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Monster on the Hill
Can a depressed monster learn how to be a hero? Maybe with a little help. The hilarious and heartwarming graphic novel that inspired the movie RUMBLE is now expanded with a new epilogue!
In a fantastical 1860s England, every quiet little township is terrorized by a ferocious monster -- much to the townsfolk's delight! Each town's unique monster is a source of local pride, not to mention tourism. Each town, that is... except for one.
Unfortunately for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster isn't quite as impressive. In fact, he's a little down in the dumps. Can the morose Rayburn get a monstrous makeover and become a proper horror? It's up to the eccentric Dr. Charles Wilkie and plucky street urchin Timothy to get him up to snuff, before a greater threat turns the whole town to kindling. Monsters of all ages are sure to enjoy this tale about life's challenges, the power of friendship, and creative redemption, packed with epic battles and plenty of wild beasts!
Prepare for the release of the 2021 film RUMBLE with this expanded edition of the beloved graphic novel, now featuring a new 10-page epilogue!
In a fantastical 1860s England, every quiet little township is terrorized by a ferocious monster -- much to the townsfolk's delight! Each town's unique monster is a source of local pride, not to mention tourism. Each town, that is... except for one.
Unfortunately for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster isn't quite as impressive. In fact, he's a little down in the dumps. Can the morose Rayburn get a monstrous makeover and become a proper horror? It's up to the eccentric Dr. Charles Wilkie and plucky street urchin Timothy to get him up to snuff, before a greater threat turns the whole town to kindling. Monsters of all ages are sure to enjoy this tale about life's challenges, the power of friendship, and creative redemption, packed with epic battles and plenty of wild beasts!
Prepare for the release of the 2021 film RUMBLE with this expanded edition of the beloved graphic novel, now featuring a new 10-page epilogue!
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
September 21, 2019
What if dragons got depressed? This story explores that idea. This is a fantasy story set in a world where each town has a dragon protecting it. They do come into down and scare the people now and then and people love it. The scarier the dragon, the more tourism the town gets. Well, in Stoker-on-Avon, our dragon, Rayburn is rather pathetic and not scary. Tourism is down and people are talking about the mess that is Rayburn. So the town elders send the town psychologist who got in trouble for some experiements he did and a precocious little boy who wants to help. The adventures begin.
I thought this was an interesting middle grade story for fantasy lovers who want an adventure story. It’s nice and safe and you can root for the underdog. It was a fun read and I might just read it to the nephew. I think he would enjoy this story. I can’t believe he is 6 now.
I thought this was an interesting middle grade story for fantasy lovers who want an adventure story. It’s nice and safe and you can root for the underdog. It was a fun read and I might just read it to the nephew. I think he would enjoy this story. I can’t believe he is 6 now.
October 31, 2015
See, people? *shakes book in the air* How hard is this, really? I stand beside thousands of children's librarians who have, for years now, been in a bit of a pickle with the kiddos when it comes to great graphic novels. I blame Bone. If Scholastic hadn't rereleased Jeff Smith's classic series in full color editions and marketed them to kids, we wouldn't have had to face wave upon wave of impressionable children holding up their worn and battered editions saying, "Do you have anything like this?" Because crazy as it might sound, the answer is usually no. You want kid-friendly fare that's adventurous AND funny? And full-color? Uh . . . suuuuure, kid. To be fair, some books fit the bill. Thanks to Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre, Sidekicks by Dan Santat, and Jellaby by Kean Soo I've managed to feed their hunger, but nothing's ever been enough. So it is with great rejoicing and the throwing of small pieces of confetti that I welcome to my shelves the fast, funny, not so furious Monster on the Hill by Rob Harrell. There is nothing here your children won't love. Heck with it. There's nothing here YOU won't love.
Every good town has a good monster. They're fantastic. Much of the time they're terrorizing the citizenry, and as everyone knows that's just good for business (tourists love to be terrified). Best of all, a good monster will guard a town from a threat known only as The Murk. And then there's poor Stoker-on-Avon. They've a bit of a monster problem. His name is Rayburn and . . . well, let's be honest. Rayburn's kind of pathetic. Worst of all, he knows it, so his days are spent wallowing in self-pity. When Dr. Charles Wilkie is charged by the town fathers to perk the creature up he unwittingly brings along plucky newsboy orphan Tim. Together, the three try to get at the root of Rayburn's problem. Unfortunately a trip to his friend Tentaculor leaves Stoker-on-Avon without a guardian. And The Murk? He's hungry . . . very hungry . . .
What do you talk about first when you're reviewing a graphic novel? I don't really have a rote set of talking points in a distinct order. That said, I've the vague sense that I probably should. I feel that way because my instinct right now is to begin by talking about the colors in this book, which is kind of an odd choice. But see, kids these days are spoiled. They love their comics to be full-color, an expensive and time-consuming proposition most of the time. With the exception of fabulous independents like Matt Phelan (Bluffton) most comic book artists for kids don't dabble in things like watercolors or pastels. They rely on good old-fashioned computer coloring. Trouble is, there's excellent computer coloring and then there's the lousy variety. Lousy is easier to do so you'll it much more often. Now Top Shelf didn't deem it necessary to list in this book whom the colorist might be (perhaps it was Mr. Harrell himself?), but whoever it might have been they did a top-notch job. The colors in this book are understated without being muted. They match the storyline perfectly. Not every graphic novel can say the same.
