Book Review: Pop Goes Frankenstein – Author Sam Ita

Frankenstein – A Pop Up Book 

With its riveting blend of horror and science fiction, Frankenstein has gripped the public’s imagination since its publication in 1818. Now Sam Ita, the genius of paper engineering and art, transforms Mary Shelley’s tragic masterpiece into an unforgettable, stunning, and accessible pop-up book.

For the third time, Ita—who created the magnificent Moby Dick and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea pop-ups—successfully captures the rich, dark drama of his source through amazing images. The entire story unfolds almost cinematically, in a potent mix of graphic novel panels and spectacular three-dimensional designs. The gothic building where Dr. Frankenstein carries out his sinister experiment rises high on the page; a scaffold, complete with a rope noose, emerges threateningly; and the misunderstood, rageful monster looms large and menacing, ready to destroy all in his path.

This is pure visual magic, and a wonderful way to experience a classic.

Sam Ita studied graphic design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. He apprenticed for five years with Robert Sabuda and Matthew Rhinehart on best-selling pop-up titles including America the Beautiful, Encyclopedia Prehistorica, Mommy, and Christmas cards for the Museum of Modern Art. He went on to work at Americhip creating paper-engineered product for Discovery Channel, TBS, and Target. His creations for Sterling include Christmas Tree In-a-Box, Moby Dick: A Pop-Up Book, 20,000 Leagues: A Pop-Up Book, and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers In-a-Box. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.