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Goosebumps Graphic Novels #2
Monster Blood: The Graphic Novel
Goosebumps now on Disney+!
While staying with his great-aunt Kathryn, Evan Ross visits an eerie old toy store. Among the dusty shelves, he finds a can of something called “Monster Blood.” The odd, sticky substance really does look like the blood of a creature. It has a greenish glow and sometimes feels warm to the touch. But the most alarming thing about the toy ooze is the way it keeps growing ― overflowing its container, then a bathtub, then filling up a whole trash can. Evan worries that all that growing has given the Monster Blood a monstrous appetite...
While staying with his great-aunt Kathryn, Evan Ross visits an eerie old toy store. Among the dusty shelves, he finds a can of something called “Monster Blood.” The odd, sticky substance really does look like the blood of a creature. It has a greenish glow and sometimes feels warm to the touch. But the most alarming thing about the toy ooze is the way it keeps growing ― overflowing its container, then a bathtub, then filling up a whole trash can. Evan worries that all that growing has given the Monster Blood a monstrous appetite...
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2025
17 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 27, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal adaptation of the original novel! Stayed true to the source material and features some incredible artwork by the cartoonist Maddi Gonzalez. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer!
September 7, 2025
Another mostly solid adaptation from Maddi Gonzalez, and I hope we continue to get these graphic novels on a regular basis. This one isn't nearly as strong as The Haunted Mask adaptation, but obviously the source material for this one isn't as good, either.
September 4, 2025
So… not my first pick for a graphic novel adaption of Goosebumps… but, Maddi’s take on Monster Blood (the first one, praying she doesn’t do the others) slaps harder than LeBron’s belt. This thing is very faithful to the book with some slight differences/additives, and the original stir is intact with all its positives: Andy and Evan’s dynamics, the revelations, the climax, and so on. There’s also some changes to the ending: it’s the same but adds a visual detail that invokes some idea that [insert spoiler villain] wasn’t alone. The bullies were also less prevalent here than in the original story, which is nice. Fuck those kids lmao. And, Maddi’s Gonzalez did a fantastic job with the art, and compared to last year’s entry: she’s blatantly improving/finding her footing more so within this franchise, or possibly in artistry as a whole. Great job. Now for my banter: alike to the original book (and most from that point in the franchise), it’s quite slow, though that pacing issue is a bit better now even if it is indeed present. Let alone, story itself is one of the notoriously lackluster of the franchise, and this is a very faithful adaption of that… so it’s also quite “whatever,” plot-wise. Overall, 9/10. Nothing but praise for Maddie… retread on previous issues with the original story, though. Dare I say it: this is on par with the original book, though I give the edge to Stine’s souly for its tone. Curly is on page 27, for those who didn’t ask. Lmao.
September 10, 2025
Well, it’s time for our 2nd of these new Goosebumps Graphic Novels by Maddi Gonzales. I plan to do a blog review of the Haunted Mask one soon so I’ll get to have more detail on the stuff I said last year. And you can go to that goodreads review for more on the art.
But hey, still wanted to read this and say some quick things. Monster Blood being the 2nd of this deal makes sense, with it having a bunch of books and being an iconic concept. The actual books were mostly bad, with the first being the best by virtue of being just alright.
We already had the original tv episode improving things so I was looking forward to seeing what this brought to the table. And yeah, it’s pretty good. The pros of her art remain here, with the highlight being the expressions. Plenty of fun moments with those here and they can be used to add charm or elevate a given scene.
There’s a clear attempt to patch up problems with the book and by that I mean Evan is toned down. Sure he has some whiny moments still, but they go to great lengths to make him more reasonable and take out the more annoying bits. Some scenes get shifted around to put him in a more sympathetic light which works well.
His dynamic with Andy is especially good here, with some added banter and even a couple added nice moments. The designs are either what you expect or inspired and really good, like with Kathryn and Sarabeth. The changes we get help, including some patching up with Kathryn.