Then there is the writing. Can we talk timing for a bit here? Because when it comes to pacing, Monster on the Hill knows what it's doing. The beginning starts with a big old bang. There's wanton destruction and people running for their lives. It's delightful. As the book progresses, Harrell harnesses his storyline perfectly. Clearly he has the storytelling gene. That's great. But how are the jokes? We are, after all, talking about a syndicated cartoonist. He's been in the business more than a decade but does that funny translate to the book format? You bet your sweet bippy it does. All hail Looney Tunes and other cartoons that established the perfection of the visual gag. Time and again Harrell gets the maximum enjoyment out of the silent frame followed by the funny line or the incredibly ridiculous moment couched in seriousness.
It isn't all timing, though. Many of the jokes in this book are visual gags or just honestly funny sentences. Seeing The Murk, the ultimate bad guy, sniffing fear from the townspeople and then saying, "Oh, yeah. That's the good stuff" is delightful. The smaller jokes are less noticeable. Notice what happens to Wilkie's carriage driver when the gleesome threesome decides to take a road trip. Then there's the fact that the town fathers have names like "Mr. Hawthorne", "Mr. Shelley" and "Mr. Stevenson". Additional Bonus: The town is "Stoker-on-Avon". Few kids are going to pick up on any of this (few adults too, I suspect) but they're there for anyone interested.
Now don't get me wrong. The setting of this book is odd. First off, it exists in that odd time period where everything's just barely pre-Industrial Revolution but folks can still make jokes about Hot Pockets. Then there's the location. One has to assume that we're in Britain here. As such, certain characters exhibit distinctly English tendencies in their speech. And by rights the mix of semi-British English with completely contemporary words and phrases should, by its very definition, jar. I just . . . doesn't. I suppose I'm a poor judge. My favorite moments on The Simpsons are when Bart adopts a faux Cockney accent. Spunky (Cockney) orphan Tim fills that same need.
Rob Harrell is, at this time, best known for his comic strips "Adam @ Home" and "Big Top". Like fellow cartoonist Stephan Pastis ("Timmy Failure") he's extended his talents this year and is garnering a new readership. Kids that have never even seen a newspaper comic, let alone read them, will be instantly hooked by Harrell's kooky storyline and good-natured monstering. For those kids who want something adventurous and amusing, their prayers will be answered. Granted, for the most voracious amongst them this book will take up a single hour of reading (maybe less). At least it's fun while it lasts. Monster On the Hill. Get your own.
For ages 8-12.
Every good town has a good monster. They're fantastic. Much of the time they're terrorizing the citizenry, and as everyone knows that's just good for business (tourists love to be terrified). Best of all, a good monster will guard a town from a threat known only as The Murk. And then there's poor Stoker-on-Avon. They've a bit of a monster problem. His name is Rayburn and . . . well, let's be honest. Rayburn's kind of pathetic. Worst of all, he knows it, so his days are spent wallowing in self-pity. When Dr. Charles Wilkie is charged by the town fathers to perk the creature up he unwittingly brings along plucky newsboy orphan Tim. Together, the three try to get at the root of Rayburn's problem. Unfortunately a trip to his friend Tentaculor leaves Stoker-on-Avon without a guardian. And The Murk? He's hungry . . . very hungry . . .
What do you talk about first when you're reviewing a graphic novel? I don't really have a rote set of talking points in a distinct order. That said, I've the vague sense that I probably should. I feel that way because my instinct right now is to begin by talking about the colors in this book, which is kind of an odd choice. But see, kids these days are spoiled. They love their comics to be full-color, an expensive and time-consuming proposition most of the time. With the exception of fabulous independents like Matt Phelan (Bluffton) most comic book artists for kids don't dabble in things like watercolors or pastels. They rely on good old-fashioned computer coloring. Trouble is, there's excellent computer coloring and then there's the lousy variety. Lousy is easier to do so you'll it much more often. Now Top Shelf didn't deem it necessary to list in this book whom the colorist might be (perhaps it was Mr. Harrell himself?), but whoever it might have been they did a top-notch job. The colors in this book are understated without being muted. They match the storyline perfectly. Not every graphic novel can say the same.
Then there is the writing. Can we talk timing for a bit here? Because when it comes to pacing, Monster on the Hill knows what it's doing. The beginning starts with a big old bang. There's wanton destruction and people running for their lives. It's delightful. As the book progresses, Harrell harnesses his storyline perfectly. Clearly he has the storytelling gene. That's great. But how are the jokes? We are, after all, talking about a syndicated cartoonist. He's been in the business more than a decade but does that funny translate to the book format? You bet your sweet bippy it does. All hail Looney Tunes and other cartoons that established the perfection of the visual gag. Time and again Harrell gets the maximum enjoyment out of the silent frame followed by the funny line or the incredibly ridiculous moment couched in seriousness.
It isn't all timing, though. Many of the jokes in this book are visual gags or just honestly funny sentences. Seeing The Murk, the ultimate bad guy, sniffing fear from the townspeople and then saying, "Oh, yeah. That's the good stuff" is delightful. The smaller jokes are less noticeable. Notice what happens to Wilkie's carriage driver when the gleesome threesome decides to take a road trip. Then there's the fact that the town fathers have names like "Mr. Hawthorne", "Mr. Shelley" and "Mr. Stevenson". Additional Bonus: The town is "Stoker-on-Avon". Few kids are going to pick up on any of this (few adults too, I suspect) but they're there for anyone interested.
