The Object Of His Affection

Dick Briefer’s run on the Frankenstein Monster can be broken down into three distinct eras: the early strips that depicted the Creature as a devious and savage villain; the darkly humorous Frankenstein comics that Briefer found most fulfilling creatively; and the pre-Code horror incarnation that reinvented the monster as a figure that inspired revulsion and pity.

Although the last category doesn’t enjoy the critical acclaim of the more whimsical Frankenstein comics, Briefer still managed to pen a number of effective horror tales that deserve to be considered among the best of that particular comic-book genre.

The following story is a good example of how Briefer could give the most monstrous of characters a heart and features a shock ending with real kick.

The 13 Days Of Halloween continue with “The Beautiful Dead” from Frankenstein Comics #32 (Prize Comics Group, August-September 1954). The story was written and drawn by Briefer.

Creature Discomfort

Dick Briefer’s Frankenstein takes on Sam Pyre, The Vampire!

‘Nuff said, Time Bulleteers!!

“The Brain Of Sam Pyre The Vampire” originally appeared in Frankenstein Comics #13 (Prize, May-June 1948). The story and art are courtesy of Briefer.

Monster In The Mirror

An underlying theme to Dick Briefer’s early, horror-themed Frankenstein tales is that mankind – despite all pretenses of civilization and morality – is just monstrous as the infamous creature itself.

Although Briefer wasn’t the first to make such a connection – Frankenstein’s true creator, Mary Shelley, trod down that path as well – the cartoonist’s approach to the subject matter is so forceful and timeless that it feels more contemporary than the Commie-baiting Lee/Kirby Hulk comics of the early ’60s.

Plus, there’s a lot more bloodshed. We are talking about a Pre-Code comic here!

From Prize Comics #27 (Crestwood Publications, 1943), here’s “Is Humanity Worth Saving?” by Dick Briefer.

Although Bulldog Denny’s fight against The Creature had its ups and downs, Briefer himself ultimately tamed the monster when the entire strip was reimagined as a vehicle for the cartoonist’s surreal humor.

Frankenstein would ultimately return to its horrific roots during the EC explosion, but the legacy of Breifer’s “Merry Monster” proved the most durable.

For an overview of each incarnation of Briefer’s Frankenstein, pick up Craig Yoe’s excellent compilation from IDW!

Mrs. Frankenstein

Dick Briefer’s classic Frankenstein series is justly remembered for its surreal wit and fractured “big-foot” art. However, Briefer was able to inspire chills as well as laughs.

Before Frankenstein’s Monster gained fame as a lovable galoot, Briefer placed the character in several effective horror tales that struck terror into the hearts of Golden Age comics fans.

Here is an example of such a story, with a bit of pathos thrown in for good measure. From Prize Comics # 26, here’s the sad and violent tale of “Mrs. Frankenstein.”

Another happy ending!

Enjoy your Halloween, Time Bulleteers!