I will say more could have been on the Sarabeth front. It still doesn’t quite explain why Sarabeth is doing this. The Tv episode added a backstory, I feel like you could have done that here too. The additions we get are so good I wish we had room for bigger changes as it does really well with some little moments that add a bit more depth. I do wish some parts get a bit room to breathe, the condensing works to make it flow better but it can mean a couple rushed parts.
Compared to Haunted Mask, Monster Blood is obviously simpler as there’s less room to push certain things so it does what it can to make things interesting and enjoyable. Tone feels a bit lighter than the book but in a way that works and frankly makes it more fun and still allows for a few somber moments. Infact, one area is made a bit darker which is cool.
So yeah, given the source material it works well. Patches things where it can and provides some more strong art. The nature of the original story makes it can’t be as strong as the Haunted Mask one but it’s still pretty good.
We have at least one more coming eventually, we don’t know what it will be based on yet though. Maddi once said Calling All Creeps was in strong consideration so singers crossed for that one. I am hoping we just keep getting these forever, with rotating artists to get some variation of styles given some of the darker ones out there.
But yeah, having fun with these. Especially adaptation wise, it’s just these now and also that new game i guess lol. Not much to say, see ya next for the next one. With that done, next read will be that Shivers, so see ya then.
But hey, still wanted to read this and say some quick things. Monster Blood being the 2nd of this deal makes sense, with it having a bunch of books and being an iconic concept. The actual books were mostly bad, with the first being the best by virtue of being just alright.
We already had the original tv episode improving things so I was looking forward to seeing what this brought to the table. And yeah, it’s pretty good. The pros of her art remain here, with the highlight being the expressions. Plenty of fun moments with those here and they can be used to add charm or elevate a given scene.
There’s a clear attempt to patch up problems with the book and by that I mean Evan is toned down. Sure he has some whiny moments still, but they go to great lengths to make him more reasonable and take out the more annoying bits. Some scenes get shifted around to put him in a more sympathetic light which works well.
His dynamic with Andy is especially good here, with some added banter and even a couple added nice moments. The designs are either what you expect or inspired and really good, like with Kathryn and Sarabeth. The changes we get help, including some patching up with Kathryn.
I will say more could have been on the Sarabeth front. It still doesn’t quite explain why Sarabeth is doing this. The Tv episode added a backstory, I feel like you could have done that here too. The additions we get are so good I wish we had room for bigger changes as it does really well with some little moments that add a bit more depth. I do wish some parts get a bit room to breathe, the condensing works to make it flow better but it can mean a couple rushed parts.
Compared to Haunted Mask, Monster Blood is obviously simpler as there’s less room to push certain things so it does what it can to make things interesting and enjoyable. Tone feels a bit lighter than the book but in a way that works and frankly makes it more fun and still allows for a few somber moments. Infact, one area is made a bit darker which is cool.
So yeah, given the source material it works well. Patches things where it can and provides some more strong art. The nature of the original story makes it can’t be as strong as the Haunted Mask one but it’s still pretty good.
We have at least one more coming eventually, we don’t know what it will be based on yet though. Maddi once said Calling All Creeps was in strong consideration so singers crossed for that one. I am hoping we just keep getting these forever, with rotating artists to get some variation of styles given some of the darker ones out there.
But yeah, having fun with these. Especially adaptation wise, it’s just these now and also that new game i guess lol. Not much to say, see ya next for the next one. With that done, next read will be that Shivers, so see ya then.
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October 18, 2025See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/monster-bl...
MONSTER BLOOD is a creepy new graphic novel adaptation of a classic GOOSEBUMPS book. Evan has to stay with his great-aunt Kathryn while he parents attend to a family emergency. Kathryn is a recluse, and her house seems a little spooky. When Evan finds a jar of Monster Blood, he and his new friend Andy begin to play with it. However, it seems to be growing out of control and consuming things in its path. Things with his aunt are not as they seem, and Evan will find himself in a situation stranger- and stickier- than he ever could have imagined.
