Frankenstein's Monster is a literary character who has appeared in a variety of Disney related media. This includes a version of the character created by Marvel Comics.
Frankenstein's Monster is based on the character of the same name from Mary Shelley's book Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. It was a creature made from corpse matter and mad science by one Victor Frankenstein. The Monster, called "The Daemon" throughout the novel, is turned away by his creator, but finds solace in an elderly hermit who teaches him to read and speak. This sense of calm is destroyed when he is found out and forced to live in hiding
Eventually, the Monster finds his "father" and forces him to make a bride for him so that he will not be lonely. While compliant at first, Dr. Frankenstein ultimately refuses and the Monster responds by killing his fiancé. The Monster is chased into the arctic, only for Dr. Frankenstein to die from exhaustion. Saddened over his creator's death, the Monster carries his body into the unknown.
The visual appearance (and often characterization) of the monster is often based on the classic portrayal by Boris Karloff in the 1931 Universal film by James Whale and its sequels where he was portrayed by Lon Cheney Jr., Bela Lugosi, and Glenn Strange. For years, the character was often mistakenly referred to as "Frankenstein", though with the advent of modern technology, this has become less of a problem. Nevertheless, literary scholars agree that it is not inaccurate to refer to the Monster as such.
In the show Once Upon a Time, Frankenstein's Monster is reimagined as the character of Gerhardt Frankenstein. Here, he was the brother of Victor Frankenstein who assisted him in his scientific experiments. However, while helping Victor to grave rob he would be mortally shot by a police officer.
Following this, Victor became obsessed with trying to resurrect his brother rather than create life. This lead to Victor being confronted by Rumplestiltskin who offered him a deal; exchanging a magic infused heart for Gerhardt's resurrection in return for Victor to fake failing to resurrect Regina's lover Daniel. After doing this, Victor was able to resurrect Gerhardt albeit as a monster who murdered their own father.
A version of the monster, voiced by Clancy Brown (who previously played Frankenstein's Monster in the movie The Bride), appears in the episode "The Trickening!".
Disney comics[]
In Duckenstein di Mary Shelduck, a 2016 Italian Disney comics adaptation of Frankenstein, the monster is played by an anthropomorphic duck-like creature named Growl. The creature, unlike the original character, is likeable, peaceful and unoffensive.
The Swedish comic Goofy Frankenstein from 1979 is another adaption of the novel starring Mickey Mouse and Goofy.
Trivia[]
The Marvel version of Frankenstein's Monster was created by Stan Lee and Joe Maneely.
There are several characters in Disney media clearly inspired by if not outright analogous to Frankenstein's Monster.
Frankenstein's Monster's name is often debated. He was commonly mistakenly referred to as Frankenstein, which is the name of his creator. Throughout the novel, he is referred to as "Daemon" by Dr. Frankenstein, and the monster states, "I ought to be thy Adam", in reference to the book of Genesis from the Bible. Because of this, some adaptations have the character referred to as Adam Frankenstein. However, literary scholars contest that it is perfectly accurate to also refer to the monster as Frankenstein.
