Summary
- Embracing Eric Frankenstein's darker tendencies could create a complex and formidable DCU antagonist.
- Frankenstein's behavior shows he's better suited for villainy than heroism.
- Frankenstein's actions in "The Iron Pot" highlight his transformation into a villain.
One of the standout members of the Creature Commandos television show is an anti-hero that offers a blend of brute force, dark humor, and unexpected humanity that makes him one of the more compelling antiheroes in the DC Universe. However, his portrayal as a lovable but morally questionable figure leaves much to be desired. There is one Creature Commandos episode where the character takes a turn that challenges his place as anything other than a villain, pushing the boundaries of what can be excused as antihero behavior. The time has come for the DCU to lean into Eric Frankenstein’s darker tendencies and embrace his potential as a full-fledged villain.
By exploring Eric's darker instincts and making him a true adversary for the DC Universe’s heroes, the franchise could create a more complex and formidable antagonist—one whose story would ripple across future DCU projects. The reasons why Eric Frankenstein’s shift from antihero to villain is not just necessary but inevitable.
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Creature Commandos Antihero to DCU Villain
Eric Frankenstein’s role in Creature Commandos teeters between comedic relief and reluctant hero. As a patchwork of undead parts given a second lease on life, his very existence is a metaphor for moral ambiguity. Yet, the series initially frames him as a misunderstood figure—someone grappling with his monstrous appearance and violent impulses while trying to do the right thing. And of course, while he looks for love. His interactions with people like Rick Flagg show moments of loyalty and camaraderie, but these glimpses of humanity are always undercut by his darker, unchecked instincts.
The DCU excels at crafting layered characters who evolve over time, and Eric’s potential as a villain fits this mold. Rather than remaining a quirky outsider with a dangerous streak, transitioning him into a full-on antagonist would bring out the depth of his struggles while providing the DCU with a villain that heroes like Superman or Batman would find both terrifying and tragic.
Villainy is not just a path for Eric—it’s the logical progression of his character arc. His brutal nature, combined with his moral apathy, makes him a ticking time bomb. The DCU should embrace this inevitability, giving Eric the room to become a major antagonist whose actions and motivations are as complex as they are chilling.
Eric Frankenstein Is Reprehensible
While many antiheroes exist in a gray area, Eric Frankenstein’s actions increasingly reveal that he’s not someone who can remain on the side of good indefinitely. His moments of charm and humor distract from his fundamental flaws, but his behavior consistently undermines his supposed role as someone looking to be better. Eric doesn’t just struggle with his violent instincts—he embraces them. His willingness to harm and kill without much provocation is alarming, and it’s clear that he doesn’t value human life the way other members of the team might.
In several episodes of Creature Commandos, Frankenstein is shown acting out of pure self-interest or malice, with little concern for the consequences. His lack of accountability and remorse highlights his unsuitability for heroism. While antiheroes are often celebrated for their moral complexity, Eric lacks the moral compass necessary to balance his dark side with any meaningful redemption. As a result, he stands out not as a conflicted hero but as someone whose monstrous nature makes him far better suited for villainy.
The Iron Pot Is The Last Straw
Frankenstein’s downward spiral reaches its climax in the Creature Commandos episode "The Iron Pot," where his actions cross a line that can’t be ignored. In this episode, Eric murders a blind old woman in cold blood. While the exact circumstances of this act are open to interpretatio (he believes he’s doing her a favor) it’s clear that Eric’s capacity for violence has reached new, horrifying depths. This event not only alienates him from his team but also cements his inability to function as anything other than a destructive force.
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Written By |
James Gunn |
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Showrunner |
Dean Lorey |
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Starring |
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What makes "The Iron Pot" so impactful is how it underscores the dangers of keeping someone like Frankenstein on the side of the heroes. His actions are not just a failure of morality but a betrayal of the very team that tried to guide him. By showing Eric at his worst, the episode sets the stage for his transformation into a villain—a role that he seems far more suited to than that of a reluctant hero.
Eric Frankenstein’s journey in Creature Commandos reveals a character who is deeply flawed and fundamentally dangerous. While his charm and wit might make him a fan favorite, his actions speak louder than his jokes. The events of "The Iron Pot" highlight the true nature of his character, making it clear that Eric is not a hero—or even an antihero—but a villain waiting to be unleashed.
The events of "The Iron Pot" highlight the true nature of his character, making it clear that Eric is not a hero—or even an antihero—but a villain waiting to be unleashed.
The DCU thrives on complex, morally ambiguous characters, and Eric Frankenstein has the potential to be one of its most memorable antagonists. By embracing his darker side and allowing him to become a full-fledged villain, the DCU could craft a story that explores the tragic and terrifying consequences of unchecked power. It’s time for Eric Frankenstein to leave behind his antihero days of Creature Commandos and step into the role he was always meant to play—a villain that heroes and audiences alike will never forget.
- Release Date
- December 5, 2024
- Network
- Max
- Directors
- Matt Peters
- Franchise(s)
- DC
Cast
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Indira VarmaThe Bride (voice) -
Sean GunnGI Robot / Weasel (voice) -
Alan TudykDr. Phosphorus (voice) -
Zoe ChaoNina Mazursky (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
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