At this year's SnT2023 conference, Victor Frankenstein introduced Metheus, a new corporate identity and brand, helping to reflect his strategic transformation from "mad scientist" to lead researcher for the Life Sciences.
The move brings all of his ideas and experiments under one recognizable and household-friendly brand, which help communicate a significant transformation from the unnatural and unethical procedures in a basement lab to becoming one of the preeminent minds in the field of biotechnology.
Frankenstein has been called "The Modern Prometheus" by some, and the new company name embraces the perhaps ironic subtitle. The rebranding effort includes a new visual identity and a snazzy M logo design.
This change reflects a shift in focus away from the lack of reason, study of alchemy, and the practice of creating monsters out of used or old body parts to more of a focus on scientific research with the use of current technology. Frankenstein says that while he has begun experimenting more with cloning, genetic engineering, and stem cell research, all of his methods are now sane, principled, and researched by peers.
Critics predict it will only be a matter of time before the mad scientist goes back to his old, immoral ways involving secret techniques and dark arts.
"From material science to molecular biology, Metheus is a company built on precision and ingenuity. The high-quality, high-purity ingredients we develop and produce today are helping the world's most essential industries address the emerging challenges of tomorrow," said Victor, now president and CEO of the company.
Why the rebrand, and why now?
Some in the scientific community say that Frankenstein's reputation never really recovered after his mental breakdown and temporary incarceration for the murder of Dr. Henry Clerval. Despite being cleared from any wrongdoing, critics insist that Frankenstein has played with things greater than himself and his monster is an abomination to mankind.
His creature was responsible for the deaths of at least six people. Frankenstein's own brother and wife were killed by his own creation.
Critics say that the rebrand is an attempt to dodge bad publicity and that the new name and logo mean nothing. They predict it will only be a matter of time before the mad scientist goes back to his old, immoral ways involving secret techniques and dark arts.
Frankenstein maintains that he is a changed man, and unlike Prometheus before him, able to learn from his past. He is no longer driven by ambitious pursuits or a God-complex and plans to contribute positively to the study of science.
"The transition to the Metheus name and brand will more clearly represent who we are and what we do—helping to enrich lives and enable our world to advance," he said with only a slight-crazed look and chuckle.