Title: Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
Author: Jeff Lemire
Date of First Publication: June 26, 2012
Place of Publication: DC Comics (print)
Type: Graphic Novel
Characters: The Creature
Themes: ANDROID; BYRONIC HERO; MAD SCIENTIST/MONSTER; RETRO SF; SYMPATHETIC MONSTER
Critical Summary: In this version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the Creature is referred to as Frankenstein and is part of the DC Comics universe. Frankenstein is part of an underground network of fellow monsters and strange pseudo human beings who come together to form the organization S.H.A.D.E., also known as The Super Human Advanced Defense Executive. In Lemire’s graphic novel, Frankenstein leads a field team known as The Creature Commandos, where they work together to fight against supernatural threats that are even more dangerous and strange than themselves.
Though this version of the Creature seems completely removed from Shelley’s original version, they are still linked together by the themes of alienation and a need for the world to be just and fair. In Agents of S.H.A.D.E, Frankenstein (the Creature) finds himself amid a new governance structure and environment. He and his team have been moved to a new, smaller headquarters. There is now android like support staff. He has been given a new team of Creature Commandos. And his boss, due to a freakish accident, now inhabits the body of a small, Japanese girl. Frankenstein must acclimate to these changes to be able to do his job—which is to fight against evil, supernatural danger. But before he can do that, he must address his hesitations and concerns about the changes in his work home.
This version is interesting because it gives Frankenstein/The Creature a home of sorts. This is somewhere where he not only belongs but is a leader and valuable member of the team. In terms of connecting with Shelley’s original themes, it seems that the tables have turned in where Frankenstein is having to deal with the change that is external to him, and not necessarily internal. The rest of the plot of this mini-series involves Frankenstein containing a dangerous group of rogue monsters, rescuing his estranged wife, figuring out where the new monsters came from, and destroying them so S.H.A.D.E. can avoid destroying the entire area. It’s fast paced and unpredictable, but a good way to introduce readers to a new version of Frankenstein and members of his team.
The artistic style of the graphic novel depicts Frankenstein in a sort of neo-noir detective kind of way, and this version connects to Shelley’s original Creature in that he is dark, brooding, and mysterious. Frankenstein is depicted as a massive creature that doesn’t necessarily reflect anything physically human. When the S.H.A.D.E. agents enter the town in the beginning of the graphic novel, Frankenstein leads with a cool connectedness that is not necessarily reminiscence of Shelley’s original monster. The themes that connect the most are that of androids, the Byronic Hero, and retro science fiction due to the nature and style of the drawings.
Administrative Notes: Annette Morrison, CSUF; Dr. David Sandner, CSUF (editing)