Was laid up in bed a couple years ago and typed this up. These are just the Franks that I'm
familiar with...feel free to offer any corrections or additional models in case you're laid up too, or just really, really bored...
CURRENTLY ACTIVE MODELS:
None known.
INACTIVE/UNKNOWN STATUS:
1818 Frank: The original. Stated height of 8' tall, weight unknown. Exact physical description vague. Highly philosophical, intelligent and cunning. Astonishingly fast and agile. Superhuman strength and stamina, although nearly succumbed to a rifle wound. "Impassive" to extreme cold. Expresses thirst, hunger and fatigue. STATUS: Unknown -- presumed dead by suicide.
Illustrated Frank (from a neat Illustrated Comics-type version I bought in the fifth grade): Identical to 1818 model in all respects expect appearance, which is fairly close to Universal's Strange model. Exhibits immense strength (breaks fencepost with a single blow; rows open boat quickly in rough seas; scales mountainsides with ease). STATUS: Unknown -- same as above.
Universal Frank (forced continuity: all classic Universal Franks covered here [1931-1948] as one model, which they were supposed to be despite several actors/makeup changes). Approx. 8' tall, est. 325-375 lbs. Strength ranges from nominal/post-dormancy (relatively weak and groggy but still able to lift a few hundred pound coffin one-handed) to fully charged (alert and mobile, batter down heavy doors, throw machinery and tear loose heavy iron gates). Has sustained normally lethal damage with no apparent lasting effects; has survived flames, explosion, drowning/ suffocation, electrocution, extremes of heat (800+ degrees), prolonged freezing, bullets in the heart, massive blunt force trauma and combat with a werewolf. Progressively resistant to heavy IV sedation but succeptible to tranquilizing gas. Can eat and drink, but over time appears to have lost any need to do so. Also appears to have increased in strength and damage resistance over time while suffering a decrease in cognitive ability. Slowest-moving model but overall the most physically imposing. STATUS: Unknown -- presumed dormant beneath a Florida lake.
Herman Munster: Similar in most respects to Universal Frank: around 7'3", 393 lbs (according to wife Lilly). Absurdly strong -- has walked thru closed wooden doors, uprooted trees, moved parked cars by hand and lifted wrecking balls with little apparent effort. Damage resistance unknown. A really nice guy; when angered, shouts "Darn!" while stomping holes in the floor. STATUS: Presumed alive (?) and well at 1313 Mockingbird Lane.
True Story Frank (Michael Sarrazin's 1973 TV model). Approx. 6'0", est. 160-175 lbs. Strength appears comparable to that of nominal UniFra but is a far more efficient model, since he remains at a consistent energy level due to constant solar charging (rather than intermittent electrical jump-starts). Probably the best of all models in terms of resistance to physical damage: survived multiple self-inflicted stab wounds to the heart and lungs, close-range large caliber gunshot, a crushing fall of hundreds of feet onto water, drowning, fire, explosion, a direct lightning strike, prolonged freezing temperatures and crushing blunt force trauma (burial under tons of ice). Very intelligent and clever; some personality and knowledge from brain donor retained. Can eat and drink but probably doesn't need to do so. Personal note: This is the model I'd want as a bodyguard if I'm ever stuck in the middle of a riot. STATUS: Presumed dormant beneath Arctic ice.
Talking Frank (from "Frankenstein's Monster Talks" on the 1960s album "Famous Monsters Speak!" now available on CD). Height/weight unknown, presumed identical to Universal Frank in all respects if album cover artwork is anything to go by. Has broken chains, busted through heavy doors, torn apart horse-drawn carriages and dismembered its occupant ("they come apart so easily"). Survived fire and bioelectrical drain. Very intelligent and instrospective, also insane and vicious. STATUS: Unknown...presumably still going about his plan of emptying the world of its people. Hey, who's that behind you?
Power Frank (from Marvel Comics 1974 "The Monster of Frankenstein" and Power Record of same name). Essentially identical to 1818 model in all respects but with an notably muscular build and a high resistance to physical harm. Took little notice of the shattering impact of a heavy wooden chair. Small caliber bullets "barely fazed him." Kills a bear bare-handed and a wolf one-handed. STATUS: Depends on where the Marvel series left off, I have no idea.
Evil Frank (from Hammer's 1964 "Evil of Frankenstein"). Estimated near or at the 7' range, approximately 260 lbs. Similar in some respects to Universal Frank. Revived after ten-year frozen dormancy. Very strong, fairly quick when he wants to be. WICKED MEAN DRUNK. Appears to tire more readily than other models. Can eat; appears to like raw meat. Brain damaged from rifle shot; rendered unpredictable and animalistic. STATUS: Presumed destroyed by fire/explosion.