Now don't get me wrong. The setting of this book is odd. First off, it exists in that odd time period where everything's just barely pre-Industrial Revolution but folks can still make jokes about Hot Pockets. Then there's the location. One has to assume that we're in Britain here. As such, certain characters exhibit distinctly English tendencies in their speech. And by rights the mix of semi-British English with completely contemporary words and phrases should, by its very definition, jar. I just . . . doesn't. I suppose I'm a poor judge. My favorite moments on The Simpsons are when Bart adopts a faux Cockney accent. Spunky (Cockney) orphan Tim fills that same need.
Rob Harrell is, at this time, best known for his comic strips "Adam @ Home" and "Big Top". Like fellow cartoonist Stephan Pastis ("Timmy Failure") he's extended his talents this year and is garnering a new readership. Kids that have never even seen a newspaper comic, let alone read them, will be instantly hooked by Harrell's kooky storyline and good-natured monstering. For those kids who want something adventurous and amusing, their prayers will be answered. Granted, for the most voracious amongst them this book will take up a single hour of reading (maybe less). At least it's fun while it lasts. Monster On the Hill. Get your own.
For ages 8-12.
October 15, 2014
Perfect. This book is perfect. I love everything about it. Every character is interesting and our main trio of old man, kid, and monster are incredibly lovable and hilarious, I want to hang out with them.
The humor in this book is incredible, a great balance between dry parody and snarky sarcasm that is never over the top or trying to hard, it just feels right.
Rayburn the depressed monster is one of the best characters ever and I am in love.
Overall this story is clever, witty, sweet, cute, charming and so so funny.
The humor in this book is incredible, a great balance between dry parody and snarky sarcasm that is never over the top or trying to hard, it just feels right.
Rayburn the depressed monster is one of the best characters ever and I am in love.
Overall this story is clever, witty, sweet, cute, charming and so so funny.
September 8, 2013
Stoker-On-Avon has a problem. Their town has a monster, but that's not the problem. The problem is that their monster isn't scary. Certainly nothing like the rock star monster, Tentaculor, of the town of Billingswood.
So, a bumbling scientist, and a stowaway newsboy are sent to see if they can solve the monster problem. It seems the monster suffers a self-image problem, so they head out to find the monster's old classmates to see if they can help. There may be an even bigger problem waiting when they get back home.
Rob Harrell, of Adam@Work fame, has written a hilarious send up of all that scares us, all that holds us back and the friends we make along the way. There are laugh out loud moments in here and the art is cartoony and fun. Great fun for all of us who secretly wish our town had a monster on the hill.
So, a bumbling scientist, and a stowaway newsboy are sent to see if they can solve the monster problem. It seems the monster suffers a self-image problem, so they head out to find the monster's old classmates to see if they can help. There may be an even bigger problem waiting when they get back home.
Rob Harrell, of Adam@Work fame, has written a hilarious send up of all that scares us, all that holds us back and the friends we make along the way. There are laugh out loud moments in here and the art is cartoony and fun. Great fun for all of us who secretly wish our town had a monster on the hill.
December 13, 2014
Colorful, inviting children's story about a.. monster on a hill… set in a small town in fictional Victorian England. It's more silly than anything else, and pretty formulaic, but was entertaining for the kids. I found it a little too pat and silly and cartoony, but it wasn't written for me, really. Or, I heard it WAS written more for all ages than just children, but it still doesn't feel like I am the ideal audience.
December 19, 2014
My son was sent this for Christmas and it looked adorable, so I worked in time to read it before wrapping it.
Monster on the Hill is an 185-page graphic novel with delightful artwork and a fun story. It made me smile throughout. It's a version of Victorian England where each town has its own monster that causes some mayhem, but also protects the town and acts as a tourism draw. Rayburn is a depressed monster. He doesn't do much of anything for his town. The local mad scientist is sent to change that, and it begins an adventure that sparks Ray's sense of life.
There are some pretty big plot holes, but I think that's forgivable. It's a book for middle-graders and doesn't need ironclad world-building. I do wish there had been a major female character, though.
This was a great read and I think my son will enjoy it immensely.
Monster on the Hill is an 185-page graphic novel with delightful artwork and a fun story. It made me smile throughout. It's a version of Victorian England where each town has its own monster that causes some mayhem, but also protects the town and acts as a tourism draw. Rayburn is a depressed monster. He doesn't do much of anything for his town. The local mad scientist is sent to change that, and it begins an adventure that sparks Ray's sense of life.
There are some pretty big plot holes, but I think that's forgivable. It's a book for middle-graders and doesn't need ironclad world-building. I do wish there had been a major female character, though.
This was a great read and I think my son will enjoy it immensely.
November 26, 2017
My 9-year-old read this to himself this morning and loved it SO much that he asked me to read it with him right afterwards. So I read it out loud to him and my 4-y-o, who is now stomping around the house play-acting one of his favorite monster characters from the book! It was a huge success with both of them.
This is a super-fun adventure with a team of unlikely buddies and giant monster battles - like an MG version of Pacific Rim with a lot more humor! - and it also compassionately includes the issue of depression in a way that's rare to see in this kind of adventure. My only real quibble was that I did wish at least one of the main characters could have been female - but I still really enjoyed reading this book with my kids, and they both thought it was 100% FABULOUS!
