The original Frankenweenie was the 1984 short film by Tim Burton, about a boy who re-animates his deceased dog, which rocketed him on his track to become our premiere auteur du weird. Now he's revisiting his launchpad with 2012's Frankenweenie, a feature-length version of the story that maintains the stop-motion and black-and-white look, but updates and expands everything else. And now here's your first good look at the characters in the story, courtesy of Disney. Let's take them in turn, eh? Click on each pic to get a better look at all the players.

First up, there's Victor Frankenstein, voiced by Charlie Tahan. Here's what we learn about him:
Victor Frankenstein is a clever, industrious 10-year-old. He lives with his parents and dog, Sparky, and immerses himself in making films and inventing in his attic workshop. When Sparky dies in a car accident, Victor uses scientific ingenuity to bring him back to life

Next, Sparky himself: 
Sparky is a playful bull terrier whose sense of curiosity is matched only by his owner, Victor. Sparky enjoys chasing after balls and starring in Victor’s homemade movies. He exudes tons of energy and enthusiasm, which even his untimely death doesn’t diminish.

Victor's parents are voiced by Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short.
Mr. Frankenstein is a travel agent, who likes to dispense roundabout advice to his son. He is proud of Victor’s accomplishments, but is concerned he doesn’t have any friends other than Sparky. He encourages him to join the baseball team. Mr. Frankenstein has a playful and loving relationship with his wife, Victor’s mom, who encourages her son’s scientific pursuits, even when her kitchen appliances end up in his attic lab.

Then Elsa Van Helsing, voiced by Winona Ryder
Elsa Van Helsing is a soulful and somber classmate of Victor. She lives next door with her tyrant uncle, Mayor Burgemeister, who forces her to be this year’s “Little Dutch Girl” at the town’s celebration of Dutch Day. Elsa also has a beloved pet, her poodle Persephone, and truly empathizes with Victor when he loses Sparky.

Persephone is Elsa's dog.
Persephone is a perfectly groomed black poodle. She is fiercely loyal to Elsa, her owner. When Persephone and Sparky first meet in the backyard, the attraction is instantaneous and electrifying.

Then there's Toshiaki (James Hiroyuki Liao)
Toshiaki is over-achieving and mega-competitive. He delights in beating Victor at his own game and like a power-hungry mad scientist, Toshiaki will stop at nothing to win the top prize in the school’s science fair—even if it means stealing Victor’s ideas to do it.

Robert Capron is Bob.
Bob is a momma’s boy, the brawn to Toshiaki’s brains. He is never mean-spirited, but he’s easily led and gullible. Bob follows Toshiaki everywhere, but is the first one to run to Victor for help when he gets in over his head.

And Bob's mum is voiced by Conchata Ferrell.
Bob’s Mom is a plump, suburban housewife who is prone to panic and hysteria when things go awry. She has very simple, stereotypical views on life. She dotes on her son Bob and believes her actions, though often misguided, are in his best interest.

Frankenweenie is out on October 17 in the UK, and October 5 in the US. Look out for some behind-the-scenes coverage in a future issue of Empire.