What I loved: This is a fantastic adaptation with lush and detailed illustrations that really capture the horror and mood throughout. Evan's great-aunt Kathryn's house is suitably creepy, the nightmares give the heebie-jeebies, and the atmosphere is spot-on. The use of dialogue is just right to keep the story told by the images with assists from the text. The text is never overwhelming, and speech bubbles are easy to attribute and follow.
The story itself is a classic with a hefty amount of imagination lending itself to the horror. The use of color and expressive characters helps to maintain this mood and increase the creepiness factor of the story. I would add some caution for sensitive readers - while it may look cartoonish, the story is seriously spooky and scary (monsters created, a bird eaten by it down to skeleton on page, etc.). Sensitive readers might find it too scary, so I would recommend for children who are a little older and already appreciative of scary stories. The happy ending does leave the reader satisfied- but it is pretty spooky along the way!
Final verdict: MONSTER BLOOD is an exciting new graphic novel for middle grade horror fans, staying true to the original story and bringing it to life with plenty of horror and atmosphere.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
MONSTER BLOOD is a creepy new graphic novel adaptation of a classic GOOSEBUMPS book. Evan has to stay with his great-aunt Kathryn while he parents attend to a family emergency. Kathryn is a recluse, and her house seems a little spooky. When Evan finds a jar of Monster Blood, he and his new friend Andy begin to play with it. However, it seems to be growing out of control and consuming things in its path. Things with his aunt are not as they seem, and Evan will find himself in a situation stranger- and stickier- than he ever could have imagined.
What I loved: This is a fantastic adaptation with lush and detailed illustrations that really capture the horror and mood throughout. Evan's great-aunt Kathryn's house is suitably creepy, the nightmares give the heebie-jeebies, and the atmosphere is spot-on. The use of dialogue is just right to keep the story told by the images with assists from the text. The text is never overwhelming, and speech bubbles are easy to attribute and follow.
The story itself is a classic with a hefty amount of imagination lending itself to the horror. The use of color and expressive characters helps to maintain this mood and increase the creepiness factor of the story. I would add some caution for sensitive readers - while it may look cartoonish, the story is seriously spooky and scary (monsters created, a bird eaten by it down to skeleton on page, etc.). Sensitive readers might find it too scary, so I would recommend for children who are a little older and already appreciative of scary stories. The happy ending does leave the reader satisfied- but it is pretty spooky along the way!
Final verdict: MONSTER BLOOD is an exciting new graphic novel for middle grade horror fans, staying true to the original story and bringing it to life with plenty of horror and atmosphere.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2026
This Is Really Great Graphic Novel I Have to Really recommend this book To Young Horror Obsessed Readers and Of Course Adult Horror Obsessed Readers this Story is. While Staying With his Great-Aunt Kathryn Evan Ross visits an eerie toy Store. Among the Shelves he finds a can of Something Called Monster blood. The odd Sticky Substance really Does look like the blood of a Creature. But The Strangest thing about the toy ooze is the Way it keeps Growing- overflowing its Container. Then a bathtub then a Whole trash can Evan worries that all that Growing has Given the Monster blood a Monstrous Appetite…( So Ya That’s the Story the book is Really Enjoyable the art Is Amazing But My complaint Is the Ending It’s Just Ehh Like I don’t Blame Anyone but Sometimes In Goosebumps Story’s Sometimes The Ending Could Be Bad it’s Just My Opinion You’re Could Always Be different it’s Just my opinion like The monster blood is gone ok Ya.. Still This And The Original Story Are Great I give This book a 8/10 I have A Scary Day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
Monster Blood: The Graphic Novel is a lively and faithful adaptation of R.L. Stine’s original story, brought to life by Maddi Gonzalez’s energetic artwork. The illustrations capture the right mix of humor and creepiness, giving new color and movement to a tale that’s been delighting young readers for decades.