This is a super-fun adventure with a team of unlikely buddies and giant monster battles - like an MG version of Pacific Rim with a lot more humor! - and it also compassionately includes the issue of depression in a way that's rare to see in this kind of adventure. My only real quibble was that I did wish at least one of the main characters could have been female - but I still really enjoyed reading this book with my kids, and they both thought it was 100% FABULOUS!
April 7, 2016
If monsters were common, then surely every town would have their own to attract tourists and repel other monsters, right? Stands to reason. But what about the poor monster who has lost his joie de vivre? It's an all-ages book, so it's not a depression requiring medication or treatment, thankfully, just a bad mood that can be lifted by a little exercise, change of scenery, a bit of adventuring.
I look forward to reading a lot more of Harrell's work. I hope that some chicks make it in future books, too.
Library copy
I look forward to reading a lot more of Harrell's work. I hope that some chicks make it in future books, too.
Library copy
June 25, 2020
So, I'm definitely not the audience for this book, as I think being a kid is necessary to appreciate the simplistic, broad humour and obvious plot. The artwork is fun, and has lots of energy, though.
April 28, 2018
3½-4 stars.
March 3, 2014
I read this book in preparation to go see Harrell speak about kids comics at the Staple Independent Media Expo. It was great, and it was also really great to hear Rob talk about the need/place/effectiveness of the All Ages comic which appeals to both parents and kids. It really hit a nail on the head for me that should have been obvious but has eluded me for years, and that is this: I really struggle with the YA Graphic Novels category, which sort of splits up, perhaps even pigeonholes, the whole wonderful flow of comic artisty and creative storytelling into Kids, Teens, Grownups, when a lot of the stuff for kids is beautiful and moving, a lot of the stuff that is in adult is there just because it has some naked people or some violence, that most teens could handle, and lots of stuff in YA is there ....why? Because it's manga? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense, and although no one on the panel I saw was wringing their hands over it, I was glad they were talking about all-ages comics being a valid category. Because it's what I most love to read.
BUT ANYWAY. Monster on the Hill is about a pretty depressed mopey monster and a little boy with a jaunty cap and an old mad scientist who are trying to get him back in fighting form. They have a few adventurous, they visit the monster's old monster school friend, Tentaculor, and fight an EVEN SCARIER monster. It's a pretty straightforward story, with the human characters a little cariacture-ishly old-fashioned British, and the Monster like...clinically depressed without any real reason for being so... it could be heavy handed, it could be twee, it could be epically nerdy. But it's not! It's got a light touch, committed to telling a nice story that is basically about friendship and teamwork, and ends up being sweet but just sharp enough. Plus, dude, I really love the illustration style! It's accessible and familiar, but not overly cutesy. But a little cute! The monsters are at once scary and approachable, and the fact that it's in full color doesn't hurt matters. Basically, it's really marketable without being cloyingly commercial. I guess that's what comes of being a newspaper strip cartoonist for the last decade-ish. Thank you, Rob, for using your powers for good. Sequel please?
BUT ANYWAY. Monster on the Hill is about a pretty depressed mopey monster and a little boy with a jaunty cap and an old mad scientist who are trying to get him back in fighting form. They have a few adventurous, they visit the monster's old monster school friend, Tentaculor, and fight an EVEN SCARIER monster. It's a pretty straightforward story, with the human characters a little cariacture-ishly old-fashioned British, and the Monster like...clinically depressed without any real reason for being so... it could be heavy handed, it could be twee, it could be epically nerdy. But it's not! It's got a light touch, committed to telling a nice story that is basically about friendship and teamwork, and ends up being sweet but just sharp enough. Plus, dude, I really love the illustration style! It's accessible and familiar, but not overly cutesy. But a little cute! The monsters are at once scary and approachable, and the fact that it's in full color doesn't hurt matters. Basically, it's really marketable without being cloyingly commercial. I guess that's what comes of being a newspaper strip cartoonist for the last decade-ish. Thank you, Rob, for using your powers for good. Sequel please?
December 28, 2013
This is silly. Silly and fun.
For one thing, it's very specifically set in a fictionalized England in 1867, and many of the characters have cheesy, over-the-top off-and-then-on-again British twangs, alternating with modern usage ("Seriously?" = full sentence originated on the TV show Greys Anatomy, in my memory). And I found that setting to be a bit unnecessary. But whatevs.
I was also a bit disappointed there aren't MOAR monsters in the story. There are really only 3-4, even though we (ostensibly) set off on a road trip to visit at least several.
I do appreciate that the monsters aren't all of the Dragon type.
And it's solid, when we really get down to it.
Ok, one more thing = I would be a touch more happy if the colors weren't a little bit muted on this matte paper. But I see that as a publisher decision, not anything I should hold against the author. And maybe it's an ecological choice. And I am all for Saving the Planet.
Great approachable illustrations, fun new twist on the monster plot, great all-ageyness - I know librarians planning to promote this to everything from 3-8th grade.
I mean, it's not supplanting Zita the Spacegirl in my affections, but yay happy good, and it'll be an easy sell to ALL OF THE CHILDRENS (and adults).
Read with:
Giants Beware
No Such Thing as Dragons
For one thing, it's very specifically set in a fictionalized England in 1867, and many of the characters have cheesy, over-the-top off-and-then-on-again British twangs, alternating with modern usage ("Seriously?" = full sentence originated on the TV show Greys Anatomy, in my memory). And I found that setting to be a bit unnecessary. But whatevs.
