Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. # 0 2012 VF/NM

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. # 0 September 2012 was part of DC’s "Zero Month" event. This issue provides the definitive origin for the New 52 version of Frankenstein, portraying him as a noble hero created by a truly villainous Victor Frankenstein. 

Origins 

The story is set in 1823 and details the horrific experiments that brought the creature to life. 

• The Soul-Grinder: Unlike the original novel, Victor Frankenstein uses a "soul machine" or "soul-grinder" powered by the extracted souls of roughly 50 victims, often inmates from local asylums.
• The Escape: Upon awakening, the monster demonstrates an innate sense of justice by freeing his creator's remaining victims before escaping the laboratory.
• The Pursuit: Frankenstein travels thousands of miles to escape his past, but Victor pursues him relentlessly. The conflict comes to a head in the Amazon Rainforest, where Victor leads a mercenary army in a genocidal attack on a local tribe just to draw the monster out.
• Recruitment: Recognizing his potential and noble spirit, Father Time (the leader of S.H.A.D.E.) approaches Frankenstein nearly 200 years ago to recruit him as a secret agent to fight supernatural threats. 
• Writer: Matt Kindt (who took over the series from Jeff Lemire starting with issue #10).
• Penciler: Alberto Ponticelli.
• Inker: Wayne Faucher.
• Colorist: José Villarrubia.  
• Victor vs. Frankenstein: The issue subverts the classic dynamic by making Victor a loathsome, one-note villain and Frankenstein a compassionate, philosophical lead searching for his own humanity.
• The Bride: Brief references are made to his wife, the Bride, who also serves as an agent of S.H.A.D.E. but possesses four arms.