In 2017, Universal Pictures tried to give new life to the classic Universal's failed cinematic universe starring Tom Cruise never took off. Some of the films that would have been a part of the Dark Universe included the likes of Van Helsing, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man, The Creature From the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein, and The Bride of Frankenstein. Supposedly, these films would also have been connected in some way, but how that would have happened will never be seen on screen.

While these Dark Universe films were canceled, the Universal Monsters have found other outlets to prosper. Blumhouse, alongside Universal Studios, released a stand-alone Invisible Man film, which was well received with 91 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, perhaps the best adaptations so far have come from Image Comic's imprint, Skybound.

In a variety of recent series, Skybound has been adapting the Universal Monsters for its comic books, and fans of classic horror do not want to sleep on these comics.

Trippy image of the Universal Monsters Frankenstein, with some of his torso exposed.
Related
New Universal Monsters: Frankenstein Series Updates the Classic Tale from a Shocking POV

Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment have announced a new Universal Monsters: Frankenstein title from acclaimed creator Michael Walsh.

For Fans Of The Classic Universal Monster Movies, Their Best Bet Is Not The Failed Dark Universe

Skybound's Comics Offer a Jaw-Dropping New Interpretation of Horror Classics

In October 2023, the first comic from Skybound's line of Universal Monsters comics dropped, and it came out swinging with the stellar creative team of James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds, the creatives behind the conspiracy theory-fueled comic The Department of Truth. Truly the dream-team for Universal Monsters: Dracula, this comic has Simmonds' haunting, unique art with a new tale for the vampire from one of the biggest writers in horror comics today, Tynion.

Dracula was followed by Universal Monsters: Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! From Dan Waters, Ram V, Matthew Roberts, and Dave Stewart, this Skybound comic acts like a successor to the original film, bringing back Doctor Edwin Thompson and introducing Kate Marsden, a journalist investigating a serial killer in the Creature's territory. Like Dracula, this series is wrapped up and now available in hardcover. The same will be the case for the most recent Universal Monster comic, Frankenstein by Michael Walsh, Becca Carey, and Toni-Marie Griffin, which has a hardcover edition coming out March 26, 2025.

Classic Universal Monster film characters (black & white, foreground) against a backdrop of monsters.
Related
The Mummy Is Ready to Twist What We Know About the Universal Monsters With Its Big Comeback

Skybound Entertainment is reviving the Mummy, as part of its expanding line of Universal Monsters comics, telling the classic story from a fresh POV.

1

Skybound's Universal Monsters Has A Bright Future With A Recent Comic

Skybound Gives The Mummy Another Chance To Win Over Audiences

the mummy skybound-1

With the aforementioned three series from Skybound having wrapped up, Image Comics has plans for more Universal Monsters, with the next series focusing on Prince Imhotep. The Mummy is ready to twist what's known about the Universal Monsters with its own Skybound comic by writer and artist Faith Erin Hicks and colorist Lee Loughridge

This comic appears to take place concurrently with the 1932 film, similar to what the comic Universal Monsters: Frankenstein did. It also appears the story will be told from the perspective of Helen Grosvenor, who was in the original The Mummy movie. The comic is notable because it tackles the same property that many believe sank the Dark Universe franchise - however, given the level of creators on these projects and the quality so far, it's clear Skybound is heading for a very different result.

Universal Monsters: The Mummy #1 will be available from Dark Horse Comics March 26, 2025.