Universal Monsters Bride of Frankenstein Lives #1 — Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis Reunite for a Thunderstorm of Horror
Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis team up again for a haunting new take on the classic creature. Born in a storm, made of stolen flesh, the Bride wakes with no memory and a lot to figure out. It’s a fresh, terrifying debut that invites you in.
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis lock arms again, and this new miniseries from Image Comics is the proof. You know their chemistry from Absolute Wonder Woman and The Cull — a blend of razor-sharp emotional stakes and visceral, atmospheric storytelling. They’ve chosen Universal’s most iconic creation to explore, but this isn’t a nostalgia trip. This is a fresh, terrifying origin that feels both ancient and urgently modern. If you’ve been waiting for a horror series that doesn’t just rely on scares but actually builds a world you’re desperate to inhabit, this is the drop.
The premise is deceptively simple and utterly compelling. Our protagonist wakes up in the aftermath of a violent thunderstorm, stitched together from stolen flesh, electricity, and sheer desperation. She has no name, no memory, and no idea what she is, but she does know one thing: she is displeased. With no past to guide her, she must navigate a world that likely fears what she is, all while trying to understand the mechanics of her own existence. It’s the ultimate survival story, but with a twist that makes every step forward feel like a discovery.
What makes this #1 so irresistible is the tone Thompson and De Iulis have cultivated. It’s not just about the monster; it’s about the person inside the monster, grappling with the basic, universal act of staying alive. De Iulis’s art brings a haunting texture to every page, capturing the grit and grace of a being who is both monstrous and deeply vulnerable. The pacing is tight, the visuals are striking, and the emotional core is surprisingly heavy. You’ll find yourself turning pages not just to see what happens, but to see if she can find a place where she belongs.
If you’re already a fan of Thompson’s work, particularly her runs on Marvels or her horror-adjacent projects, you’re going to want to get this onto your stack immediately. It’s a perfect entry point, standing on its own while hinting at a much larger, darker mystery. The first issue sets the stage for a four-part journey that feels essential reading for anyone who loves character-driven horror.
Keep an eye on the variant covers this week, too. De Iulis handles both the main cover and a stunning variant that captures the stormy essence of the Bride’s birth. These tend to move fast, so if you want to frame it or just keep it safe, grab it while you can. This is the kind of debut that sticks with you long after the last panel fades to black.