a hideous monster was brought to life! At the sight of his final work Frankenstein fled from the creature, hoping to put an end to his experiment and never hear from his ugly creation ever again. Yet, his wish will not be fulfilled, as the monster, banned from the human community, seeks revenge on his creator.

Although the Gothic Romantic book was a success at its time, it was Boris Karloff’s portrayal in the movie called first sequel of Frankenstein, released in 1931. Frankenstein in 1931 that everybody knows. Unlike the original description, which pictured Frankenstein’s creation as an 8 feet tall monster with yellow translucent, prominent eyes, black lips, flowing hair and a flexible body which can run faster than a human being, the Frankenstein’s monster revealed by Karloff in 1931 was a heavy creature which had difficulties in walking both due to its stiffness and its large boots; he has a square face with short hair and visible sewing traces. Two electrodes protrude from his neck and his coat and pants are too small for his large body.

The 2004 Frankenstein movie offers a more modern vision upon the monster, which now has bald head and pale blue skin. He is powered by electricity by means of two electrified crystals positioned one on his head and another one above the heart.

Frankenstein Halloween Costumes

Due to the enormous success the book and the movie had along time, Frankenstein’s monster has become one of the most famous horror disguise for Halloween and horror themed parties. Numerous costumes have been released for fans to dress up like the hideous creature for different themed parties. Tattered costumes and Frankenstein foam, rubber or plastic masks are available for those looking for an accurate monster look. There are also accessories like high boots to create the height illusion and special make-up kits to recreate a Frankenstein look without wearing a mask.

Yet, the appropriate costume and make-up are not the only things one needs in order to fully look like Frankenstein. His stiff look, the crude gait and his difficulty in articulating words are key features which must be practiced by the monster-to-be.

As mentioned previously, there are some contradictions between the features presented in the book and the ones promoted by the film industry. Because most of the Frankenstein costumes available stick rather to the cinematographic image of Frankenstein’s monster, it is recommend to go on this track to create your perfect monster look. This way, your costume will no only be recognized by everybody, but it will also be praised for the details it displays.

• View Frankenstein costumes at Buycostumes
• View Frankenstein costumes at Costume Craze

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