M Is for Monster

4.5/5 stars

Before I get into reviewing this graphic novel, I would like to mention the potential triggers it has. It includes abusive dynamics, mentions of anxiety, death, dissection, experiments, and gore.
 
Personally, I loved both the art and the approach the author took with Frankenstein. In this version, Doctor Frances Ai brings her sister back to life, but M realizes that it isn't her body and that she is just living in it. M is struggling to live up to Frances's expectations, even though she despises it because she is afraid of being torn apart. It covers having to live up to expectations, grieving, exploring one's identity, and accepting oneself.
 
The focus of the story seemed to be character development rather than worldbuilding. I thought this would make me love this book less, but I was happily surprised that it wasn't the case. Although I was confused as to how the world they lived in worked, I didn't find myself questioning it too much. We watch M work through finding her true identity. This was often hindered by her doing as she was told by Maura in order to fit in. I liked how the author gave hints at how this was slowly breaking M down. M only truly seems like herself when she is not listening to what anyone tells her to do. Those moments were few at the beginning, but towards the end, we see her getting more comfortable being her true self. This does cause conflict, as Frances still believes that this is her sister and tries to come up with solutions to fix her. I'm glad that she was able to reasonable and understand where M was coming from and eventually came to accept her as she is. 
 
As much as I loved Gin, I found myself identifying more with M. I would have loved to have known more about him, but I understand why this didn't happen. They were still great characters, providing support for both M and Frances.
 
I would 100% recommend this to someone. It's not only an interesting story, but it also helps introduce us to how there are stages to dealing with grief. Both reflected how important it is to let go.