Doc Stearn...Mr. Monster

Last updated

Mr. Monster
Mrmonster1.jpg
Cover to Doc Stern...Mr. Monster #1 (1986) by Michael T. Gilbert.
Publication information
Publisher Pacific Comics
Eclipse Comics
Dark Horse Comics
Tundra Publishing
Caliber Comics
Image Comics
Cost Of Paper Comics
First appearance Vanguard Illustrated #7 (Pacific Comics, July 1984)
Created by Michael T. Gilbert
In-story information
Full nameDoc Stearn

Doc Stearn...Mr. Monster is a comic book featuring a superhero created by Michael T. Gilbert, most recently published by Dark Horse Comics. [1]

Contents

Publication history

Mr. Monster was derived from a Golden Age character created by Fred Kelly who appeared only twice in 1940s Canadian comic books (Triumph Comics #31, 1946, and Super-Duper Comics #3, 1947). After trademarking Mr. Monster, Gilbert heavily revised the character, creating a horror/humor hybrid which often featured heavy satire of both the horror genre and superhero comics in general. [2] The revised character first appeared in Pacific Comics Vanguard Illustrated #7, dated July 1984. However, shortly afterwards Pacific folded, with its assets being taken over by Eclipse Comics. They offered Gilbert the opportunity to give the character a title of his own, initially planned as a January 1985 one-shot reprinting and completing the Vanguard storyline. [3] The series would become an ongoing, with Dave Stevens providing a cover for the second issue. [4] Eclipse also published a series of specials starring Mr. Monster, [5] and later a crossover issue pairing him with Airboy. [6]

From 1988 Gilbert left Eclipse, instead taking the character to Dark Horse Comics. [7]

Reception

Reviewing the first issue of the Eclipse series for Amazing Heroes , R.A. Jones felt the issue was missing a final spark despite its excellent art and otherwise solid writing. [8]

Ed Sample was positive about Airboy and Mr. Monster, though he noted Airboy took a less central role than expected. [9]

Bibliography

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References

  1. Markstein, Don. "Mr. Monster". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  2. Michael T. Gilbert Chats With The Irrepressible Mr. Monster, at Comic Book Resources; published June 9, 2004; retrieved March 29, 2015
  3. Eric Yarber (January 1, 1985). "Mr. Monster". Amazing Heroes . No. 62/1985 Preview Issue. Redbeard, Inc.
  4. "Newsflashes". Amazing Heroes . No. 70. Fantagraphics Books. May 1, 1985.
  5. "Newsflashes". Amazing Heroes . No. 88. Fantagraphics Books. February 1, 1986.
  6. "Top of the News (advertisement)". Amazing Heroes . No. 123. Fantagraphics Books. August 15, 1987.
  7. "Newsline". Amazing Heroes . No. 128. Fantagraphics Books. November 1, 1987.
  8. R.A. Jones (May 1, 1985). "Comics in Review". Amazing Heroes . No. 70. Fantagraphics Books.
  9. Ed Sample (November 1, 1987). "Comics in Review". Amazing Heroes . No. 128. Fantagraphics Books.
  10. "YEET Presents #34 wins the race? | YEET Presents on Patreon".