Young Frank (Peter Boyle from 1974's "Young Frankenstein"). 7'6" tall, est. 300 lbs. Very strong; can knock down heavy doors, break chains and climb high castle walls. Some song and dance skills. Unpredictable at first, but very pleasant and erudite after receiving a wacky brain fluid transfer. STATUS: Presumed alive (?) and well.
Aurora Frank: Bears a strong but imprecise resemblance to Monster from BoF. Height: Well, let's see...varies from 10" to 10 1/2" tall (at 1/8 scale, that would put ol' Frankie right at 7', not too impressive in todays NBA). Weight: A couple ounces of styrene (or polystyrene, if you're talking the '83 Monogram reissue or later). Strength: Not much. Just kinda stands there with his arms outstretched. Must weigh a lot in Plasticworld as his foot cracked the gravestone he's standing on. STATUS: Once standing on desks, bookshelves and headboards all over the world, Aurora Frank is still standing on desks, bookshelves and headboards all over the world, tho not nearly as many.
KNOWN DISCONTINUED MODELS:
Edison Frank (from Edison's 1910 short). Est. 6'4, 220 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed; disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Teen Frank (1957's "I Was a Teenage Frankenstein") Est. 5'11-6'1", 200 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by electrocution (of all things).
Toho Frank (from Toho's "Frankenstein Conquers the World," 1965). est. 60', weiging several tons. STATUS: Destroyed in volcanic eruption or drowned by giant octopus, take your pick.
Drac Frank (from 1971's "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein"). 7'5", est. 250-275 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by dismemberment. Possibly classifiable
as "dormant" assuming component parts could be reassembled and reactivated.
DeNiro Frank (From "Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein," the truly accurate title). Est. 6'0", 220 lbs. STATUS: Suicide by fire.
Corman Frank (from Roger Corman's "Frankenstein Unbound") 7', est.275-300 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by *ahem* lasers. Brian Aldiss' book is a MUCH better way to spend your time.
Horror Frank (Hammer's "Horror of Frankenstein," 1970). 6'7", est. 250 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed in acidic dunk-tank.
Lee Frank (Christopher Lee, 1957). 6'5", est. 220 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by unknown means (haven't seen this flick in years).
Chaney Frank (Lon Chaney, Jr's appearance on the 1950's show "Tales of Tomorrow"). 6'3", est. 230 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed (deactivated?) by de-electrification.
Got more Franks? Add 'em!
CURRENTLY ACTIVE MODELS:
None known.
INACTIVE/UNKNOWN STATUS:
1818 Frank: The original. Stated height of 8' tall, weight unknown. Exact physical description vague. Highly philosophical, intelligent and cunning. Astonishingly fast and agile. Superhuman strength and stamina, although nearly succumbed to a rifle wound. "Impassive" to extreme cold. Expresses thirst, hunger and fatigue. STATUS: Unknown -- presumed dead by suicide.
Illustrated Frank (from a neat Illustrated Comics-type version I bought in the fifth grade): Identical to 1818 model in all respects expect appearance, which is fairly close to Universal's Strange model. Exhibits immense strength (breaks fencepost with a single blow; rows open boat quickly in rough seas; scales mountainsides with ease). STATUS: Unknown -- same as above.
Universal Frank (forced continuity: all classic Universal Franks covered here [1931-1948] as one model, which they were supposed to be despite several actors/makeup changes). Approx. 8' tall, est. 325-375 lbs. Strength ranges from nominal/post-dormancy (relatively weak and groggy but still able to lift a few hundred pound coffin one-handed) to fully charged (alert and mobile, batter down heavy doors, throw machinery and tear loose heavy iron gates). Has sustained normally lethal damage with no apparent lasting effects; has survived flames, explosion, drowning/ suffocation, electrocution, extremes of heat (800+ degrees), prolonged freezing, bullets in the heart, massive blunt force trauma and combat with a werewolf. Progressively resistant to heavy IV sedation but succeptible to tranquilizing gas. Can eat and drink, but over time appears to have lost any need to do so. Also appears to have increased in strength and damage resistance over time while suffering a decrease in cognitive ability. Slowest-moving model but overall the most physically imposing. STATUS: Unknown -- presumed dormant beneath a Florida lake.
Herman Munster: Similar in most respects to Universal Frank: around 7'3", 393 lbs (according to wife Lilly). Absurdly strong -- has walked thru closed wooden doors, uprooted trees, moved parked cars by hand and lifted wrecking balls with little apparent effort. Damage resistance unknown. A really nice guy; when angered, shouts "Darn!" while stomping holes in the floor. STATUS: Presumed alive (?) and well at 1313 Mockingbird Lane.
