Why do THE MUNSTERS fight so much crime?
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e613d28fefad366b93ece35/1d54268a-5c62-4566-b7d9-689a1fcf14b0/Munsters-hostage-couch.png)
Continuing our look at how much the Fantastic Four and The Munsters have in common.
Both monster families deal with a LOT of bad guys!
Why do The Munsters always find themselves dealing with bad guys? You know, bank robbers, smugglers, con artists, and even a murderer? I mean, this is a sitcom about a family living in the suburbs. But they have several episodes where they fight crime!
Well, I’m going to talk about some of these episodes—and, more importantly, explore why it shows how much they have in common with the Fantastic Four. I don’t mean Batman. I don’t mean the Avengers.
There is something very specific about The Munsters—AND the Fantastic Four—that they have in common! I talk about that on this episode of Monster Complex™…
Monster Complex™ uses Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (At no additional charge to you.)
WATCH: Both the Fantastic Four and The Munsters are not crime fighters—but deal with a lot of bad guys!
The Munsters on the Monster Complex Show playlist
The Munster fought a lot of crime!
This episode of the Monster Complex™ show is actually the second part of a series that started with the question, “Why do the Fantastic Four and The Munsters have so much in common?” And as soon as it came out, some of the feedback made me think that perhaps—for some viewers, at least—I did not frame the big picture clearly enough.
Now if you watched that episode and you did understand what I was talking about, bless you. But just to make this clear for everyone else, I’m going to step back for a second.
First of all—I am a huge fan of the Fantastic Four. And I am a huge fan of The Munsters. I have loved both of them since I was a little kid and have continued to be a fan of both my entire life.
So none of this conversation is about one of them being a winner and one of them being a loser. I’m a huge fan of both—by which I mean the Fantastic Four comic books and The Munsters original TV show.
Please don’t think that I’m saying that one is better than the other. That is NOT what is going on here. As far as I’m concerned, both series are great.
What brought up the original question comparing the Fantastic Four and The Munsters…
So, this whole thing started a few months back, when I decided to read the Fantastic Four comic book series from the very beginning. Now, at the time of this recording, there are already more than 700 issues of the Fantastic Four comic book.
I decided to go all the way back to its beginning and read the whole series straight through. My wife and I have been buying reprints of the old issues so that for the first time in my life, I can start at the beginning with Fantastic Four #1 and read all the way to what’s coming out right now.
When I started reading those comic books from the early 1960s, around the same time I was also rewatching the original episodes of The Munsters TV show. Also from the early 1960s.
Now, even though I have been a fan of both of these series for years—for the first time in my life, I was looking at the early years of both series at the same time. And I started to notice they had SO MUCH in common. And it’s a BIG LIST of things they have in common.
But—and this is what really got my attention—a couple of these things actually made me start asking questions. Now, there are parts of The Munsters TV show that we all take for granted. I’ve been watching this show my entire life, and there are things they do that I just take for granted.
But then I started seeing some of those details in a new light. And I found myself wondering where those ideas came from.
And since those elements are so similar to parts of the Fantastic Four comic books—and since both of those series started in the early 1960s within a couple of years of each other—what I’m asking, is it possible that the Fantastic Four was actually one of the influences for The Munsters?
Previously about The Munsters…
Now look, I have written lots of times on Monster Complex™ about The Munsters…
If you want to know why the creators of The Munsters actually wanted the show to be more like the Addams Family, I wrote about that: The Munsters: 13 Secrets Every Fan Should Know
If you want to know why there are so many different actresses who play the part of Marilyn Munster, I wrote about that: Why Did They Change Marilyn Munster?
If you want to know about the various Universal Monsters that showed up on the series, I wrote about those: The Munsters: 7 Classic Monsters in the Family
If you want to know about all those episodes where Herman applied for a bunch of different jobs or tried out for different kinds of sports, I wrote about those too:
What we discussed in the last episode
Now, in the previous video we started out with some of the basic things that the Fantastic Four and The Munsters have in common. For example, both series are about FAMILIES of MONSTERS. And while you might say, “We already know that,” I’m just asking you to remember that in the early 1960s—that was unusual. Because we’re talking about a superhero comic book and a family sitcom.
