Comic-Con 2026: Frankenstein's a Big Ol' Softy

When I say I’ve read Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein at least 5 times, I fail to mention that 4 of those times were because of Bernie Wrightson’s illustrations. As I look around my cluttered office that some of you have gotten glimpses of on my YouTube channel, I acknowledge I have little room to add a high-end vinyl figure.

Yet coupled with the news that my friend Shannon Eric Denton has been working on such a figure, of Bernie Wrightson’s interpretation no less, and ready to release it into the world at San Diego Comic-Con, I may have to recant my acknowledgement. Because Wrightson’s version is so iconic that Guillermo del Toro had to acknowledge the late artist’s hand and eye in developing his own film of Frankenstein.

That Shannon worked to make it happen by having Wrightson’s son John Wrightson sculpt it? It brings a bit of a tear to my eye. (Then to read that Unbox Industries released a figure of Junji Ito’s interpretation and I somehow missed it? I need to make room for two. Don’t tell my wife.

From Monster Forge Productions and Unbox Industries:

Monster Forge Productions and Unbox Industries are proud to announce the debut of the Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein Soft Vinyl Figure, making its world premiere at San Diego Comic-Con.

This premium soft vinyl collectible celebrates the haunting and iconic interpretation of Frankenstein’s Monster by the late master illustrator Bernie Wrightson, whose breathtaking illustrations for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein remain among the most revered achievements in fantasy and horror art.

The figure is the result of a collaboration between Unbox Industries, the acclaimed Hong Kong-based producer of designer toys and premium vinyl collectibles, and Monster Forge Productions, the transmedia studio dedicated to creating and celebrating monsters across film, television, publishing, gaming, and merchandising.

The collaboration continues Unbox Industries’ celebrated history with the Frankenstein mythos. Most recently, the company produced two Unbox Frankenstein Monsters figures: one inspired by Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein for Netflix and the other by legendary manga creator Junji Ito.

This new collectible takes that connection a step further, serving as the first soft vinyl figure created as a direct tribute to Bernie Wrightson’s original illustrations for his landmark adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. It faithfully translates Wrightson’s unmistakable pen-and-ink vision into three-dimensional form.

Adding an especially meaningful dimension to the project, the figure is being sculpted by John Wrightson, accomplished sculptor, painter, and visual effects artist, as well as Bernie Wrightson’s son. John has built an impressive career at KNB EFX Group, Patrick Tatopoulos Design Studio, and Stan Winston Studio, contributing to productions including Star Trek Beyond, Alita: Battle Angel, The Walking Dead, Falloutand numerous other feature films and television projects. His sculpt brings a deeply personal connection to one of his father’s most beloved creations, capturing the spirit, anatomy, and emotion of Bernie’s definitive interpretation of Frankenstein’s Monster.

“This is more than another collectible,” said Shannon Eric Denton, founder of Monster Forge Productions. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate Bernie’s extraordinary artistic legacy with the people who loved his work most. Bernie was not only an incredible artist but also a longtime friend, and having John sculpt this figure gives it an authenticity and emotional connection that simply couldn’t be replicated. Every detail reflects the care, artistry, and respect this project deserves.”

Denton also shared his gratitude to Bernie’s family.

“I want to personally thank Liz Wrightson for her trust, support, and friendship throughout this project. Bernie’s work inspired generations of artists, creators, and monster lovers, myself included. It’s an incredible honor for Monster Forge to help preserve and celebrate that legacy, and we’re deeply grateful to Liz for making this collaboration possible.”

Unbox Industries is internationally recognized for producing some of the world’s finest designer vinyl figures, partnering with celebrated artists and creators to transform iconic characters into highly collectible works of art. Their craftsmanship and commitment to quality make them the ideal partner to bring Wrightson’s vision into soft vinyl form.

Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con are invited to visit the Unbox Industries display for a first look at the prototype and to learn more about this landmark collaboration. They can also celebrate Bernie Wrightson’s legacy at the San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, where the new documentary on Wrightson will make its Comic-Con debut on Thursday at 2:10 p.m. PT. The film has also been nominated for Best Documentary, making it another must-see event for fans.

Attendees can also hear more from Monster Forge founder Shannon Eric Denton during “Monstrous Rebellion: Building Monster Stories Beyond the Studio System” on Friday, July 24, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Room 29CD, where Denton joins Kevin Grevioux, Dirk Blackman, Bill Murphy, Hans Rodionoff, and Thomas Healy to discuss building, expanding, and monetizing original monster and horror IP across comics, film, toys, games, publishing, and beyond.

Additional details, including edition size, production specifications, pricing, and preorder information, will be announced in the coming months.

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