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Around this time of year, you get all the ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and zombies coming out to play.  I’ve noticed that one archetype of horror gets very little attention beyond a few sexy or goofy outfits among adults.  So, let’s talk about why we love the Mad Scientist!

I think these characters are great because they’re human and insane.  Many have this mentality that they are either helping humanity or they simply don’t care about the consequences of what they’re doing.  So, morally they aren’t so much repugnant, but they’re out there.  It’s strange because they can’t use the excuse of being a monster like other classic horror characters.  Yet, they do monstrous things and truly love doing it.  Even stranger is that their enemies never have this urge to slay them like other monsters,  it’s typically stopping them or imprisoning them.  Have to give them credit on always keeping their lab coats clean too.

I think them being human sets them apart and makes them interesting because you expect or hope they change their ways.  A vampire doesn’t get that level of redemption and is expected to be slain by the end of the movie.  The Mad Scientist is seen as a mortal man and deranged, but there’s a sense that they aren’t entirely evil.  They create monsters, but are not monsters themselves in the eyes of audiences.  Unfortunately, they tend to be forgotten or only remembered their insane laugh.  Though, I will admit it is a great laugh that they get.

So, what do you think of Mad Scientists and their lack of spotlight?  Also a classic to help you think: