Anyone who loves classic Universal horror (and if you don't, go read a recycling blog or something) is certain to get a kick out of the nifty little short story "A Shock to the System", written by British gothic artist and author Glenn James and published last June by California-based online newspaper Newsblaze. And you wouldn't be the only one either, because James' work has been noticed by none other than Sara Karloff, daughter of the Frankenstein Monster himself.A speculative prequel of sorts to Frankenstein, the tale casts Boris Karloff in the role of the good doctor, and is an entertainment treat for Universal devotees (except maybe continuity freaks, it'll have them doing some serious mental gymnastics). James was inspired to write the story after seeing Dudley Castle, the same landmark which was an inspiration to fellow Englishman James Whale, director of the classic 1931 Frankenstein.
Earlier this month, James was thrilled to receive a letter of praise from Sara Karloff, who had discovered the story online.
“Getting the letter from Sara was like receiving a telegraph from the Queen,” Glenn told the Birmingham Mail. “I was astonished, as I never expected anything of the kind. Sara said she had enjoyed every word of my story, which meant so much to me.”
I encourage you to check out the story for yourself, as well as more of James' stories and artwork.