So it’s the Fantastic Four. (Not Batman. Not The Avengers. Not Superman.)
And it’s The Munsters. (Not the Dick Van Dyke Show. Not the Andy Griffith Show. Not My Three Sons.)
So the Fantastic Four and The Munsters are unique because both series is about a family of monsters. We also talked about how they were unique because they were living in the real world. And they were public figures. These are all elements that they did have in common, but that also made them different from so many others.
Now let’s try a new one…
Today’s comparison—why do the FF and The Munsters fight crime?
Both series are about people who are not crime fighters—but who fight crime. Think about how unique that is for BOTH of them. This is another example that THEY have in COMMON—but very few others would also have this in their description.
Let’s look at this: The Fantastic Four are not crime fighters. They are explorers. They are science people. If you have read the actual comic books, then you know that they don’t go out looking for bad guys. They’re not Batman. They’re not the Avengers. They’re not the Justice League. It’s not their job to fight crime.
However, there are several stories where they ran into bad guys and then had to deal with them. Mole Man. The Frightful Four. Galactus. And, of course, Doctor Doom—they don’t go looking for Doctor Doom all the time, but he certainly has shown up a bunch. All of which is to say, the Fantastic Four don’t go looking for bad guys. But they do have to deal with them.
Now let’s look at how The Munsters are doing this, too. The Munsters are not crime fighters. They’re just a family living in the suburbs. It’s not their job to fight crime, either. But every few episodes, they have to deal with bad guys, too. Bank robbers. Smugglers. A mugger. Insurance scam artists. A crooked dance school. A car dealer who is selling stolen cars. A marriage scam involving a murderer. For a show that was only on for two seasons, The Munsters have had to deal with a lot of bad guys.
More from Monster Complex™:
More about The Munsters
The classic monster family sitcom may be coming back in a new series developed by James Wan (THE CONJURING), Lindsey Anderson Beer (PET SEMETARY: BLOODLINES), and Ingrid Bisu (co-star in horror movie THE NUN). More Munster reboot examples in the article!
In the latest episode of our show, we go over the uncanny similarities between the influential comic book legacy of the FANTASTIC FOUR and the monstrous (but beloved) television sitcom THE MUNSTERS!
On classic 1960s sitcom The Munsters, Herman Munster is the the spitting image of Universal's Frankenstein’s Monster. But the show established at least three different monsters created by Doctor Frankenstein...
I love The Munsters. So. Much. (Seriously, Monster Complex has talked bout The Munsters LOTS OF TIMES.) We’re including them on this list because of the movies, but let’s start with the original series. Count Dracula was a member of the family on classic monster comedy sitcom The Munsters (1964-1966).
With Marvel Comics and The Munsters both launching within just a few years of each other, were the creators behind The Munsters influenced by the breakthroughs at Marvel? I talk over the parallels with Fantastic Four, X-Men, The Hulk, and more that make me wonder…
While it’s generally assumed that Frankenstein’s Monster is strong—it’s logical to believe that he would only be as strong as, well, a human. But how strong is Herman Munster? Take a look at these examples from the original series “The Munsters”…
Celebrating some of the funniest monster movies ever made! “The neighbors can see you flying around the house. Do you want to draw attention to this house, hmm?” Vampires can turn up in some uproarious comedies. Check out our list to find behind-the-scenes details for these movies.
We’ve posted lots about The Addams Family and The Munsters—but for once here’s a post about both. In the video is a fun cover track that includes the themes from both The Addams Family and The Munsters.
On classic 1960s sitcom “The Munsters,” Herman sings an old folk song and manages to score a hit on the radio The video playlist includes Herman performing the song, plus a longer segment of the episode to enjoy more context.
