Darkman (1990) & The Invisible Ray (1936): Supervillains & Antiheroes | EP06

Science fiction has long explored the dangers of discovery. From mysterious cosmic radiation to experimental medical breakthroughs, the genre repeatedly returns to a central question: what happens when scientific ambition goes too far?

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we examine two films that explore the tragic consequences of scientific experimentation: the classic Universal sci-fi horror film The Invisible Ray (1936) and Sam Raimi’s dark superhero origin story Darkman (1990).

Both films centre on brilliant scientists whose discoveries transform them into dangerous figures — blurring the line between victim, monster and anti-hero.

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Discussion Points from the Episode

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore:

• how The Invisible Ray reflects early anxieties about radiation and scientific experimentation

• the iconic pairing of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi in classic Universal horror

• how Darkman blends superhero storytelling with horror influences

• why tragic scientists remain one of the most powerful archetypes in science fiction

  
  

Invisible Ray (1936)

Director: Lambert Hillyer

Writer: John Colton

Producer: Edmund Grainger

Studio: Universal Pictures

Starring: Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Frances Drake

Release Year: 1936

The Invisible Ray is a science-fiction horror film from Universal Pictures starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, two of the most iconic actors of classic horror cinema.

The film follows Dr. Janos Rukh, an astronomer who develops a telescope capable of observing deep space and discovers evidence of a meteorite impact in ancient Africa. When he travels to investigate the site, Rukh is exposed to radiation from a mysterious element known as Radium X.

The radiation causes Rukh to glow in the dark and makes his touch instantly lethal. Although a serum temporarily suppresses the effects, the exposure gradually drives him toward paranoia and revenge against the scientists he believes have betrayed him.

The film blends science fiction with Gothic horror and reflects the growing fascination — and fear — surrounding radiation and atomic science during the early twentieth century.

Darkman (1990)

Director: Sam Raimi

Writers: Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, Chuck Pfarrer, Daniel Goldin, Joshua Goldin

Producer: Robert Tapert

Starring: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Larry Drake

Release Year: 1990

Darkman is a science-fiction superhero film directed by Sam Raimi. The story follows Dr. Peyton Westlake, a scientist developing artificial skin that could help burn victims.

When criminals attack Westlake’s laboratory and leave him severely disfigured, he survives thanks to experimental medical treatment. However, the procedure leaves him emotionally unstable and physically altered.

Using his research, Westlake creates synthetic masks that allow him to impersonate other people as he hunts down the criminals responsible for destroying his life. Consumed by revenge, he becomes the mysterious vigilante known as Darkman.

The film blends superhero action with horror influences and was partly inspired by the classic Universal monster films of the 1930s.

From Mad Scientist to Tragic Anti-Hero

Although made more than fifty years apart, The Invisible Ray and Darkman share striking thematic similarities.

Both films explore scientists whose discoveries transform them into dangerous figures. Each protagonist begins with noble intentions but ultimately becomes consumed by revenge and isolation.

These stories highlight one of science fiction’s enduring ideas: the tragic consequences of scientific power when it escapes human control.

Listen to the Episode

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Or explore the full Journey Through Sci-Fi archive to discover more episodes exploring the history of science-fiction cinema.