I was also a bit disappointed there aren't MOAR monsters in the story. There are really only 3-4, even though we (ostensibly) set off on a road trip to visit at least several.
I do appreciate that the monsters aren't all of the Dragon type.
And it's solid, when we really get down to it.
Ok, one more thing = I would be a touch more happy if the colors weren't a little bit muted on this matte paper. But I see that as a publisher decision, not anything I should hold against the author. And maybe it's an ecological choice. And I am all for Saving the Planet.
Great approachable illustrations, fun new twist on the monster plot, great all-ageyness - I know librarians planning to promote this to everything from 3-8th grade.
I mean, it's not supplanting Zita the Spacegirl in my affections, but yay happy good, and it'll be an easy sell to ALL OF THE CHILDRENS (and adults).
Read with:
Giants Beware
No Such Thing as Dragons
April 18, 2018
I have a special weakness for graphic novels, especially fantasy stories that look to play with conventions - and Monster on the Hill most definitely did.
Rob Harrell's penned an incredibly fun, quirky, and silly story about Rayburn - the monster that belongs to Stoker-on-Avon. I loved the whole subversion, right off the bat, that the monsters terrorize the town and the townsfolks LOVE it. They run and scream, and when it's all over, they are absolutely delighted. Unfortunately for Stoker-on-Avon, Rayburn has a bit of depression going on. He doesn't want to do much of anything, and his sighs and grumblings are bringing down the whole town.
When a disgraced doctor, and a plucky kid go to help him out of his funk, it's a surprise to all of them what they find along the way to getting Rayburn's monsterly abilities back! Friendship and adventure await them as they travel to visit an old school buddy of Rayburn's. I really enjoyed the interactions between Timothy, the Doctor and Rayburn. More than once I laughed out loud, chuckled to myself, and just grinned about something they'd done or said.
The story and dialogue tickled me with it's sly, dry, and slightly sarcastic humor; propelling me through the book. Though we're in the 1860s, there's plenty of anachronistic mentions that made some of the jokes even funnier. By the end of the journey, I was simply delighted to have been able to read this book. If you like silly, goofy, quirky and plain old fun - no matter your age - I'd definitely recommend this.
Rob Harrell's penned an incredibly fun, quirky, and silly story about Rayburn - the monster that belongs to Stoker-on-Avon. I loved the whole subversion, right off the bat, that the monsters terrorize the town and the townsfolks LOVE it. They run and scream, and when it's all over, they are absolutely delighted. Unfortunately for Stoker-on-Avon, Rayburn has a bit of depression going on. He doesn't want to do much of anything, and his sighs and grumblings are bringing down the whole town.
When a disgraced doctor, and a plucky kid go to help him out of his funk, it's a surprise to all of them what they find along the way to getting Rayburn's monsterly abilities back! Friendship and adventure await them as they travel to visit an old school buddy of Rayburn's. I really enjoyed the interactions between Timothy, the Doctor and Rayburn. More than once I laughed out loud, chuckled to myself, and just grinned about something they'd done or said.
The story and dialogue tickled me with it's sly, dry, and slightly sarcastic humor; propelling me through the book. Though we're in the 1860s, there's plenty of anachronistic mentions that made some of the jokes even funnier. By the end of the journey, I was simply delighted to have been able to read this book. If you like silly, goofy, quirky and plain old fun - no matter your age - I'd definitely recommend this.
October 17, 2015
mini review and mini thoughts are on the blog!
July 12, 2021
This book was so damn cute! With tongue-in-cheek humour, sarcasm, and beautifully created artwork, this tale had everything that I was looking for.
Set in a fantastical England, during the late 1800's, every town has its own monster. The monster is meant to be fearsome, bringing in tourists, but also providing a sense of pride for the townsfolk. Sadly, for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster is feeling a little out of sorts. And so this brings an unlikely pair together, Dr Wilkie and a street urchin called Timothy, to try and help sort the monster out.
This was a fun, heart warming tale, with characters that you are sure to fall in love with. A good read for all ages.
Set in a fantastical England, during the late 1800's, every town has its own monster. The monster is meant to be fearsome, bringing in tourists, but also providing a sense of pride for the townsfolk. Sadly, for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster is feeling a little out of sorts. And so this brings an unlikely pair together, Dr Wilkie and a street urchin called Timothy, to try and help sort the monster out.
This was a fun, heart warming tale, with characters that you are sure to fall in love with. A good read for all ages.
July 11, 2023
What if a monster decides to stop monstering? What if it gets the depression?
Harrell has admirable control over register and incorporates modern jokes and references into his Victorian setting with ease.
Harrell has admirable control over register and incorporates modern jokes and references into his Victorian setting with ease.
July 31, 2021
For en fin og annerledes monsterhistorie!
Read
January 10, 2022funny, very funny
July 2, 2014
What a gorgeous graphic novel. I am a color girl. If you tell me your name it will most likely blip into the black hole region of my brain, but if you ask me what color shirt you were wearing when we met then I can give you the color and whatever do-dad was written on the front or hanging around your neck. Too bad I never had access to comics as a kid. Too bad they were considered low-brow literature by the school librarian. I have not read many graphic novels but the ones I have lately, such as Nathan Hale's Hazardous tales, Salem Hyde series, and now this one, have given me the motivation to add more to my repertoire. They are funny, clever, and down-right twisty fun.