True Story Frank (Michael Sarrazin's 1973 TV model). Approx. 6'0", est. 160-175 lbs. Strength appears comparable to that of nominal UniFra but is a far more efficient model, since he remains at a consistent energy level due to constant solar charging (rather than intermittent electrical jump-starts). Probably the best of all models in terms of resistance to physical damage: survived multiple self-inflicted stab wounds to the heart and lungs, close-range large caliber gunshot, a crushing fall of hundreds of feet onto water, drowning, fire, explosion, a direct lightning strike, prolonged freezing temperatures and crushing blunt force trauma (burial under tons of ice). Very intelligent and clever; some personality and knowledge from brain donor retained. Can eat and drink but probably doesn't need to do so. Personal note: This is the model I'd want as a bodyguard if I'm ever stuck in the middle of a riot. STATUS: Presumed dormant beneath Arctic ice.
Talking Frank (from "Frankenstein's Monster Talks" on the 1960s album "Famous Monsters Speak!" now available on CD). Height/weight unknown, presumed identical to Universal Frank in all respects if album cover artwork is anything to go by. Has broken chains, busted through heavy doors, torn apart horse-drawn carriages and dismembered its occupant ("they come apart so easily"). Survived fire and bioelectrical drain. Very intelligent and instrospective, also insane and vicious. STATUS: Unknown...presumably still going about his plan of emptying the world of its people. Hey, who's that behind you?
Power Frank (from Marvel Comics 1974 "The Monster of Frankenstein" and Power Record of same name). Essentially identical to 1818 model in all respects but with an notably muscular build and a high resistance to physical harm. Took little notice of the shattering impact of a heavy wooden chair. Small caliber bullets "barely fazed him." Kills a bear bare-handed and a wolf one-handed. STATUS: Depends on where the Marvel series left off, I have no idea.
Evil Frank (from Hammer's 1964 "Evil of Frankenstein"). Estimated near or at the 7' range, approximately 260 lbs. Similar in some respects to Universal Frank. Revived after ten-year frozen dormancy. Very strong, fairly quick when he wants to be. WICKED MEAN DRUNK. Appears to tire more readily than other models. Can eat; appears to like raw meat. Brain damaged from rifle shot; rendered unpredictable and animalistic. STATUS: Presumed destroyed by fire/explosion.
Young Frank (Peter Boyle from 1974's "Young Frankenstein"). 7'6" tall, est. 300 lbs. Very strong; can knock down heavy doors, break chains and climb high castle walls. Some song and dance skills. Unpredictable at first, but very pleasant and erudite after receiving a wacky brain fluid transfer. STATUS: Presumed alive (?) and well.
Aurora Frank: Bears a strong but imprecise resemblance to Monster from BoF. Height: Well, let's see...varies from 10" to 10 1/2" tall (at 1/8 scale, that would put ol' Frankie right at 7', not too impressive in todays NBA). Weight: A couple ounces of styrene (or polystyrene, if you're talking the '83 Monogram reissue or later). Strength: Not much. Just kinda stands there with his arms outstretched. Must weigh a lot in Plasticworld as his foot cracked the gravestone he's standing on. STATUS: Once standing on desks, bookshelves and headboards all over the world, Aurora Frank is still standing on desks, bookshelves and headboards all over the world, tho not nearly as many.
KNOWN DISCONTINUED MODELS:
Edison Frank (from Edison's 1910 short). Est. 6'4, 220 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed; disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Teen Frank (1957's "I Was a Teenage Frankenstein") Est. 5'11-6'1", 200 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by electrocution (of all things).
Toho Frank (from Toho's "Frankenstein Conquers the World," 1965). est. 60', weiging several tons. STATUS: Destroyed in volcanic eruption or drowned by giant octopus, take your pick.
Drac Frank (from 1971's "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein"). 7'5", est. 250-275 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by dismemberment. Possibly classifiable
as "dormant" assuming component parts could be reassembled and reactivated.
DeNiro Frank (From "Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein," the truly accurate title). Est. 6'0", 220 lbs. STATUS: Suicide by fire.
Corman Frank (from Roger Corman's "Frankenstein Unbound") 7', est.275-300 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by *ahem* lasers. Brian Aldiss' book is a MUCH better way to spend your time.
Horror Frank (Hammer's "Horror of Frankenstein," 1970). 6'7", est. 250 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed in acidic dunk-tank.
Lee Frank (Christopher Lee, 1957). 6'5", est. 220 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed by unknown means (haven't seen this flick in years).
Chaney Frank (Lon Chaney, Jr's appearance on the 1950's show "Tales of Tomorrow"). 6'3", est. 230 lbs. STATUS: Destroyed (deactivated?) by de-electrification.
Got more Franks? Add 'em!