The pacing works well — quick, engaging, and perfect for a new generation discovering Goosebumps. Some of the original’s tension gets smoothed over in the transition to graphic form, but the visual storytelling more than makes up for it. It’s a great way to revisit a childhood favorite or introduce it to younger readers who prefer comics to prose.
Overall, a fun, spooky read that honors the spirit of Stine’s work while giving it a vibrant, modern twist.
The pacing works well — quick, engaging, and perfect for a new generation discovering Goosebumps. Some of the original’s tension gets smoothed over in the transition to graphic form, but the visual storytelling more than makes up for it. It’s a great way to revisit a childhood favorite or introduce it to younger readers who prefer comics to prose.
Overall, a fun, spooky read that honors the spirit of Stine’s work while giving it a vibrant, modern twist.
October 3, 2025
The artwork and modern updates really elevate this Goosebumps story. The plot itself is fairly bland, nothing especially scary or eventful happens until the last quarter, but the art, facial expressions, and tweaks to the characters make a big difference. The MC is less of a petulant kid, and his aunt has a stronger presence in the story, which improves the read. The twist is still silly, but at least the foreshadowing works better thanks to the visuals.
Honestly, the whole plot could’ve been avoided if the Big Bad just chilled and laid low for a couple of weeks, but hey, it’s Goosebumps.
Honestly, the whole plot could’ve been avoided if the Big Bad just chilled and laid low for a couple of weeks, but hey, it’s Goosebumps.
October 1, 2025
Oh, boy oh boy, this was a lot of fun! My very first Spooktober 2025 book and I am happy I picked this one to be the very first! Great art (really I absolutely love the style), wonderful cute doggo (who made me laugh and I wanted to hug him), interesting and scary stuff happening (monster blood that keeps growing, Evan's aunt being mysterious and slightly weird, a strange cat that seems to know more than you may think, tons of OMG moments, and a fabulous ending. All in all, I had so much fun and I flew right through this one, highly recommended.
October 4, 2025
I read this one before The Haunted Mask graphic novel but I kind of forgot about it... oops. This one is fun, with lots of expressive illustrations, but the story itself isn't one of my favorites from the 'Goosebumps' series.
I do hope they keep making these! It breathes new life (new blood??) into the old series.
I do hope they keep making these! It breathes new life (new blood??) into the old series.
November 12, 2025
10/10
I absolutely loved this book. It is such an amazing adaptation, and is visually amazing.
There were many elite references to other books and some scenes that were honestly relatively scary and some light gory scenes. The last ten pages extremely wholesome too.
I loved this book so much. I highly recommend it
I absolutely loved this book. It is such an amazing adaptation, and is visually amazing.
There were many elite references to other books and some scenes that were honestly relatively scary and some light gory scenes. The last ten pages extremely wholesome too.
I loved this book so much. I highly recommend it
November 20, 2025
This is the seventh book in the 'Monster Blood' franchise and is a graphic novel version of the original book. Unfortunately I've never been a fan of any of the previous entries and this one didn't buck the trend. It's pretty much completely faithful to the original and that's a big part of my problem, it's a bland tale to adapt in the first place given the wealth of great stories in the Goosebumps universe and this also dumbs down the writing even more as it's aimed at younger children than the original goosebumps books. For what it's worth I read this with my 7yr old daughter and she had a good time with it.
November 12, 2025
My son brought this home from the book fair and asked me to read it :)
Stunning artwork and not a bad story for being so short! My 10 year old always gives these graphic novels 10 stars, and will continue to read and purchase every one.
Stunning artwork and not a bad story for being so short! My 10 year old always gives these graphic novels 10 stars, and will continue to read and purchase every one.
November 14, 2025
A super solid adaptation! Maddi’s illustrations and panel work are a really great fit! I loved a lot of the expressions!
There’s even some surprisingly scary images that I was not expecting, but I guess it is Goosebumps, after all.
There’s even some surprisingly scary images that I was not expecting, but I guess it is Goosebumps, after all.
