Author Information
Jainee Shah, Nirma University, IndiaAman Deep Singh, Nirma University, India
Abstract
This paper critically examines Victor LaValle's graphic fiction Destroyer, a contemporary reinterpretation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein narrative that situates the iconic tale within the socio-political landscape of 21st-century America, specifically focusing on the intersections of race, racial trauma, and monstrosity. By centring a Black protagonist, Dr Baker, LaValle offers a nuanced commentary on the intersections of race, identity, and the enduring legacies of trauma within African American society. The narrative intricately depicts Dr. Baker's journey by navigating the moral dilemmas of creation, maternal love, and the implications of scientific ambition for marginalised communities. Through the lens of gothic and graphic, LaValle engages with historical and cultural discourses surrounding the Black experience in the context of American identity. This paper posits that Destroyer, in the legacy of Mary Shelley, acts as a vital critique of societal norms that often perpetuate racism and reinforce trauma that is frequently ascribed to Black bodies. Moreover, by positioning his characters within a landscape marked by the dual traumas of scientific inquiry and personal loss, LaValle invites readers to re-examine Frankenstein's legacy through a lens that articulates empathy and resilience, particularly in the context of race and racial trauma. Ultimately, this paper contends that Destroyer represents a significant literary contribution, as it challenges assumptions within literary and sociocultural narratives, reimagining Victor Frankenstein’s monster and the evolution of Dr Baker’s monster to depict systemic inequities and the rich tapestry of Black experiences in America.
Paper Information
Conference: PCAH2025Stream: Literature/Literary Studies
This paper is part of the PCAH2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Shah J., & Singh A. (2025) Black Frankenstein: Exploring Race and Trauma in Victor LaValle’s Graphic Fiction Destroyer ISSN: 2758-0970 The Paris Conference on Arts & Humanities 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 243-252) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0970.2025.20
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0970.2025.20
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