Monster Complex talks about The Munsters a lot. Take a look at the list of our most-read articles from the past year that referenced the famed monster family.
Who wrote the theme to The Munsters? We answer that plus offer multiple official versions of the song—including two official versions with different lyrics!
The 1996 TV special The Munsters’ Scary Little Christmas begins with Eddie feeling homesick. His dad decides a “good old Transylvanian Christmas” will put his son in the mood for the holidays.
Continuing our “monster musicals” series with details about the staging of Shrek, a Scooby-Doo vampire musical, the stage transformation of Toxic Avenger, and more!
Thanksgiving in 1964 was a big deal for The Munsters. First, the family celebrated the U.S. holiday on the show. Then on Thanksgiving Day itself, Herman and Grandpa appeared at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've got videos from both…
Classic sitcom The Munsters introduced viewers to a family of monsters - with a niece who was normal. Oddly, Marilyn was the one character where the actress kept getting replaced…
Even monsters need family support. We explore 13 families that love their monsters—including Fantastic Four, the Looney Tunes Show, Addams Family, Flintstones, Bewitched, and lots more.
Vampires are scary monsters a lot of the time—but vampires can also turn up in some uproarious comedies. Check out our list of 31 of the best comedies that include vampires!
When the creators of “The Munsters” first pitched the series, Universal wanted the sitcom to stick closer to the monsters they’d spent decades creating as part of Universal Monsters.
Rob Zombie’s 2022 film adaptation of the 1960s sitcom “The Munsters” is available. Unfortunately, reviewers are saying it’s as bad as we expected…
While The Munsters are better looking in black & white, there have actually been lots of times they were in color. We’ll share several examples of how the family returned to the screen.
On classic 1960s sitcom The Munsters, Herman Munster regularly gained some kind of notoriety—including the several times he was mentioned on the radio, TV, or in the newspaper.
The family from Mockingbird Lane often sang and danced their way into viewers’ hearts. From the original series, here are examples of the characters sharing several performances.
The creature from Mary Shelley’s 1800s novel Frankenstein is one of the most recognized icons in storytelling, having spent more than 200 years being adapted into all sorts of media.
Over the course of its classic run, the horror comedy The Munsters featured several episodes where Herman Munster was pressed to demonstrate his prowess (or lack thereof) in sports.
In the pantheon of sitcom families, there are few as memorable as The Munsters. Despite being an iconic show in American culture, here are 13 things you may not know about the series.
The Addams Family and The Munsters were essentially developed at the same time, and both ran for two seasons each. Which Is Television’s True First Family of Fright?
Classic sitcom The Munsters (1964-1966) featured a regular, suburban family that just happened to also be related to the Universal Monsters.
It seemed like every week the Munsters ran into bank robbers, con artists, and smugglers…
For a guy who worked so many years at a funeral home, Herman Munster sure took on a lot of new jobs.
As we near the 70th anniversary for Godzilla, get ready to be mind-blown when these Godzilla facts totally change how you see the King of the Monsters! Including the hilarious time Toho told Hollywood, “That’s not Godzilla!”
In the latest episode of our show, we go over the uncanny similarities between the influential comic book legacy of the FANTASTIC FOUR and the monstrous (but beloved) television sitcom THE MUNSTERS!
Taking a look at some of the key robot characters from the world of comics—including Robot Monster, Astro Boy, Atomic Robo, the Droids from Star Wars, ROM: Space Knight, and more.
Test your knowledge of these heroic characters from TV, movies, and comics! And find out more about Batman, Elastigirl, Black Panther, Superman, the Bionic Woman, Wolverine, and more!
With Marvel Comics and The Munsters both launching within just a few years of each other, were the creators behind The Munsters influenced by the breakthroughs at Marvel? I talk over the parallels with Fantastic Four, X-Men, The Hulk, and more that make me wonder…
Dr. Theodore Sallis’ failed Super-Soldier Serum turned him into a creature born of magic and science. The swamp creature known as Man-Thing debuted in 1971, but the Marvel Comics monster hero’s origin story has grown complex over the years…
Marvel’s First Family has regularly broken new ground for comic books. In this list, we go over several factors that make the FF stand out from other comic books.