This story starts with a monster terrorizing the town of Billingwood, England during the 1800s. Tentacular is a vision of terror and the residents are thrilled by the destruction and horror he paves through their town each day. Bragging rights are theirs for the best monster in the area. Tourism is up and residents are proud as peach of their monster. There is even a plush souvenir of Tentacular. Things are different in the nearby town of Stoker-on-Avon. Their monster, Raymond, is depressed. He can be found cowering in his cave versus rampaging through town. The town fathers hire a scientist, Dr. Charles Nathaniel Wilkie, to fix Raymond.
This author has great humor and play on words. Take "Stoker-on-Avon" and the town fathers. Immediately I think of Bram Stroker of "Dracula" and Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon which is supposed to be a lovely village outside of London. Timothy the town-crier looks like a character out of a Dickens novel. Mood and setting are established by references to classics. The town fathers are named Mr. Hawthorne, Mr. Stevenson, and Mr. Shelley, and it is delicious details like this that elevate the humor for adults and children. Nathaniel Hawthorne might be best known for "The Scarlet Letter," but his creepy "Twice-told Tales" would have put a smile on Edgar Allan Poe's face. Robert Louis Stevenson also wrote eerie short stories while Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is familiar to most. While young readers might not catch the references, they are going to love the monsters and scariness mixed with humor and gags.
The scientist, Dr. Wilkie, has had his licensed revoked for questionable experiments. If he helps the down-and-out town dud of a monster he can have his lab for research back. The town crier, Timothy, stows along as he heads to the monsters cave. Timothy is the perfect foil to the doctor adding humor and practical advice. He has a thicker British accent than the other characters making "'im one of me favorites." "I 'eard you conversin' with the sawbones. Sounds like you've got a bit of a confidence problem!" The doctor diagnoses the monster's problem and then says he can fix his melancholy by drilling a hole in his head to let the demons out. They ensuing sarcastic comments by Timothy and followup gags had me hooting or "bleedin' ecstatic." They go on a quest to help Raymond find the beastliness inside of himself. But Raymond finds much more. He discovers the meaning of friendship and faces his fears. Toss in the loyalty of an old friend and a villain much like the Wicked Witch of the West and you have a great story. The illustrations are terrific and color vibrant. A must for your library.
This story starts with a monster terrorizing the town of Billingwood, England during the 1800s. Tentacular is a vision of terror and the residents are thrilled by the destruction and horror he paves through their town each day. Bragging rights are theirs for the best monster in the area. Tourism is up and residents are proud as peach of their monster. There is even a plush souvenir of Tentacular. Things are different in the nearby town of Stoker-on-Avon. Their monster, Raymond, is depressed. He can be found cowering in his cave versus rampaging through town. The town fathers hire a scientist, Dr. Charles Nathaniel Wilkie, to fix Raymond.
This author has great humor and play on words. Take "Stoker-on-Avon" and the town fathers. Immediately I think of Bram Stroker of "Dracula" and Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon which is supposed to be a lovely village outside of London. Timothy the town-crier looks like a character out of a Dickens novel. Mood and setting are established by references to classics. The town fathers are named Mr. Hawthorne, Mr. Stevenson, and Mr. Shelley, and it is delicious details like this that elevate the humor for adults and children. Nathaniel Hawthorne might be best known for "The Scarlet Letter," but his creepy "Twice-told Tales" would have put a smile on Edgar Allan Poe's face. Robert Louis Stevenson also wrote eerie short stories while Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is familiar to most. While young readers might not catch the references, they are going to love the monsters and scariness mixed with humor and gags.
The scientist, Dr. Wilkie, has had his licensed revoked for questionable experiments. If he helps the down-and-out town dud of a monster he can have his lab for research back. The town crier, Timothy, stows along as he heads to the monsters cave. Timothy is the perfect foil to the doctor adding humor and practical advice. He has a thicker British accent than the other characters making "'im one of me favorites." "I 'eard you conversin' with the sawbones. Sounds like you've got a bit of a confidence problem!" The doctor diagnoses the monster's problem and then says he can fix his melancholy by drilling a hole in his head to let the demons out. They ensuing sarcastic comments by Timothy and followup gags had me hooting or "bleedin' ecstatic." They go on a quest to help Raymond find the beastliness inside of himself. But Raymond finds much more. He discovers the meaning of friendship and faces his fears. Toss in the loyalty of an old friend and a villain much like the Wicked Witch of the West and you have a great story. The illustrations are terrific and color vibrant. A must for your library.
October 17, 2013
Check this review out and others on my blog: Get Real.
This graphic novel probably has everything you really need in a comic book - humor, adventure, friendship, inspiring acts of courage and a sense that the main character has found their sense of self and purpose. What I liked best about this book was the dry humor. Fans of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy need look no further for a quick shorthand in this graphic novel. The monster in question also eerily resembles Marvin the depressed robot from the Douglas Adams book.
I would suggest this to fans of the Bone series, though I liked this better. It's funnier, and it has a little more heart. Rayburn the dragon hides out in his lair and hasn't attacked the city where he lives in a number of years. He's just not inspired anymore. He doesn't think he's a very good monster, and he does very little aside from sulk. This lack of pillaging on the part of Ray is ruining the town's local economy and lowering the morale of the villagers (other cities have way better monsters).
