Mongo the Magnificent
Encyclopedia
Dr. Robert "Mongo" Frederickson, a.k.a. Mongo the Magnificent, is a fictional private eye
and criminologist who has dwarfism
, appearing in several books by George C. Chesbro
. His rather unusual nickname is actually his stage name, from his days as an acrobat
in a circus
(a career that is over by the time the book series begins).
The novels are usually classified as mysteries, but frequently contain strong elements of speculative fiction
such as extra-sensory perception
and cryptozoology
.
In 2005, Greenlight Pictures announced that they would be producing a motion picture, An Affair of Sorcerers, based on the book of the same name in the Mongo series, and that actor Peter Dinklage
would be playing the central role of Mongo.
He is the majordomo to the villain the Black Tarantula. Tom Defalco, who created and authored Chesbro's first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #419, has confirmed that this is a tribute to the Mongo character.
(source: http://www.comicboards.com/app/show.php?rpy=spidergirl-2008121413082989 accessed 14 December 2008)
Private investigator
A private investigator , private detective or inquiry agent, is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Private detectives/investigators often work for attorneys in civil cases. Many work for insurance companies to investigate suspicious claims...
and criminologist who has dwarfism
Dwarfism
Dwarfism is short stature resulting from a medical condition. It is sometimes defined as an adult height of less than 4 feet 10 inches , although this definition is problematic because short stature in itself is not a disorder....
, appearing in several books by George C. Chesbro
George C. Chesbro
George C. Chesbro was an American author of detective fiction. His most notable works feature Dr. Robert "Mongo the Magnificent" Fredrickson. He also wrote the novelisation of The Golden Child, a movie of the same name starring Eddie Murphy.Chesbro was born in Washington, D.C....
. His rather unusual nickname is actually his stage name, from his days as an acrobat
Acrobatics
Acrobatics is the performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. It can be found in many of the performing arts, as well as many sports...
in a circus
Circus
A circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists...
(a career that is over by the time the book series begins).
The novels are usually classified as mysteries, but frequently contain strong elements of speculative fiction
Speculative fiction
Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as...
such as extra-sensory perception
Extra-sensory perception
Extrasensory perception involves reception of information not gained through the recognized physical senses but sensed with the mind. The term was coined by Frederic Myers, and adopted by Duke University psychologist J. B. Rhine to denote psychic abilities such as telepathy, clairaudience, and...
and cryptozoology
Cryptozoology
Cryptozoology refers to the search for animals whose existence has not been proven...
.
In 2005, Greenlight Pictures announced that they would be producing a motion picture, An Affair of Sorcerers, based on the book of the same name in the Mongo series, and that actor Peter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage is an American film, television and theater actor. Since his breakout role in the 2003 film The Station Agent, he has acted in Elf, Underdog, Find Me Guilty, the 2007 film Death at a Funeral and its 2010 remake, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian...
would be playing the central role of Mongo.
Cultural impact
Marvel Comics has a supporting character Chesbro, a genius who is afflicted with dwarfism.He is the majordomo to the villain the Black Tarantula. Tom Defalco, who created and authored Chesbro's first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #419, has confirmed that this is a tribute to the Mongo character.
(source: http://www.comicboards.com/app/show.php?rpy=spidergirl-2008121413082989 accessed 14 December 2008)