November, The Marvels brings together three major characters from three different series. Watch the new movie trailer—and find out more details, like how Ms. Marvel recently died in the comics (and got better).
The wonderful comic book series The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl finds Doreen dividing her time between superhero stuff and life as a college woman. Check out our interview with writer Ryan North.
This September, Werewolf by Night and Elsa Bloodstone form an unholy alliance in Werewolf by Night #1. Find out more about them. (Plus info about their available comics collections!)
Looking at the Dracula origins of Marvel Comics vampire hunter Blade, exploring the best ways to catch up on his history, and looking forward to what to expect in the future.
Ms. Marvel will be in the movie The Marvels. But she is also “dying” in a comic book. Look at all the ways we know she’ll get better—and meet LOTS of famous characters who “died” and came back.
Lately, there have been lots of references to alternate realities in pop culture, including the Oscar-winning movie Everything Everywhere All At Once. Interested in exploring some of these examples? In the list below were going to look over several cases, ranging from literature, TV, movies, and more.
For the past several months, I’ve been researching the history of comic books. Please let me explain how much Douglas Wolk as a tour guide has impacted me. Including quotes from some of his author interviews: “I think it’s something that’s really special about this kind of enormous enormous story.”
The major movie star has done great action scenes—including those with Jackie Chan, Star Trek, James Bond and the MCU. To celebrate Yeoh’s history-making win at the Academy Awards, we’re taking a look at some of her best fight scenes ever, including Shang Chi, Gunpowder Milkshake, and Super Cop.
Celebrating the great Marvel Comics character Black Panther and his African home of Wakanda, this ground-breaking prose anthology features 18 short stories penned by an all-star cast of authors. Find out more and hear all the great comments from critics.
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur features 13-year-old genius Lunella Lafayette and a Tyrannosaurus she yanked out of the past. Here are 13 facts around the series to help you appreciate them…
With Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania coming out, more people are learning about Marvel Comics supervillain Kang the Conqueror. Find out more about what to expect from him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as more about Kang and his comic book history.
Celebrating those characters from Marvel’s dual legacies of monsters and superheroes—including Blade, She-Hulk, Venom, Morbius, Groot, Godzilla, Frankenstein's Monster, and more!
The latest big bad in the MCU is the time-travelling villain Kang the Conqueror, one of the most dangerous, most exciting and most confusing villains from the Marvel Universe. It’s a good time to explore Kang’s history, odd angles, powers and motivations.
A look back at our most popular comics-related monster posts from the past year. As we enter 2023, see a list of popular comic-book-related articles, including posts about comics as well as adaptations into other media…
What monsters do YOU want me to talk about?
In the comments below, let me know your favorite monsters! (What books or movies or other media do you love them best?) Help me choose to talk about the monsters YOU want to hear more about!
About Monster Complex™
As we near the 70th anniversary for Godzilla, get ready to be mind-blown when these Godzilla facts totally change how you see the King of the Monsters! Including the hilarious time Toho told Hollywood, “That’s not Godzilla!”
Donyae Coles’ debut gothic thriller weaves paranoia and fear into the fabric of a decaying 1840s English estate. The author talks to Monster Complex™ about how writing horror fiction was… an accident.
Go backstage to see how Broadway brought Beetlejuice back to life. ABC News’ Will Ganss went one-on-one with the ghost with the most himself, Alex Brightman.
The tech expert talks about the importance of the scrutiny of the tech community, morality, and female representation. “Our household is tech talk nonstop.”
The classic monster soldier comic book is getting a show this fall. Info from James Gunn, who wrote the new series—who also shares that it will have ties with the show PEACEMAKER.
Exclusive interview with author Nicole M. Wolverton about her YA horror novel A MISFORTUNE OF LAKE MONSTERS. She talks to Monster Complex about her unique spin writing horror fiction.
When a teen is befriended by a gang of vampires, can his younger brother and local vamp-slayers help before it’s too late? Find out about the 1987 horror comedy’s unusual history.
The award-winning author wraps up her trilogy, inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas and woven into a tale of celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic.
Continuing our comparisons between the Fantastic Four and The Munsters—why do the FF and The Munsters fight crime? This is another example that THEY have in COMMON—but very few others would also have this in their description.
The classic monster family sitcom may be coming back in a new series developed by James Wan (THE CONJURING), Lindsey Anderson Beer (PET SEMETARY: BLOODLINES), and Ingrid Bisu (co-star in horror movie THE NUN). More Munster reboot examples in the article!
Bram Stoker’s novel DRACULA has left a lasting mark on the vampire genre. Published in 1897, the book also explores superstition, sexuality, and the clash between modern POVs with ancient evil.
Is Richard Matheson's novel I AM LEGEND about vampires or is it about zombies? Well, yes to both. We talk about the impact the book has had on storytellers ranging from George A. Romero and Rod Serling to Stephen King and Anne Rice... and so many more.
Lee Rozelle talks combining “absurdist humor and body horror in Southern tales” for the murky horror fiction collection BACKWATERS. He also tells Monster Complex the monster movies that made that kid grow up to be this author, explains the unique spin on his horror fiction, and shares the unexpected thread that binds his new collection of stories together…
We note the passing of Roger Corman (1926-2024), trailblazer for indie movies. He passed away on May 9. A look at the filmmaker’s career—including conflicts with Marvel Comics and MST3K.
Bookstagram has attracted book lovers from all over the Internet to celebrate their favorite fiction. Find out more about the authors and the books we talk about on the Monster Complex™ page on Instagram.
In the latest episode of our show, we go over the uncanny similarities between the influential comic book legacy of the FANTASTIC FOUR and the monstrous (but beloved) television sitcom THE MUNSTERS!
The Rondo Awards honor the best in classic horror research, creativity and film preservation. This year's winners include the reissue of ROBOT MONSTER, the movie GODZILLA: MINUS ONE, the TV series WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, and more! Find out the details here.
The author talks about serializing his horror novel featuring infected monsters. Martinez shares the origins of TRACKING BLOOD, his goals with serializing the novel online, and why there are actually TWO versions coming.
Monster Complex™ explores monster fiction in all its forms—books, movies, TV, comic books, games, and anywhere else you can find stories about monsters and those who hunt them and/or love them. Whether it’s stories about science gone wrong, vampires, werewolves, spirits, folklore, mythology, cryptozoology, or anything of the like—Monster Complex™ will be right there with interviews, lists, roundups, and discussions.
Monster Complex™ is hosted by Chris Well, author and friend of monsters. (Well, the good ones.) Chris Well has been a writer pretty much his entire life. Over the years, he’s worked in newspapers, magazines, radio, and books. Now the chief of the website Monster Complex™, he celebrates monster stories in classic fiction and pop culture. He has also started writing horror comedy stories that embrace Universal Monsters, 1960s sitcoms, 1980s action movies, The X-Files, and Marvel Comics.
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v2/namespaces/memberAccountAvatars/libraries/5bdc57f7a4f0022c1b9e1fa3/2d6adb6b-8b93-4c84-b64f-87839473b154/Chris-Well-coffee-Six-Million-Dolar-Man.jpg?format=300w)
Chris Well been a writer pretty much his entire life. (Well, since his childhood.) Over the years, he has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio, and books. He now is the chief of the website Monster Complex, celebrating monster stories in lit and pop culture. He also writes horror comedy fiction that embraces Universal Monsters, 1960s sitcoms, 1980s action movies, and the X-Files.
Continuing our comparisons between the Fantastic Four and The Munsters—why do the FF and The Munsters fight crime? This is another example that THEY have in COMMON—but very few others would also have this in their description.