Fright (comics)
| Fright | |
|---|---|
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Fright confronts Batman in Batman #630. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Batman #627 (April 2004) |
| Created by | Judd Winick (writer) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Linda Friitawa |
| Abilities |
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Fright, real name Dr. Linda Friitawa, is a fictional character in the DC universe. She first appeared in Batman #627 (April 2004)
Fictional character biography
Fright first appeared as Linda Friitawa, a scientist in the employ of the Penguin, assisting the Scarecrow (Jonathan Crane) in his experiments to refine his fear-inducing chemicals. Friitawa had been a geneticist until losing her medical license for unauthorized experiments on human beings. A highly photosensitive albino, Friitawa slept through the day and worked all night assisting the Scarecrow. In contrast to the Penguin, who constantly harangued and bullied the Scarecrow, Linda showed respect for Crane's intellect and seemed to be genuinely kind towards him.
Soon, a gigantic creature dubbed the "Scarebeast" began killing off the Penguin's disobedient or underperforming underlings. Although the creature exhaled fear-inducing toxin and physically resembled the Scarecrow's costume, Friitawa claimed to believe Crane when he insisted he had nothing to do with it.
Batman managed to defeat the monster and discovered that it was, in fact, the Scarecrow. Unbeknownst to Crane, the Penguin had hired Friitawa to alter the Scarecrow's own genetic experiments and infect him with them, causing him to transform into the Scarebeast. Friitawa also used the Scarecrow's research to cure herself of her photosensitivity and give herself superhuman abilities, including enhanced strength and the ability to exhale fear toxin. When Batman confronted Friitawa and the Penguin with his discoveries, she announced her intention to become a supercriminal with the name "Fright" and escaped.
In the more recent New 52 continuity, she has joined the new Black Mask in his Ministry of Science. She is also his lover.
Powers and abilities
According to the Penguin, Fright has the ability to exhale nerve toxins. She also has superhuman strength and agility, the degree of which is unknown.
Video games
Fright appears on a wanted poster in Batman: Arkham Knight.