The town decides to send a poor excuse for a doctor and scientist out to help this dragon. If he succeeds, his license to experiment and practice will be reinstated. The town crier comes along, and the the plot to get this monster back on his feet is hatched. These three unlikely friends head out in search of some of Ray's old school friends to try to get his enthusiasm back, but of course many hiccups occur along the way.
Also, a really threatening monster may be on its way to Ray's town to do some actual damage. If Ray doesn't find his sense of self and purpose, it's going to be bad news for more than just his village.
This graphic novel probably has everything you really need in a comic book - humor, adventure, friendship, inspiring acts of courage and a sense that the main character has found their sense of self and purpose. What I liked best about this book was the dry humor. Fans of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy need look no further for a quick shorthand in this graphic novel. The monster in question also eerily resembles Marvin the depressed robot from the Douglas Adams book.
I would suggest this to fans of the Bone series, though I liked this better. It's funnier, and it has a little more heart. Rayburn the dragon hides out in his lair and hasn't attacked the city where he lives in a number of years. He's just not inspired anymore. He doesn't think he's a very good monster, and he does very little aside from sulk. This lack of pillaging on the part of Ray is ruining the town's local economy and lowering the morale of the villagers (other cities have way better monsters).
The town decides to send a poor excuse for a doctor and scientist out to help this dragon. If he succeeds, his license to experiment and practice will be reinstated. The town crier comes along, and the the plot to get this monster back on his feet is hatched. These three unlikely friends head out in search of some of Ray's old school friends to try to get his enthusiasm back, but of course many hiccups occur along the way.
Also, a really threatening monster may be on its way to Ray's town to do some actual damage. If Ray doesn't find his sense of self and purpose, it's going to be bad news for more than just his village.
August 8, 2013
This has got to be one of the funniest stories I've come across lately. Simply hilarious! Written in "British", I was flummoxed to find the author's biography professes him to be a pure bred American! A delightful simply silly story that will have you laughing and chuckling with a smile on your face for the whole read. You can't help but love all the characters: the depressed, self-pitying, over-dramatic Rayburn the monster, Timothy the Cockney street urchin with more pluck than is good for him, and the disgraced Dr. Wilkie, inventor with revoked licence to practice who has been sent out to get Rayburn to act more monster-like. But while they are all at it little do they know that a terror worse than the average town monster quickly sees his opportunity to destroy Rayburn's town. Excitement enters the story when they race against time to reach the city to fight this fiend and wonder whether Rayburn will be up to the challenge. A note some parents may want to take into consideration: My only quip with this book, is that it is obviously for kids as low in age as 8 years-old, but I have a problem with the much often repeated use of the words "bloody, bleeding, and bloody Hell". It is British swearing and as an ex-pat. Brit, I'm not comfortable with anyone using that language in my home let alone young children, however if you are comfortable with it you won't have that problem.
August 29, 2013
In Billingwood, England in the year 1867 there's a problem. The town monster isn't scary and it's causing residents to travel to nearby towns to seek monstrous thrills.
Enter Doc, a kooky professor-type who has messed up a time or two in his past, but has the opportunity to right those wrongs and regain access to his laboratory if he can fix the monster known as Rayburn. Along the way he crosses paths with a plucky newsboy who stows away in his luggage to help with the task.
What neither Doc nor Timothy are prepared for is a depressed monster with confidence issues. After discovering that Rayburn has a tie to Tentacular, a nearby world-renowned town monster, the trio sets off looking for some inspiration.
Tentacular is pretty excited about the reunion, but learns that Rayburn has left his town unguarded during his journey; a bad decision to say the least. All monsters fear a creature known as the Murk who leaves only death and destruction in his wake. All head back to Billingwood to defend the town against pure evil.
Such a great read! Adventure, humor, dialect, zany inventions, and memorable characters make this a must read for fans of Doug Ten Napel and something that will appeal to the 4-6 grade crowd.
Enter Doc, a kooky professor-type who has messed up a time or two in his past, but has the opportunity to right those wrongs and regain access to his laboratory if he can fix the monster known as Rayburn. Along the way he crosses paths with a plucky newsboy who stows away in his luggage to help with the task.
What neither Doc nor Timothy are prepared for is a depressed monster with confidence issues. After discovering that Rayburn has a tie to Tentacular, a nearby world-renowned town monster, the trio sets off looking for some inspiration.
Tentacular is pretty excited about the reunion, but learns that Rayburn has left his town unguarded during his journey; a bad decision to say the least. All monsters fear a creature known as the Murk who leaves only death and destruction in his wake. All head back to Billingwood to defend the town against pure evil.
Such a great read! Adventure, humor, dialect, zany inventions, and memorable characters make this a must read for fans of Doug Ten Napel and something that will appeal to the 4-6 grade crowd.
March 3, 2014
A fun graphic novel set in Victorian England about a depressed, insecure town monster. In this version of England, every town is threatened by its very own monster. The townsfolk of each village take great pride in their monster and brag of its ferocity. Fierce monsters attract tourists and children collect trading cards of the most famous creatures.
Unfortunately for the people of Stoker-On-Avon, their monster is not terrifying. He's depressed and insecure, a source of shame for the town. It's up to an eccentric scientist and a plucky orphan to boost their monster's confidence so he can terrorize their town properly.
Highly recommended for readers 8 months to 88 years!
