Monstrous: Tales of Valor and Villainy

Monstrous #2

by Greg Wright, Ken Lamug (Illustrator), Kenneth Kit Lamug

You've heard the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster before. You know they tried to kill each other. But it didn't work. Now, Frankenstein has built robots, his monster has built more monsters, and the world will never be the same. Monstrous tells the tales of everyday monsters, robots, and townspeople caught up in the changes sweeping across Europe in the wake of Dr. Frankenstein's mad science. But even in this twisted landscape, our unconventional heroes--giant rabbit monsters, steam-powered cyborgs, and babysitting bank robbers--all try to live by their own code of honor. So fire up your steampunk rocket-sled and jump onboard!

Genres: Graphic Novels

102 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2019

About the author

Greg Wright has written several books: TABLOID!: Once Upon a Deadline, Claim, Monstrous, Wild Bullets, and the Holliston graphic novels.

Greg earned a Ph.D. in American Literature and Film from Michigan State, and his award-winning fiction has appeared in a variety of journals. He has taught screenwriting, media studies, creative writing, and composition.

If he had a castle with a secret passage, he’d probably tell everybody and make it just a regular passage.

Reviews

[Dávid Novotný · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why was this even published?! Seriously, I've seen better work in some fanart or web comics. Outlines of the world, which kind of reminds Hellboy universe are interesting, but they need some serious workin on and polishing. Writing is dull, and stories are getting worse with each issue. Clearly, it deosn't help, that each issue is standalone story, which doesn't have much space to grow. But even though, some plot twist are just awfull. Art doesn't help either.

[Logan Polk · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting premise, flawed execution.

[Shelby Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comic book puts a new spin on Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. The way that Frankensteins life could have been is shown in this. Monstrous tells the story of how Dr. Frankenstein dedicated his life to creating more robots that would listen and do everything he wanted them to do for him! This book gives an inside to the monsters and robots that are being built/have been built. It also gives an inside to the towns folk and their everyday life. There are many different tales throughout the book about the monsters. Every single tale brings in a different story and way of seeing the monster world. There are monsters that have been created so uniquely in this book. The monsters have different cool weapons like ray guns, etc. I do not read comic books often but this one was very interesting and a good read. I am familiar with Frankenstein and this story tells about him and his creations very well. Along with the tales about Frankenstein and what it could have been, this comic book gives various adventures and thrills within each different story. This book is a great read for all ages! It has a sense of horror as well as some comedy and the illustrations are very well done. Just by looking at the cover of the book you can tell is it going to have a sort of mysterious thrill to it. Kids would find this book fun and thrilling as well as adults. If you like horror fantasies this would be a comic book that I highly suggest. If this book is something you like there is other books that follow along with this one. As a matter of fact, there are 5 more in this series after this one. In a review I read about this book this was stated: “This world that Wright and Lamug built is perfectly suited for a world full of adventures where robots and monsters can be bad or good and assist in making a ripe landscape of fun for the protagonists..” This does a very good description of how the authors created this world and made it out to be in the book. Here is the link to read that review: https://comicbooked.com/monstrous-1-r.... Even if you aren't a comic book fan, this is a good read for some horror and comedy from monsters.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book over all was good. The main story I'm focusing on is the first story within the book, Hire Power. The art work is unique in it's own way, it shows you the own touch it gives you. While you look read through the dialogue you are able to go through and look at what's happening instead of having to image it the whole time, it gives you back ground of the monsters and how they came up. You do know a little bit by the the relation to the connection to the Frankenstein story. I like how this story is connected to when you first meet someone and you can't help but feel something for them. Gruber and Lisa started off the story by she was just trying to hire Gruber to get revenge. Gruber was a really nice character and show you how someone can be framed but also can be kind even when they are wanted. He helped Lisa get revenge for her fathers death. I also liked how it explained how revenge can change a person and make someone power hungry or become a "monster" in his words. Overall I thought this story was really good, but wished it was a bit longer to see what the girl does with her new arm and how her and Gruber go on with their relationship, also if Gruber gets his wanted thing off of him or not.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monstrous blends genres like classic horror, steampunk, and Western in this 4 comic compilation. The character development and world building are intricate and ridiculous. I mean, where else can you find a rough and tumble rabbit monster with a ray gun? Definitely worth picking up and diving into the world of monsters!!

[Topher Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing was tolerable. Illustration fell short.