Two words to sum this one up: creepy and cute. Thank you Gustavo Duarte, for Monsters! And Other Stories. It’s just the right amount of dark humor for that little needed pick me up; the equivalent of a cup of chamomile tea in the form of children’s horror stories. I don’t want to give too much away but I think this just one of those books that you should always have within reach. You know, in case of emergency if you’re having some sort of cynical frenzy that needs to be soothed. It’s a pretty quick read, well since there are no words but pages of curious characters finding themselves in unsavory situations. I’m going to try to keep this review short since I don’t want to reveal too much. This wordless novel includes three short stories that Duarte perfectly narrates with only illustrations. Though it is a bit eerie, I think it would be suitable for young children as well as adults. I remember reading Goosebumps as a kid and Monsters! And Other Stories is nowhere near as disturbing. I actually thought the monsters were kind of cute and I could see a marketing ploy that bundles a plushie with this book. Anyways, I think its worthy of a parental approval stamp.
Duarte’s art sparks imagination and really doesn’t need any dialogue to accompany his story for the reader to follow. His art actually reminds me of something out of The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. Yea it’s got that sinister yet cuddly feel to it. What’s not to love about that?
Score: 5/5
Creator/Artist: Gustavo Duarte Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $12.99 Release Date: 1/15/14