November 21, 2025
Goosebumps, the Graphic Novel: Monster Blood by R. L. Stine & Maddi Gonzalez
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a post-it note with the book.
Started November 13th, 2025.
Finished November 13th, 2025.
November 13th, 2025 (after midnight): read pp. 1-33 in physical copy.
November 13th, 2025 (during day): read pp. 34-142 (end) in physical copy.
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a post-it note with the book.
Started November 13th, 2025.
Finished November 13th, 2025.
November 13th, 2025 (after midnight): read pp. 1-33 in physical copy.
November 13th, 2025 (during day): read pp. 34-142 (end) in physical copy.
September 4, 2025
Maddi continues to impress me. Her art makes the characters feel so alive. She brings a fun intensity to the darker moments but also handles the comedy and friendship well. It's highly entertaining.
September 9, 2025
I love seeing these classic goosebumps books come outs as graphic novels. Even as someone who isn’t a huge graphic novel fan I have so much fun with them.
September 17, 2025
Good action and illustrations
October 17, 2025
When monster blood comes alive!!
October 17, 2025
Classic book for kids!
October 20, 2025
Good book lots of nightmares. the monster Blood is alive somehow. read to figure out how it is alive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
We really enjoyed this one together . Was like watching a movie.
October 25, 2025
The graphic are beautiful! I think is a great graphic novel for older kids.
November 5, 2025
I loved this. So nostalgic and I loved the illustrations to accompany a classic story.
November 14, 2025
This was so scary at the end! And a little bit violent. I'm still team witches and cats though, even after reading this.
November 22, 2025
A scary-fun read that's based on a R.L. Stine's Classics.
December 30, 2025
Super cute and a bit creepy version of the blob for kids, lol.
October 13, 2025
This was thankfully really good.
I guess second time's the charm, because Gonzalez fixed all of the issues her previous attempt had.
This is a genuinely good adaptation of Monster Blood, a book I loved.
There's certainly changes, the most noticeable being Aunt Kathryn no longer being deaf, which is disappointing, but overall, this was still good. Not as good as the original, but better than the TV adaptation (though "More Monster Blood" was cool).
Oh, and of course they gave the Monster Blood a face. Like they've been doing on every new cover since Monster Blood for Breakfast! and the corresponding reprint of the original Monster Blood came out.
I was worried they'd tone down the violence, but no, (SPOILERS) Evan still gets brutally beat up by the bullies and there's some graphic dissolving scenes too, even though the dissolved later end up unharmed (END OF SPOILERS).
Though the Beymer twins have the same design as one of the bullies in the Haunted Mask adaptation. Is that just Gonzalez's go-to bully design? A shame, it looks nice...
Additionally, Trigger looked very cute in this. Good dog.
Anyway, all in all, this was a really good adaptation of Monster Blood. The original book is better, of course, but this is still a solid adaptation.
I guess second time's the charm, because Gonzalez fixed all of the issues her previous attempt had.
This is a genuinely good adaptation of Monster Blood, a book I loved.
There's certainly changes, the most noticeable being Aunt Kathryn no longer being deaf, which is disappointing, but overall, this was still good. Not as good as the original, but better than the TV adaptation (though "More Monster Blood" was cool).
Oh, and of course they gave the Monster Blood a face. Like they've been doing on every new cover since Monster Blood for Breakfast! and the corresponding reprint of the original Monster Blood came out.
I was worried they'd tone down the violence, but no, (SPOILERS) Evan still gets brutally beat up by the bullies and there's some graphic dissolving scenes too, even though the dissolved later end up unharmed (END OF SPOILERS).
Though the Beymer twins have the same design as one of the bullies in the Haunted Mask adaptation. Is that just Gonzalez's go-to bully design? A shame, it looks nice...
Additionally, Trigger looked very cute in this. Good dog.
Anyway, all in all, this was a really good adaptation of Monster Blood. The original book is better, of course, but this is still a solid adaptation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews