Mr. Monster: Origins

Mr. Monster #Origins

by Michael T. Gilbert

"Once upon a time there was a man who killed monsters. This is the story of his life, his family ... and the terrible secret that destroyed him!"--P. [4] of cover.

Collects issues 1-8 of Mr. Monster, Vol 2 (Dark Horse).

Genres: Comics, Occult Detective

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Michael Terry Gilbert is an American comic book artist and writer.

Reviews

[Brian Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to rate this higher, and I expect I would have when I initial read it as it came out, but in retrospect lot of elements jumped out at me that were more off putting than enjoyable. I can't get into it without spoiler territory, but lets say some elements haven't aged well.

[Ed McKeogh · Rating 4 out of 5]

To come clean: My hot/cold relationship with Michael Gilbert's "Mr. Monster" began in the late '80s. I remember being gung-ho for the character for a little while, tracking down all the back issues at what were then outrageous prices but holding onto only a single issue (when I sold my collection) because it reprinted a restored horror tale by Steve Ditko (called "Stretching Things," if you're curious).

I liked the concept behind Mr. Monster (I'm a long-time fan of the "monster hunter" archetype, thanks to my youthful indoctrination by Carl Kolchak) and the tongue-in-cheek, darkish humor that permeated the various short tales in which Mr. Monster appeared. But certain productions issues (i.e., muddy coloring and printing [a common problem with independent comics in the '80s], over-rendered line art, confusing panel layouts, and crammed lettering) were off-putting, making it it difficult for me to enter into and fully invest in the stories.

When the character finally landed at Dark Horse in the mid '90s, I didn't notice. It was only later, after I became of fan of the crime (and crime-slash-horror) comics published back in the day, that I realized where much of Gilbert's influences came from, and I grew to better appreciate why he made some of the artistic and editorial choices that he did.

So ... When I found a copy of Origins, reprinting a revised version of Gilbert's eight-issue limited series, I scooped it up out of curiosity and a sense of nostalgia. I'm mighty glad I did! While there's less goofy humor taking the edge off the gruesomeness, I was pleased to discover that Gilbert had deliberately deepened his development of both Strongfort Stearn (aka Mr. Monster) and his expanded supporting cast by exploring their respective histories within the context of the "Mr. Monster" legacy (i.e., it's a responsibility handed from father to son through the generations). The character's roots in the dicey history of the horror/crime genre are unmistakable and reverent, but the story itself deviates slightly from the genre's usually bleak and nihilistic trajectory, leaving the door open for further adventures and more meaningful interplay among the cast.

But don't misunderstand: All is not sunshine and roses at the end. The gloomy and absurdist milieu from which Mr. Monster draws meaning is firmly intact, and the possibility for future calamities and devastating drama is all but assured. Yet the character--and reader--have a glimmer of hope, a touchpoint for redemption, that can carry them through the dark days ahead. Which seems only fair, considering the macabre world Gilbert has created.

Once again, I'm finding myself a fan of Gilbert's work, which reflects a more mature and confident approach to the material. I'm revisiting and enjoying Mr. Monster reprints in trade paperback form with a more informed perspective, and I'm hoping (perhaps in vain) for more Mr. Monster comics--the highest compliment I can pay to a gifted storyteller.

[Joss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read. Beautifully illustrated, with a compelling plot. I could not put this down! Well worth the time.