Unfortunately for the people of Stoker-On-Avon, their monster is not terrifying. He's depressed and insecure, a source of shame for the town. It's up to an eccentric scientist and a plucky orphan to boost their monster's confidence so he can terrorize their town properly.
Highly recommended for readers 8 months to 88 years!
December 19, 2015
In 1860s England, each town has its own terrifying monster that terrorizes the town. And everybody loves it!
Except one town. . .
Stoker-On-Avon's monster isn't very scary. He doesn't attack the town. All he does is stay in his lair.
It is up to Dr. Charles Wilkie and street urchin Timothy to get their monster to be a monster again.
What a fun and original story. The artwork was nice and fun. This book made me laugh throughout. I liked the two main characters and their interactions with the monster, Rayburn.
This graphic novel is funny, original, has lots of adventure and friendship. It is really great.
Except one town. . .
Stoker-On-Avon's monster isn't very scary. He doesn't attack the town. All he does is stay in his lair.
It is up to Dr. Charles Wilkie and street urchin Timothy to get their monster to be a monster again.
What a fun and original story. The artwork was nice and fun. This book made me laugh throughout. I liked the two main characters and their interactions with the monster, Rayburn.
This graphic novel is funny, original, has lots of adventure and friendship. It is really great.
July 18, 2018
5/5 for kids book cuteness, 3/5 for me: it's cute, but lacking. While the story has some nice moments it's missing some kind of glue to hold the points together (character glue, plot glue, theme glue, whatever works). The art is quite cute and the story would be great for some or even most kids. it's got a feel good moral that works for our time and doesn't seem too over the top. I think what it boils down to is that as a kids book this one does a nice job, it just doesn't have that quality that makes it worth reading past a certain age.
March 19, 2019
It was ok!
Fun little story about a Monster that basically has given up. It's just ok for me because mainly it's more of a children's story but still, I picked this up mainly for the artwork which is amazing and the coloring is just the best. Loved every bit of it. So it gets +1 star just for the art alone.
Other than that I think kids would enjoy the story much more than I did.
Fun little story about a Monster that basically has given up. It's just ok for me because mainly it's more of a children's story but still, I picked this up mainly for the artwork which is amazing and the coloring is just the best. Loved every bit of it. So it gets +1 star just for the art alone.
Other than that I think kids would enjoy the story much more than I did.
May 24, 2019
A humorous and laugh out loud story of a melancholy monster in 1867 England in the village of Billingwood named Rayburn. He needs a little motivation to help him out of his funk to save his village and an old classmate from the evil Murk. With the help of Timothy, the town crier/street urchin, and Charles Wilkie, man of science they all set out on an adventure and of redemption.
November 10, 2019
Not at all what I was expecting! This is a humorous romp with a monster that's struggling with depression, and his two new friends who try to get him back on track.
December 18, 2020
It really is super cute!
January 26, 2020
Pořádný překvapení! Na Monster on the Hill jsem narazil uplně náhodou v rámci Comixology Unlimited a pustil se do toho na blind. Teda věděl jsem, že je to od Top Shelf, který vydali některý z mejch nejoblíbenějšícn komiksů vůbec.
Jde o ten typ komiksu, kterej můžou číst všechny věkový skupiny bez rozdílu. Mladší si užijou kresbu, jednoduchej a svižnej příběh a monstra. Starší ocení situační humor a skvělý pointy.
Ve zkratce: města mají svoje monstra a jejich strašení je věc prestiže. Ovšem příšera, která má na starosti městečko Stoker-on-Avon, tomu moc nedá, naopak se utápí v depresích a my sledujeme jeho cestu za znovunalezení sebevědomí a chuti do strašení, na který ho doprovází zneuznanej vědec a malej kluk.
Je to dobrodružná, fakt jednoduchá záležitost, vlastně oldschool pohádka ale s rozkošnym humorem, odvyprávěná s neskutečnou lehkostí. Žádný další díly, žádnej universe. Prostě knížka a nazdar. Feel good půl hodinka přes spaním, díky který se budete chvíli cejtit zase jako prcek. Kdyby byl art černobílej nebo byl coloring kvalitnější a decentnější, tak bych dal měkkosrdcatejch pět.
Takhle solidní čtyřka a zároveň komiks, na kterej nezapomenu klasicky hned tři dny po přečtení.
Jde o ten typ komiksu, kterej můžou číst všechny věkový skupiny bez rozdílu. Mladší si užijou kresbu, jednoduchej a svižnej příběh a monstra. Starší ocení situační humor a skvělý pointy.
Ve zkratce: města mají svoje monstra a jejich strašení je věc prestiže. Ovšem příšera, která má na starosti městečko Stoker-on-Avon, tomu moc nedá, naopak se utápí v depresích a my sledujeme jeho cestu za znovunalezení sebevědomí a chuti do strašení, na který ho doprovází zneuznanej vědec a malej kluk.
Je to dobrodružná, fakt jednoduchá záležitost, vlastně oldschool pohádka ale s rozkošnym humorem, odvyprávěná s neskutečnou lehkostí. Žádný další díly, žádnej universe. Prostě knížka a nazdar. Feel good půl hodinka přes spaním, díky který se budete chvíli cejtit zase jako prcek. Kdyby byl art černobílej nebo byl coloring kvalitnější a decentnější, tak bych dal měkkosrdcatejch pět.
Takhle solidní čtyřka a zároveň komiks, na kterej nezapomenu klasicky hned tři dny po přečtení.
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