Glass Scientists
There have been plenty of modern takes and graphic adaptations of classic tales, but this new conception of Stevenson’s story, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, is an entirely new approach, mixing classic and historical metaphors, references, and settings with a modern sensibility, explosive colors, and sly humor.
The story begins one dark night in the slums of East London, as a young werewolf is chased by an angry mob and finally cornered by the police, all while a mysterious dark figure watches from the rooftops. Just when Jasper, the unfortunate victim of an interest in supernatural creatures and an ill-timed potion, is about to be lose everything, a shining coach appears and a glittering figure arrives to save the day – the young, handsome, urbane, charming Dr. Jekyll. He whisks Jasper away to his institution for rogue scientists where their research is valued and encouraged.
Naturally, all is not as wonderful as it seems on the surface. With the arrival of Frankenstein and her creature, who are being followed and attacked by Dr. Moreau, the cracks beneath the surface begin to show and the mysterious figure of Mr. Hyde starts to make his presence known. Dr. Jekyll is desperate to save his institution, his reputation, and his own life, but with angry creditors, hovering police, and the suspicions of those he thought were his friends, everything seems to be on a downward spiral. The story ends on a cliffhanger, with both Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego Mr. Hyde threatened by forces within and without.
Some readers may already be familiar with this work which was launched as a webcomic in 2015, but it’s been beautifully and smoothly reworked into a comprehensive whole for this new graphic novel. There is a little bit of a manga sensibility to the characters, with lots of sharp chins, big eyes, and exaggerated emotions. But the art style is also unique, blending Victorian style with fantasy creatures, showing wild-eyed alchemists with a variety of skin colors and Steampunk gear mixing gleaming potions, handling explosions with aplomb, and cheerfully zipping around the town dodging angry mobs, irate policemen, and the risky results of their own experiments.
The work doesn’t pretend to any historical accuracy, blending science fiction stories of the era with reality, including a more contemporary attitude towards those who discard gender norms, and giving Hyde especially a slangy, current style of speech. Jekyll is portrayed as a very proper young man with a large, hooked nose, sharp chin, and somewhat naive, innocent look. His “darker half” is a small man with a fluff of blonde hair, gleaming green eyes, and that same oddly naive, sensitive look, even when he’s cheerfully setting things on fire and out partying in the streets.
Cotugno follows up the story with a short story of Frankenstein’s Creature and some of the scientists visiting a coffeehouse and discussing the nature of prejudice and finding your place. This is followed by several thoughtful notes blending their creative and artistic process and their own approach to the story of Jekyll and Hyde as they feel it relates to their own journey exploring their identity as bisexual, queer, and biracial.
There’s nothing overtly inappropriate for middle grade readers in this first volume, but the concepts of good and evil, self-identity, and references to various classic works of literature as well as hints of darker adventures to come definitely move this into teen territory. Hand this to teens who are still into steampunk and fans of Nimona, Jeremy Whitley, and Neil Gaiman.
Glass Scientists Vol. 1
By S. H. Cotugno
Penguin Random House Razorbill, 2023
ISBN: 9780593524442
NFNT Age Recommendation: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Creator Representation: Japanese-American, Bisexual,
