Cartoon Frankenstein Miami Vice Mashup by Matthew R. Paden

Artist Notes:

by Matthew R. Paden

I’ve always had a soft spot for classic monsters—especially Frankenstein’s monster—but this time, I wanted to throw him into something unexpected: the neon-lit, synth-heavy world of the 1980s.

The result?

Frankenstein Vice—a mashup love letter to Mary Shelley’s legendary creature and the pastel-cool swagger of Miami Vice.

The concept sparked one late night while watching reruns of Miami Vice with a cup of dark roast in hand. I thought, “What if Frankenstein had ditched the lab coat and bolts for shoulder pads and aviators?”

That became my guiding star. I reimagined him not as a slow, lumbering brute but as a slick, brooding antihero with a scarred past—and great fashion sense.

Design-wise, I leaned hard into the ‘80s aesthetic. He’s rocking a teal blazer with rolled-up sleeves, a popped collar, and a t-shirt in dusty pink—classic Crockett and Tubbs flair.

I gave him chunky loafers and high-waisted slacks, because nothing says 'power move' like 1980s menswear. Of course, I didn’t forget his iconic flat-top head and stitched skin, but I toned it down just enough to let the Miami style shine through.

The background glows with purples, blues, and hot pinks, channeling that retro city skyline look, like a synth-wave album cover had a monstrous baby.

I created the piece entirely in Clip Studio Paint, which is my go-to for digital illustration. I love the control it gives me for line weight and blending.

I started with rough pencil sketches, nailing down his attitude first—cool, distant, a little dangerous. Then I moved into inking, adding texture to his skin and just the right amount of grim to his smirk. Coloring was where it all came alive.

I layered in subtle gradients, rim lighting, and a neon glow effect to really sell the vibe.

For me, Frankenstein Vice is more than just a visual gag—it’s a playful clash of genres and eras. I like to think if Frankenstein’s monster ever got a second chance, he’d cruise the Miami Strip in a white Testarossa, brooding about life and jamming to a synth-pop beat.

Monsters need style too.