Today marks the 200^th year anniversary of the first publication of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Mary Shelley, the author of the book, started writing the novel when she was just 18 years old. It was then published anonymously 2 years later in London on 1 January 1818.

The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who uses laboratory experiment to create a sapient creature. This creature is referred to in different words such as ‘monster’ or ‘demon’. It was only later that the name ‘Frankenstein’ is used to refer to the creature itself.

Frankenstein is often depicted as a big human-like creature, with trunk-like limbs, and yellowish or greenish skin. He has black hair and is often with several scars all over his body. There are also two metal bolts jutting out either from his neck or from his head.

Since the publication of the novel, Frankenstein has appeared in many other publications, works of arts, and entertainment products. One of the movies featuring Frankenstein, also called with the same name, that was released in 1931 coined the now famous one line of ‘It’s alive!’

Nowadays, the image and figure of Frankenstein is considered an integral aspect of classic horror movies and inseparable from horror festivals particularly in celebrations such as Halloween. Frankenstein is no longer seen as a grotesque monster as little children would dress up as the creature, and many family-friendly even adorable depictions of Frankenstein are easily found.

If you are a fan or have been familiar with the monster, join in the celebration of Frankenstein’s 200^th birthday! Celly certainly will, as she is rereading Shelley’s classic novel and if you are a reader like her, you can also do the same! For younger ones, there are always wonderful illustrated children’s books out there with Frankenstein as the central character. Adora is definitely hunting one or two of these books down for her collection! That leaves Uni-Q, who has been insisting to watch some horror movies with Frankenstein in them. Adora said she will watch one, as long as she can have a pillow to cover her eyes whenever things got a little, well, monstery.